Twenty-Four Portraits of Longmen

Introducing Twenty-Four Portraits of Longmen

The "Twenty Portraits of Longmen" refers to a collection of twenty distinct inscriptions on statues dating from the Northern Wei Dynasty. These inscriptions record the time, individuals, and purpose of the carving of the Buddhist niches at Longmen Grottoes, and are representative examples of Wei stele calligraphy. The benefactors of these inscriptions are primarily Northern Wei royalty, nobles, high-ranking officials, and eminent monks. The characters in these inscriptions are elegant and graceful, with a vigorous and simple style, and their structure and brushwork are somewhere between Han official script and Tang regular script.

Nineteen of the Twenty-Five Statues of Longmen are housed in Guyang Cave, with one remaining in Cixiang Kiln. Guyang Cave was the location where the Northern Wei Dynasty's royal family and aristocrats vowed to create statues. These dignitaries spared no expense in carving out niches, seeking to cultivate merit and pray for blessings and protection from disasters. They also left behind calligraphy works, of which the Twenty-Five Statues of Longmen are among the most valuable. Qing Dynasty scholar Kang Youwei strongly advocated for the use of Wei stele script throughout society. Today, the Twenty-Five Statues of Longmen retain their immense artistic appeal, attracting countless visitors to witness these rare calligraphy treasures.

Climate and best time to travel

Temperate monsoon climate; the Twenty Portraits of Longmen are not only the quintessence of calligraphy art in the Northern Wei Dynasty and a representative work of Wei stele calligraphy, but also historical materials with research value. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Twenty pieces of Longmen: Nineteen pieces from Guyang Cave and one piece from Cixiang Kiln

It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours

Tickets

No tickets are required, as the entrance fee to the Longmen Grottoes is RMB 120 per person (tickets are sold uniformly for the West Hill Grottoes, East Hill Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, and Baiyuan).

Night tour ticket is 120 yuan/person, including: Xishan Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple

Attraction opening hours

The opening hours of the Twenty Artifacts of Longmen Grottoes follow those of the Longmen Grottoes: February 1st - March 31st: Tickets open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closing at 6:00 PM; April 1st - October 7th: Tickets open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, closing at 6:30 PM; October 8th - January 31st: Tickets open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, closing at 6:00 PM; November 1st - January 31st: Tickets open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closing at 5:00 PM. During the May Day and National Day holidays, as well as the Peony Culture Festival, tickets will be sold half an hour earlier and closing will be half an hour later on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Clearance will also be delayed by half an hour.

Note: The scenic area will be cleared one hour after closing time

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Most Popular FAQs for Twenty-Four Portraits of Longmen

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Twenty-Four Portraits of Longmen are part of the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These portraits depict historical and legendary figures associated with Buddhism, carved into the cliffs around the 5th to 8th centuries. They hold significant religious and cultural value.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The Twenty-Four Portraits of Longmen are located in Luoyang, Henan Province, within the Longmen Grottoes. You can reach the site by taxi or bus from downtown Luoyang, which is about a 30-minute drive from the city center.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild, and fewer tourists are present.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is generally around 100 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the site or online through the official Longmen Grottoes website or other authorized platforms.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or holidays, though it is not mandatory. Booking at least a few days in advance is recommended.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It takes approximately 2-3 hours to fully explore the Longmen Grottoes and the Twenty-Four Portraits. For a more detailed exploration or guided tour, plan for 4-5 hours.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see highlights include the Twenty-Four Portraits themselves, the impressive Buddha statues and carvings, the Vairocana Buddha, and the picturesque Longmen Grottoes complex.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Chinese and English, and audio guides can be rented at the entrance in various languages, including English, for a more immersive experience.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are along the main cliff faces where the portraits are carved, particularly the towering Buddha sculptures and the surrounding natural scenery of the river and hills.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the main entrance, proceed to the central area where the largest statues and portraits are located, then explore the different sections along the riverbank and the caves with smaller sculptures.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Currently, there are no night visits or light shows available at the site. However, visiting in the early morning or late afternoon offers a more peaceful experience.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The site can be crowded during public holidays and weekends. To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit early in the morning on weekdays or during off-peak seasons like late autumn or early spring.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, water stations, and small shops selling souvenirs are available at the site. There are also some snack stands for refreshments.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The attraction is partially accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with some pathways and stairs that may be difficult for wheelchairs. It is advisable to check with staff for specific accessibility needs before visiting.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Both cash and mobile payments (e.g., Alipay, WeChat Pay) are accepted at most locations within the site. Credit cards may not be widely accepted, so it's best to carry cash or use mobile payments.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are a few local restaurants and cafes near the entrance of the Longmen Grottoes where visitors can enjoy traditional Chinese meals and snacks. For a wider selection, visit downtown Luoyang.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available at some restaurants, and you may find halal food options in larger restaurants in Luoyang city, although they may not be available within the immediate vicinity of the grottoes.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels and guesthouses near the Longmen Grottoes, ranging from budget options to more upscale accommodations. For more options, the city center of Luoyang offers a wider variety of hotels.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum, the White Horse Temple, and the Guanlin Temple. All are easy to combine for a full day trip from the Longmen Grottoes.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are souvenir shops at the site offering items like traditional Chinese crafts, Buddhist-themed products, and small statues. Typical souvenirs include mini replicas of the Longmen Grottoes carvings and paintings.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting, you can take a taxi, bus, or private car to explore other nearby attractions. If you're traveling to another city, Luoyang's railway station and airport offer train and flight services.