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The Gongyi Grottoes Temple is located in Siwan Village, Nanhedu Town, 10 kilometers from the city center. It was designated a national cultural relic protection site in 1982. The Gongyi Grottoes were excavated by the Northern Wei imperial family. Emperor Xiaowen founded the temple, and during the reign of Emperor Xuanwu, the stone caves were carved, with tens of thousands of Buddha statues. Later, during the Western Wei, Tang, and Song dynasties, additional small niches were carved here. This demonstrates that the Gongyi Grottoes were excavated after the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang.
The cave temple consists of five caves carved into the mountainside. Cave No. 1 is the largest, measuring six meters square. The sculptures within the caves are mostly inspired by the Lotus Sutra, while others are inspired by local artistic traditions dating back to the Han, Wei, and Jin dynasties. These are outstanding works of art that fuse foreign religions with local culture.
The Shiyao Temple, covering 9,000 square meters, offers expansive views and beautiful greenery, making it an ideal place for sightseeing. The ground inside the grottoes is about one meter lower than outside. This is due to silt deposited by flooding rivers, which has accumulated over the years and raised the coastal horizon.
The temperate monsoon climate has moderate temperatures, making it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
The grotto temple currently houses five extant caves, one Thousand Buddha niche, three cliff-carved Buddha statues, 7,743 Buddha statues, and 186 inscriptions and other inscriptions. The graceful flying apsaras are naturally vivid and otherworldly; the Emperor and Empress Worshiping Buddha, with their perfectly composed and well-preserved paintings, fully capture the grand spectacle of the Northern Wei royal family paying homage to Buddha. It is a representative work of Northern Wei stone carving, a national treasure, and possesses high historical, artistic, and scientific value.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
30 yuan/person
Summer 8:00-18:00
Winter 8:00-17:00
The Gongyi Grottoes Temple, dating back to the Tang Dynasty, is an important Buddhist site featuring hundreds of Buddhist sculptures and frescoes. It serves as both a cultural and religious heritage site, representing ancient Chinese art and architecture.
The Gongyi Grottoes Temple is located in Gongyi, Henan Province, approximately 50 kilometers from Zhengzhou. Visitors can take a taxi, bus, or private vehicle from Zhengzhou to reach the site. Public transportation options like buses are available, but taxis provide a more convenient route.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best time to visit is in the morning, especially on weekdays, to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
The entrance fee to the Gongyi Grottoes Temple is around 40-60 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance during peak seasons to avoid long lines.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is advisable during peak seasons or holidays. Booking 1-2 days in advance should be sufficient to secure tickets, especially if you're visiting on a weekend or during a public holiday.
It typically takes about 2-3 hours to explore the Gongyi Grottoes Temple fully, including the grottoes, sculptures, and the surrounding temple grounds.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and audio guides may be available in English and Chinese. It’s best to check for availability at the entrance or through the official website before visiting.
The best photography spots are around the grottoes, capturing the detailed carvings and sculptures. The temple itself, set against natural surroundings, also offers excellent views for photos.
Start by exploring the main temple area, then visit the grottoes to view the intricate carvings. Take a walk around the surrounding gardens for a peaceful retreat, and end your visit by checking out any exhibits or information displays inside the temple.
There are no night visits or light shows available at the Gongyi Grottoes Temple. However, special tours may be arranged during peak seasons or for large groups. Check with the staff for specific details.
The temple can get crowded on weekends, public holidays, and during school vacation periods. The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays, especially in the mornings.
The temple has basic facilities including clean toilets, a small food stall for refreshments, and rest areas. There are also souvenir shops offering local crafts and religious items.
The temple grounds and grottoes are somewhat hilly, so elderly and disabled visitors may find it challenging to navigate. However, the main areas are accessible with assistance. It’s recommended to check in advance if special accessibility support is required.
Cash is accepted for ticket purchases, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are also widely accepted. Cards may be accepted in some shops or for larger purchases.
There are limited food options inside the temple area. Nearby, you can find local restaurants offering Chinese cuisine, including simple noodles and rice dishes.
Vegetarian options may be available at nearby restaurants. However, there are no specific vegan or halal food options at the temple itself. Check local eateries for more diverse options.
There are a few local hotels and guesthouses in Gongyi. For more options, visitors can stay in Zhengzhou and travel to the site via a short drive or public transport.
Yes, there are souvenir shops at the temple, selling Buddhist-themed items, local crafts, and religious artifacts such as incense, statues, and prayer beads.
The best option is to take a taxi or private vehicle to continue your journey. Public buses are available, but a taxi will provide more comfort and flexibility for further exploration of nearby attractions.
