Longmen Grottoes

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Spot Introduction

The Longmen Grottoes, one of the three major grottoes in China, are located on Longmen Mountain and Xiangshan Mountain on both sides of the Yi River in the southern suburbs of Luoyang City. The grottoes were first excavated during the period of Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty and were built over the course of many dynasties including the Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, and Song. Currently, there are 2,345 caves and niches, over 100,000 statues, and more than 2,800 inscribed steles and epitaphs.

The Longmen Grottoes are famous for their exquisite carving skills and rich cultural connotations. The grottoes are built into the mountains, stretching for about 1 kilometer from north to south, with the two mountains standing opposite each other and the Yi River flowing between them, forming a unique landscape of “one river and two mountains.” This place is not only a treasure house of Chinese Buddhist art but also an important material for studying ancient Chinese politics, economy, religion, and culture.

The most famous Fengxian Temple in the grottoes was built during the Wu Zetian period of the Tang Dynasty. The main statue, the Lushena Buddha, is 17.14 meters high, with a round and plump face, a serene expression, and a graceful and elegant figure, fully demonstrating the aesthetic characteristics of the prosperous Tang Dynasty. The bodhisattva and the king of heaven statues on both sides of the Buddha have graceful postures and elegant clothing, and are known as the “Oriental Venus.”

The artistic achievements of the Longmen Grottoes are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

  1. Exquisite carving skills: From the slender and elegant style of the Northern Wei Dynasty to the plump and round style of the Tang Dynasty, it shows the evolution of artistic styles in different periods.
  2. Ingenious architectural layout: The grottoes are excavated into the mountains, making full use of the natural terrain to form a hierarchical and three-dimensional layout.
  3. Rich cultural connotation: The grotto statues not only reflect the development of Buddhist art but also record the social life and political changes of that time.
  4. Precious calligraphy art: A large number of famous calligraphers’ works are preserved, witnessing the development of calligraphy art.

Spot Introduction

In recent years, the Longmen Grottoes Scenic Area has continuously improved its tourist facilities to provide visitors with a better experience. The area offers professional commentary services, a comprehensive navigation system, and a rich cultural exhibition program. Visitors can not only admire the exquisite grotto art but also deeply understand the historical and cultural value of the Longmen Grottoes through multimedia presentations and cultural lectures.

Must-visit Attractions

  1. Fengxiansi

    • The largest and most artistically valuable grotto in Longmen Grottoes, built during the Wu Zetian period of the Tang Dynasty.
    • The main statue, the Lushena Buddha, stands 17.14 meters high, with a plump and rounded face, representing the pinnacle of Tang Dynasty art.
    • The elegant bodhisattvas and devarajas on both sides of the grotto are praised as the “Oriental Venus.”
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes. The best viewing time is from 9-11 am when the lighting is optimal.
    • Special tip: There are steps to climb, so take your time and enjoy the view. Be mindful of your拍照angle.

  2. Guyang Cave

    • The earliest excavated grotto in Longmen Grottoes, representing the artistic style of the Northern Wei Dynasty.
    • The main statue, Shakyamuni, stands 9.8 meters high, reflecting the characteristics of Northern Wei Dynasty statues.
    • The grotto preserves a large number of precious inscriptions recording important historical information.
    • Suggested visiting time: 45 minutes. It is recommended to hire a guide to understand the historical background.
    • Special tip: The lighting in the grotto is dim, so it’s advisable to bring a flashlight.

  3. Lianhua Cave

    • Built in the Tang Dynasty, famous for its exquisite lotus pattern decoration.
    • The statues in the grotto are elegant, reflecting the artistic characteristics of the early Tang Dynasty.
    • The wall decoration is exquisite, and the carving skills are superb.
    • Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes. Suitable for photography lovers.
    • Special tip: Please protect the cultural relics in the grotto and do not touch them.

  4. Wanfo Cave

    • Named for the dense small Buddha niches inside, with over 15,000 statues.
    • Each Buddha statue has a unique shape, showing the diversity of Tang Dynasty art.
    • It is an important example for studying Tang Dynasty Buddhist art.
    • Suggested visiting time: 40 minutes. It is recommended to bring a telescope to observe the details.
    • Special tip: You can observe at different times, and the light and shadow changes are beautiful.

  5. Baiyuan

    • A resting place that integrates landscape architecture and cultural relic protection.
    • It collects a large number of excavated statue fragments and inscriptions.
    • The beautiful environment makes it an important place to understand the history of the grottoes.
    • Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes. Suitable for resting here.
    • Special tip: There is a teahouse in the park where you can rest and enjoy tea.

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Touring Route
    • Dongshan Scenic Area (2-3 hours):
      • Dongshan Gate → Fengxiansi (1 hour) → Lianhua Cave (30 minutes) → Wanfo Cave (40 minutes)
      • The focus is on Fengxiansi, which is recommended to visit from 9-11 am when the lighting is best.
      • It is recommended to visit Wanfo Cave after 3 pm.

Spot Introduction

The best lighting effects

  1. Xishan Scenic Area (1.5-2 hours):
  • Guyang Cave (45 minutes) → Binyang Cave (30 minutes) → Baiyuan (30 minutes)
  • It is recommended to hire a professional commentator to understand the artistic characteristics of different dynasties.
  • Take a tea break in Baiyuan and enjoy the view of the Yi River.
  1. Visiting Schedule
  • Peak season (March-November):
  • Best visiting time: 8:00-10:00 or 15:00-17:00
  • Avoid the blazing sun from 11:00 to 14:00
  • Off-season (December-February):
  • Suggested visiting time is from 9:00 to 15:00 when the light is sufficient.
  • Prepare warm clothing as it can be windy on the mountain.
  • Photography tips:
  • Before 8 am: suitable for photographing the grottoes in the morning fog.
  • After 4 pm: suitable for photographing Longmen mountains and rivers under the sunset.
  1. Practical Tips
  • Photographic equipment:
  • Wide-angle lens (16-35mm): for capturing panoramas of the large Buddha.
  • Telephoto lens (70-200mm): for capturing details of high Buddha statues.
  • Tripod: to use when lighting is insufficient.
  • Physical arrangement:
  • There are about 1000 steps in Dongshan Scenic Area. It is recommended to take a break every 30 minutes.
  • Prepare sports drinks to replenish energy.
  • Commentary service:
  • Official commentator: 200 yuan per group, advance reservation required.
  • Audio guide: 30 yuan per device, supports multiple languages.
  • Dressing suggestion:
  • Spring and Autumn: Lightweight sportswear, comfortable and non-slip shoes.
  • Summer: Sun-proof clothing, sun hat, sunscreen.
  • Winter: Warm jacket, non-slip shoes, gloves.

Transportation Guide

  1. Arriving by Air
  • From Luoyang Beijiao Airport to Longmen Grottoes:
  • Airport shuttle bus: 20 yuan per person, about 1 hour.
  • Taxi: about 150 yuan, 40 minutes.
  • Online car-hailing: about 120 yuan, 40 minutes.
  • It is recommended to make an advance reservation for airport pick-up service.
  1. Arriving by Train
  • Luoyang Longmen Station:
  • Bus 81: 5 yuan per person, 30 minutes, first bus at 7:00 and last bus at 18:00.
  • Taxi: about 35 yuan, 15 minutes.
  • Luoyang Station:
  • Bus 53: 5 yuan per person, 45 minutes, first bus at 6:30 and last bus at 19:00.
  • Taxi: about 50 yuan, 25 minutes.
  • Luoyang West Station:
  • Tour Bus 8: 6 yuan per person, 40 minutes, first bus at 7:30 and last bus at 18:30.
  • Taxi: about 60 yuan.

Driving Directions

  • Navigation Keywords: East Gate/West Gate of Longmen Grottoes Scenic Area
  • Parking Fees: 20 yuan/time for small cars, 50 yuan/time for buses
  • Parking Location: Parking lots are available at both the East Gate and West Gate
  • Arrive 1 hour early during peak season to avoid parking difficulties

Nearby Food Recommendations

  1. Shuixi (Luoyang Traditional Famous Dish)
  • Recommended Restaurants:
    • Tianzi Jialiu Yuan: An old and famous restaurant with a traditional environment. 280 yuan per person. Address: No.2 Jiudu Road, Old City District
    • Laojie Shuixi: Offers traditional taste. 180 yuan per person. Address: No.122 West Street, Old City District
  • Special Dishes:
    • Clear Soup with Four Treasures: Shark’s fin, bird’s nest, sea cucumber, and abalone
    • Luoyang Grilled Chicken: Crispy outside and tender inside, with a rich aroma
    • Sweet and Sour Carp: A local specialty symbolizing surplus and prosperity every year
  1. Traditional Snacks
  • Hula Tang (Spicy Soup):
    • Laojiekou Hula Tang: 30 years in business. 12 yuan per person. Address: No.98 Zhongzhou Middle Road, Old City District
    • Wangji Hula Tang: Rich in ingredients. 15 yuan per person. Address: No.56 Kaixuan Road, Xigong District
  • Luoyang Hui Mian (Noodle Soup):
    • Laochenggen Hui Mian: Thick soup and chewy noodles. 25 yuan per person. Address: No.88 Jiudu Road, Old City District
    • Wuyi Hui Mian: Delicious and filling. 22 yuan per person. Address: No.123 Jianshe Road, Xigong District
  1. Restaurants Near the Scenic Area
  • Longmenrenjia Farmhouse:
    • Specialty: Farm-style dishes, scenic dining
    • Recommendations: Roasted chicken, braised carp, and seasonal vegetables
    • Price Range: 80-100 yuan per person
  • Longmen Grottoes Cultural Theme Restaurant:
    • Specialty: Culturally themed decor, Chinese fast food
    • Recommendations: Set meals, noodles, and snacks
    • Price Range: 40-60 yuan per person

Special Reminders

  1. Safety Precautions
  • Terrain and Landforms:
    • Many steps, so it’s recommended to wear non-slip shoes
    • Steep mountain paths require extra caution in rainy weather
    • Elderly and children should be accompanied
  • Weather Protection:
    • Summer (June-August): Protect against heat, prepare a parasol
    • Winter (December-February): Keep warm, as it can be windy on the mountain
    • Rainy days: Steps can be slippery, so it’s recommended to wear rain boots
  1. Cultural Relic Protection
  • Photography Rules:
    • No flash photography
    • No selfie sticks
    • No photography in specific areas.

Spot Introduction

Visiting Suggestions

Please abide by the signs

  • Protection of Cultural Relics:
    • Touching stone statues is prohibited
    • Smoking is prohibited inside the grottoes
    • Please refrain from graffiti or inscribing on cultural relics
  1. Additional Tips

  • Ticket Information:

    • Prepare discount vouchers such as student IDs or senior citizen cards ahead of time
    • Online bookings may be eligible for discounts
    • Advance reservations are required during special holidays

  • Touring Advice:

    • It is recommended to hire a professional guide or rent an audio guide
    • Prepare sufficient drinking water and simple snacks
    • Bring an umbrella, camera, and power bank, etc.
    • Accommodation and restaurant reservations should be made ahead of time during peak seasons
  1. Civilized Visiting
  • Maintain silence and avoid loud noises
  • Follow scenic area regulations and do not enter restricted areas without permission
  1. Touring Suggestions
  • It is advisable to hire a professional guide
  • Bring drinking water and simple snacks
  • Prepare a sunshade or umbrella
  • Avoid peak tourist periods such as legal holidays,