Longmen Temple

Introducing Longmen Temple

Longmen Temple is located on the slopes of Longmen Mountain, about two miles north of Yuantou Village in Shicheng Town, 65 kilometers northwest of Pingshun County. It is a nationally protected cultural relic site. The area's towering mountains, steep cliffs, and rocky outcrops within the valley resemble a dragon's head, hence the name Longmen Mountain.

Longmen Temple boasts a meticulously planned layout of existing halls, corridors, and verandas. Three courtyards flank the central axis, with the East and West Zen Halls and Sutra Halls each forming their own area. The West Side Hall in the front courtyard, built in 925 (the third year of the Tongguang reign of the Later Tang Dynasty), is a three-bay, gabled-roof style building with no columns and simple, regular beams and rafters, preserving the Tang Dynasty style.

This is the only example of a gabled-roofed hall built in the Five Dynasties period. The Main Hall was built in 1098 (the fifth year of Shaosheng in the Northern Song Dynasty). It is three bays wide and three bays deep, with a nearly square plan and a single-eaved, nine-ridged roof. The brackets, integrated with the beams, bear the roof load.

The glazed ridge beasts on the temple roof are ancient in form and simple in color, dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. The Heavenly King Hall features flexible construction, with inconsistent beam and rafter cross-sections, suggesting a Jin Dynasty structure. The three-bay rear hall is a gabled-roof style, dating back to the Yuan Dynasty, while the other halls were rebuilt during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The temple boasts timber structures from the Late Tang, Song, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, a unique example among surviving Chinese cultural relics. The gabled-roof timber structure of the temple's west side hall is the only one of its kind in China, earning it the title of "China's finest."

Climate and best time to travel

Suitable for all seasons, best from May to October

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

1 hour

Tickets

5 yuan

Attraction opening hours

08 : 00-18 : 00

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Most Popular FAQs for Longmen Temple

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

Longmen Temple, also known as the Longmen Grottoes, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its thousands of Buddhist statues, dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534 AD). The site is an important cultural and religious hub, representing one of the most significant examples of Chinese Buddhist cave art, with over 2,300 caves and 100,000 statues of Buddha and his disciples.

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

Longmen Temple is located in Luoyang, Henan Province, about 12 kilometers south of the city center. It can be reached by taxi, bus, or private car. Bus routes from the city center, as well as taxis, are the most convenient transportation options to reach the site.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Longmen Temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is pleasant and the site is less crowded. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for avoiding peak tourist crowds.

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

The entrance fee for Longmen Temple is approximately 120 CNY for general admission. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the site. Online tickets are available but are not mandatory for regular visits.

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

It is not necessary to book tickets in advance unless you are visiting during the peak tourist seasons (spring festivals, national holidays). Booking a day or two in advance is advisable if you wish to avoid the queues.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Visiting Longmen Temple typically takes 2-3 hours, depending on how deeply you wish to explore the caves, statues, and surrounding areas. A more leisurely visit, with time for photography and reflection, could take longer.

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

The must-see highlights include the Fengxian Temple, home to the massive Vairocana Buddha statue; the Binyang Caves, filled with exquisite sculptures; and the Guyang Cave, known for its detailed carvings. The views along the Yi River also provide stunning photo opportunities.

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

Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some tour guides may offer services in English. Audio guides in multiple languages, including English, are also available for rent at the site to enhance your experience.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are at the entrance of the Longmen Grottoes, where you can capture the full scale of the caves and the river. The elevated platforms near the Fengxian Temple also offer excellent views of the statues and the surrounding landscape.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by entering the main cave area, then explore the Binyang Caves and Fengxian Temple. Afterward, take a walk along the river to admire the statues carved into the cliffs. Conclude your visit with a stop at the Guyang Cave for its historical carvings.

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

Currently, night visits or light shows are not available at Longmen Temple. The best time to enjoy the site is during daylight hours when the natural light highlights the intricate details of the carvings.

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

Longmen Temple can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit during weekdays, particularly early in the morning or late in the afternoon, outside of the peak tourist season (summer and Chinese New Year holidays).

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

Basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and water stations are available. There are also souvenir shops selling local crafts and Buddhist-themed items. Food options are limited on-site, but there are restaurants in the nearby area.

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

The main temple area and some of the caves are accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, though some parts of the site may involve steps or uneven surfaces. It's advisable to plan the visit accordingly and take care when walking around the site.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is accepted at Longmen Temple, but mobile payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used in the area. Cards may be accepted at some locations, but it is best to have a mobile payment method or cash on hand.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are a few local restaurants near Longmen Temple offering traditional Chinese dishes. For a wider selection, head to the city center of Luoyang where numerous restaurants and cafes are located.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian food options are available at nearby restaurants, and there are also some halal food options in Luoyang, though they are less common around the temple itself.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels and guesthouses near the Longmen Grottoes, including budget options and mid-range hotels. For more luxurious options, consider staying in the city center of Luoyang, which offers a range of accommodations.

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

Other nearby attractions include the White Horse Temple (the first Buddhist temple in China) and the Luoyang Museum, both of which can be visited in a day trip from Longmen Temple.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are souvenir shops near Longmen Temple selling items like Buddha statues, prayer beads, and Buddhist-themed crafts. Local handicrafts and antiques are also popular souvenirs from the area.

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

After visiting Longmen Temple, taxis, buses, or rental cars are the best options for continuing your journey. The city center of Luoyang is easily accessible by taxi, and trains or buses can take you to other destinations in Henan province or beyond.