A Thousand-Year Journey Through Stone Carving Art

📍 Overview Longmen Grottoes, located in Luoyang, Henan Province, is one of China's three great grottoes (alongside the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang and the Yungang Grottoes), initially carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty and flourishing during the Tang Dynasty. With over 2,300 caves and niches and more than 100,000 Buddha statues, it's known as the "Encyclopedia of Stone Carving Art." This site is not only a World Cultural Heritage site but also an open-air history museum, perfect for culture enthusiasts, photography lovers, and families. --- 📅 Best Time to Visit ✅ Spring and Autumn (April-May, September-November): Pleasant weather, avoiding extreme heat and cold, ideal for long walks. ✅ Winter (December-February): Fewer tourists, the grottoes appear even more serene after snowfall, but some areas may be closed. ❌ Summer (June-August): Luoyang is hot; it's recommended to enter before 8:00 am or choose a night tour (if available). ⚠️ Note: Expect large crowds during public holidays (like National Day and Labor Day). It's recommended to enter at 7:30 am when the park opens! --- 🚗 Getting There 1. By Car - Navigation: Longmen Grottoes Northwest Service Area (main entrance) - Parking: The parking lot charges CNY 10-20 per day. Arrive early to secure a spot during holidays. 2. Public Transportation - Luoyang High-Speed Railway Station → Approx. 20 minutes by taxi (CNY 30) or take Bus No. 71 directly. - Luoyang Airport → Approx. 40 minutes by taxi (CNY 50). - City Buses: Nos. 81, 53, 60, etc., all reach the grottoes. --- 🎫 Tickets and Opening Hours - Tickets: Full price: CNY 90 (includes West Hill Grottoes, East Hill Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, and Bai Garden); students/seniors: half price. - Opening Hours: - Peak Season (April-October): 8:00 am - 6:30 pm - Off-Season (November-March): 8:00 am - 5:30 pm - Night Tour (opens irregularly): Requires a separate ticket; the grottoes have a unique charm under the lights. --- 🏞️ Must-See Attractions 📌 West Hill Grottoes (Core Area) 1. The Lushena Buddha (Fengxian Temple) - The symbol of Longmen Grottoes! Standing 17.14 meters tall, it's said to be modeled after Empress Wu Zetian, with a compassionate smile amidst its solemnity. - Best photo spots: Looking up from the platform in front of the Buddha or capturing a panoramic view from the opposite bank with a telephoto lens. 2. The Binyang Three Caves - Royal caves of the Northern Wei Dynasty; the "Sakyamuni Buddha" in the middle cave is a prime example of Northern Wei statues. 3. The Ten Thousand Buddhas Cave (Wanfo Cave) - Carved with 15,000 small Buddhas, densely packed like a galaxy, it's an incredibly impressive sight. 📌 East Hill Grottoes & Xiangshan Temple - East Hill Grottoes: More damaged than the West Hill Grottoes, but less crowded and peaceful, offering panoramic views of the West Hill. - Xiangshan Temple: Where Bai Juyi once lived in seclusion; climb to the top for a bird's-eye view of the Yi River and the grottoes. 📌 Bai Garden (Bai Juyi's Tomb) - The resting place of the great Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi; a serene bamboo forest, ideal for culture lovers. --- 🚶‍♂️ Recommended Routes Efficient One-Day Tour (approx. 4-5 hours): Northwest Entrance → West Hill Grottoes (Lushena Buddha, Binyang Caves, Wanfo Cave) → Cross the bridge to East Hill Grottoes → Xiangshan Temple → Bai Garden → Northeast Exit Relaxed Half-Day Tour (highlights): Northwest Entrance → West Hill Grottoes (head straight to Lushena Buddha) → View the panoramic scenery from the banks of the Yi River → Return --- 📸 Photography Tips ✅ Best Times: - Early morning (before 8:00 am): Soft light, fewer tourists. - Late afternoon (after 4:00 pm): The setting sun casts a golden glow on the grottoes, making the Lushena Buddha appear even more divine. ✅ Classic Photo Spots: 1. Directly in front of the Lushena Buddha (looking up emphasizes its grandeur) 2. East bank of the Yi River (use a telephoto lens for a panoramic view of the West Hill Grottoes) 3. Inside the Wanfo Cave (use the light from the entrance to capture silhouettes) ✅ Clothing Suggestions: - Solid colors (red/white/black) complement the grottoes' backdrop; avoid complex patterns. --- 🍜 Food Recommendations - Luoyang Water Banquet (a must-try! Recommended dishes: "Peony Swallow's Nest" and "Deep-fried Meatballs") - Recommended restaurants: Zhen Bu Tong Restaurant (time-honored brand), Xinghua Village Water Banquet Restaurant - Inside Longmen Grottoes: Mainly simple meals; it's recommended to bring your own snacks or dine back in the city after the tour. --- 🏠 Accommodation Suggestions - Near the Grottoes: - Budget-friendly: Home Inn/Hanting (Longmen Avenue Branch) - High-end: Dongshan Hotel (quiet environment, near Xiangshan Temple) - Luoyang City Center: Old Town/Xigong District, convenient for visiting night markets (like Cross Street). --- ⚠️ Important Notes 1. Wear comfortable shoes: The entire route consists of stone paths and steps, requiring 3-4 kilometers of walking. 2. Sun protection/heatstroke prevention: Bring a hat and sunglasses in summer; there's little shade in the West Hill Grottoes. 3. Do not touch the Buddha statues: The thousand-year-old carvings are extremely fragile. Please be respectful during your visit! 4. Electronic guides: It's recommended to rent an audio guide (CNY 30) or scan the QR code for an audio tour; otherwise, it's difficult to understand the details. --- 🌟 Reflections on the Journey "Standing at the foot of the Lushena Buddha, it's as if you can hear the chiseling sounds of the Northern Wei artisans and see the devout pilgrims of the prosperous Tang Dynasty kneeling in prayer. This is not just cold stone but the faith and artistic life of generations."