Live Your Best Lives
Explore the Longmen Guanghua Temple, admire the stunning architecture, and visit the nearby scenic spots like the caves and the surrounding gardens. Participate in meditation or prayer ceremonies if available.
Guanghua Temple is nestled on a hill west of Longmen Village. Built during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534 AD), it boasts 199 stone steps, each 10 meters wide, traversing the 31-meter-high slope in front of the temple. These steps create a majestic and imposing presence. The temple's buildings are all constructed in a Qing Dynasty-style, featuring blue tiles and red bricks. Along the central axis are five large, two-story mountain gates, the Heavenly King Hall, the Jialan Hall, the Tripitaka Hall, and the Ksitigarbha Hall. Each features soaring hip roofs and painted beams, imbued with an antique charm. The temple also boasts the Wuweishi Pagoda, a commemoration of Shanwuwei, an Indian monk who came to China during the Tang Dynasty to spread Buddhism.
During the Tang Dynasty, the Indian monk Shanwuwei came to China to spread Buddhism. He accompanied Emperor Xuanzong to Luoyang in 724 AD and passed away at Dashan Temple in Luoyang in 735. He was later reburied at Guanghua Temple in Longmen. In 758, Emperor Suzong of Tang erected a stele in his honor at Guanghua Temple. A stupa dedicated to Shanwuwei is still erected within the temple. Guanghua Temple has weathered numerous wars and undergone several reconstructions. According to the old Luoyang County Chronicles, in the 44th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty, the monk Zhaohong raised funds for its restoration. However, in 1966, the thousand-year-old temple was completely destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. In 1992, Longmen Village restored Guanghua Temple on the site of the old temple, and in April 1993, it opened its doors to the public for the Peony Festival.
The temple also houses the Wuweishi Pagoda, the Bell and Drum Tower, and wing rooms. The "Shenshui Pavilion" houses a thousand-year-old sacred spring. Legend has it that when good people drink from it, there's water, but when bad people try, the well dries up. Wangchao Pavilion, perched high on the mountain, offers a panoramic view of Luoyang. Legend has it that an emperor once visited Longmen for a spring outing. He ascended this spot and gazed back at the capital. Suddenly, he saw a rebellion in the palace. He quickly returned and was able to quell the rebellion, leading to the construction of this pavilion to commemorate the incident. It's also rumored that Guanghua Temple was the place where Wu Zetian, untied, left Kaifeng to practice asceticism.
Temperate monsoon climate; Luoyang Guanghua Temple is one of the eight Longmen temples built by the Northern Wei Dynasty, and is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Heavenly King Hall, Jialan Hall, Tripitaka Hall, Ksitigarbha Hall;
It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours
30 yuan/person
April 1st - October 31st 6:30-19:00, last admission 18:00
November 1st - March 31st of the following year: 7:30-17:00, last admission at 17:00
Longmen Guanghua Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located near the Longmen Grottoes. It has been an important site for Buddhist worship and practice, with a history that spans over a thousand years. The temple complex offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and worship.
The Longmen Guanghua Temple is located in Luoyang, Henan Province, near the Longmen Grottoes. You can reach the temple by taxi or bus from downtown Luoyang, which is around 30 minutes away. It’s also walkable from Longmen Grottoes.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late afternoon, especially during weekdays, to avoid the crowds.
The entrance fee is usually around 50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site, or you can check online platforms for any available online ticketing options.
Booking tickets in advance is not typically necessary, but if you are visiting during peak tourist seasons, it’s a good idea to purchase tickets a few days in advance to avoid long lines.
You can explore the Longmen Guanghua Temple in about 1-2 hours, depending on how much time you wish to spend in prayer or contemplation. If you're visiting nearby attractions as well, plan for a half-day visit.
The must-see highlights include the main temple hall, the intricate Buddhist statues, the surrounding peaceful gardens, and the panoramic views of the nearby Longmen Grottoes.
Guided tours in Chinese and English are available. Audio guides in English can be rented at the entrance to enhance your visit.
One of the best viewpoints is from the temple's upper floors, where you can get a clear view of the surrounding landscape and the nearby Longmen Grottoes. The temple’s main courtyard is also a great spot for photography.
Start by entering the temple complex, explore the main hall and statues, then walk through the gardens for some peaceful reflection. Don’t miss the side halls for additional historical context and religious significance.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows at Longmen Guanghua Temple. The best experience is during daylight hours when you can fully appreciate the architecture and natural surroundings.
The temple can be busy during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, it’s recommended to visit early in the morning on weekdays or during the off-peak seasons, such as late autumn or early spring.
The temple offers basic facilities such as toilets, water stations, and rest areas. There are also small shops selling religious items and souvenirs near the entrance.
The main areas of the temple are accessible, but there are some steps and uneven paths. It’s recommended to check with staff regarding specific accessibility options for elderly or disabled visitors.
Both cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted. Credit card payment might not be as common, so it’s best to carry cash or use mobile payment options.
There are local restaurants and cafes nearby, offering traditional Chinese dishes. If you're looking for a wider selection, you can head to downtown Luoyang.
Vegetarian options are available at some local restaurants. For halal food, you will need to visit larger restaurants in the city center of Luoyang.
There are several guesthouses and hotels near the Longmen Grottoes and the temple. More accommodations can be found in downtown Luoyang, offering a variety of options for all budgets.
Nearby attractions include the Longmen Grottoes, the White Horse Temple, and the Guanlin Temple. These sites are all easily accessible and can be visited in one day.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the entrance of the temple, selling religious items such as incense, prayer beads, statues, and other Buddhist-related souvenirs.
After visiting the Longmen Guanghua Temple, you can take a taxi, bus, or hire a private car to visit nearby attractions. For further travel, Luoyang’s railway station and airport offer convenient transportation options.
