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Explore the fascinating Dawanwufo Cave, where you can admire the ancient rock carvings and Buddhist statues. Enjoy the spiritual atmosphere and take in the unique geological formations. It's a great spot for photography and meditation.
In 1982, a gallery for displaying scattered cultural relics was built in front of the Dawanwu Buddha Cave. Currently, there are large and small "Longmen Maps" carved in the Qing Dynasty, six steles with calligraphy by Liu Yong and Zhu Xi, a painting of Guan Gong by Yue Fei, a painting of Zhong Kui by Qianlong, and more than 50 stone carvings discovered or collected after the 1950s.
The Da Wanwu Buddha Cave is located on the Leigutai, south of Wanfo Valley in Longmen's East Mountain. It gets its name from the inscription "Da Wanwu Buddha" on its lintel. The cave is horseshoe-shaped, with a dome-shaped ceiling. Three round Buddha statues, representing the Vairocana Buddha, are placed on a central platform.
The main wall of the cave features one Buddha and two Bodhisattvas, with Maitreya Buddha seated with his knees lowered as the main figure. Smaller seated statues of the four directional Buddhas are neatly arranged around the surrounding walls. At the base of the walls, a group of 25 high-relief Arhats, approximately 80 centimeters tall, stretch from the west side of the south wall to the west side of the north wall.
The warm temperate continental monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
The Dawanwu Buddha Cave was excavated around the reign of Empress Wu Zetian during the Tang Dynasty. The cave has a horseshoe-shaped floor plan and a dome-shaped ceiling. Within the circular frieze surrounding the lotus carved on the ceiling are carved seated Buddhas, celestial musicians, garudas, and musical instruments such as pipa, evoking the wondrous spectacle of the myriad sounds and dazzling beauty of the Pure Land. Maitreya Buddha and two bodhisattvas are carved on the main wall, while smaller seated statues of the four zodiac Buddhas are neatly arranged on the surrounding walls. At the base of the wall are 25 high-relief groups of arhats, each approximately 80 centimeters tall. Each arhat bears an inscription describing their life and deeds, many of which are excerpted from the "Transmission of the Dharma Treasure." The arhat groups and their inscriptions are important sources for the study of Zen Buddhism and its lineage of transmission. Three round Buddha statues, wearing crowns and adorned with necklaces, garlands, and bracelets, are placed on the central platform of the cave. These images represent the Vairocana Buddha, a figure revered in Tantric Buddhism.
It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.
Included in the Longmen Grottoes scenic area ticket price of 120 yuan per person.
February 1st - March 31st: 8:00-17:00, closing at 18:00;
April 1st - October 7th: 8:00-17:30, closing at 18:30;
October 8-31: 8:00-17:00, closing at 18:00;
November 1st - January 31st: 8:00-16:00, closing at 17:00.
Dawanwufo Cave is known for its ancient rock carvings and Buddhist statues, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. The site is historically significant as it represents the fusion of Buddhist culture and local artistic traditions during that period.
The Dawanwufo Cave is located in Luoyang, Henan province. It can be reached by taxi from the city center. Public transport options are limited, but taxis and private car services are the best options.
The cave is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
The entrance fee is around 40 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and it is recommended to check online platforms for any updates or special offers.
Advance booking is not required, but during peak tourist seasons, it is advisable to book a few days in advance to secure entry.
It typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the cave and its surroundings, especially if you wish to take time to enjoy the historical and cultural details.
Key highlights include the intricate Buddhist statues, rock carvings, and the serene cave environment. The geological formations and the historical inscriptions are also fascinating to observe.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in English may also be available, but it’s advisable to check in advance for availability.
The best photography spots include the entrance area where you can capture the scenic view of the cave, and within the cave, where the intricate details of the statues and carvings can be photographed.
Start at the entrance, admire the carvings and statues, and then take time to explore the inner chambers. A leisurely walk around the site will allow you to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
There are no night visits or light shows available at Dawanwufo Cave. The site is best visited during the day to enjoy its natural and historical beauty.
The cave is less crowded on weekdays and early mornings. Weekends and public holidays can attract more tourists, so visiting during non-peak hours is recommended.
Basic facilities like toilets are available. There are no major restaurants or shops at the cave site, but small snack stalls may be found nearby. It’s advisable to bring water and snacks.
The cave may not be fully accessible for disabled visitors due to uneven terrain. Elderly visitors and children should take caution when navigating the site, as the paths may be uneven.
Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. It's recommended to carry some cash in case certain smaller vendors do not accept mobile payments.
There are no major restaurants inside the cave area, but local eateries can be found within a short drive from the site, offering traditional Chinese meals.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available at local restaurants in the area. Halal food may be found in the Muslim quarter of Luoyang.
There are a few mid-range hotels and guesthouses near the cave site. For more luxury accommodations, consider staying in Luoyang city center.
Nearby attractions include the Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, and the Luoyang Museum, all of which are easily accessible and can be combined in a day trip.
Souvenir shops are available nearby, selling traditional Chinese handicrafts, Buddhist statues, and local art. The most popular souvenirs are small statues and carvings.
After visiting, you can take a taxi or bus back to Luoyang city center, or continue your trip to other nearby attractions such as the Longmen Grottoes or White Horse Temple.
