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Visit the impressive Longmen Grottoes to see thousands of Buddhist statues carved into the cliffs. Explore the vast collection of Buddhist art, including the famous Vairocana Buddha statue. Don't miss the nearby Buddhist temples and the serene surrounding landscape, which is perfect for quiet reflection and photography.
The Longmen Grottoes are located on the cliffs of Longmen Mountain and Xiangshan Mountain, south of Luoyang City, Henan Province, China. Excavated over 400 years from the Northern Wei Dynasty to the Northern Song Dynasty, they still boast over 2,100 caves and niches, over 100,000 statues, and over 3,600 inscriptions, primarily located on the west bank of the Yi River. This impressive number of inscriptions makes them the largest of any major grotto site in China. Among them, the "Twenty Pieces of Longmen" exemplify the essence of Wei Dynasty calligraphy, while the "Yique Buddha Shrine Stele," inscribed by renowned Tang Dynasty calligrapher Chu Suiliang, exemplifies the art of early Tang regular script. The tranquil surroundings and pleasant scenery have earned it recognition as one of the Eight Great Scenic Spots of Luoyang.
Every year from April 15th to 25th, Luoyang Peony Festival is held.
Fengxian Temple, Qianxi Temple, Kanjing Temple and Xiangshan Temple are the four major temples of Longmen Grottoes.
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
100 yuan/person
February 1st - March 31st: Tickets sold from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closing time 6:00 PM
Tickets available from April 1st to October 7th: 8:00-17:30, closing time: 18:30
(During the Peony Culture Festival, tickets will be sold half an hour earlier and the museum will close half an hour later on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and the clearing time will be postponed half an hour accordingly. During the May Day and National Day holidays, tickets will be sold half an hour earlier and the museum will close half an hour later, and the clearing time will be postponed half an hour accordingly.)
Tickets available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM from October 8th to 31st, closing time: 6:00 PM
November 1st - January 31st: Tickets sold from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closing time 5:00 PM
The Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were constructed over a period of 400 years, from the Northern Wei to the Tang Dynasty (5th–9th century). The site contains more than 100,000 Buddhist statues and inscriptions, making it one of China's largest and most significant examples of Buddhist cave art.
The Longmen Grottoes are located about 12 kilometers south of Luoyang in Henan Province. They can be reached by taxi or bus from the city center. A local bus service is available, and taxis are the quickest and most comfortable option for visitors.
The Longmen Grottoes are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months (April to October) when the weather is mild. Avoid visiting during the peak summer months to avoid crowds.
The entrance fee for the Longmen Grottoes is around 120 RMB for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the site, and online booking is available through various local travel platforms. It's recommended to buy tickets in advance during peak seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not required but is highly recommended during the high tourist season (April to October). You can book tickets a few days in advance through local tourism websites or apps.
To fully explore the Longmen Grottoes, allocate about 3-4 hours. This will give you time to see the major caves, statues, and the museum. If you wish to hike the surrounding hills or visit other nearby sites, consider adding extra time.
Key highlights include the Vairocana Buddha, the Binyang Caves, the Fengxian Temple, and the Lotus Cave. The Vairocana Buddha is one of the largest and most famous sculptures in China, measuring 17 meters tall.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and English. Audio guides in various languages, including English, are also available for rent at the site.
The best photography spots are from the viewing platform near the Fengxian Temple, which offers a panoramic view of the caves. Early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting for capturing the intricate details of the statues.
Start with the main caves, such as the Fengxian Temple, then proceed to the Binyang Caves and other significant grottoes. A visit to the museum is a great way to understand the history of the site. End with a hike to the nearby cliffs for a panoramic view.
Night visits and light shows are not typically offered at the Longmen Grottoes. However, special cultural tours and events may be available during festivals or special occasions, so check the schedule in advance.
The Longmen Grottoes can be crowded during weekends and public holidays, especially in summer. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or on weekdays during the off-season (winter or early spring).
The site has public toilets, drinking water stations, and small shops selling snacks and souvenirs. Rest areas are also available for visitors to relax during their tour.
The main areas of the Longmen Grottoes are accessible to elderly and disabled visitors, with paved paths and ramps. However, some parts of the site, such as the higher cave areas and the surrounding hills, may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues.
Cash is accepted at the ticket booth and souvenir shops, but mobile payment methods such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are more commonly used in China. Credit cards are accepted at the main ticket booth and some larger shops.
Inside the Longmen Grottoes, there are small restaurants offering local dishes. Nearby, you can find several restaurants and cafes in Luoyang that serve both Chinese and Western cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available in many of the nearby restaurants, and halal food can be found in some of the local eateries, as Luoyang has a significant Muslim population.
Several hotels are located in Luoyang, about 12 kilometers from the Longmen Grottoes. Options range from budget guesthouses to 5-star hotels, including popular chains like Hyatt and Sheraton.
Nearby attractions include the White Horse Temple (one of China's oldest Buddhist temples), the Luoyang Museum, and the Guanlin Temple, dedicated to the famous General Guan Yu. These can easily be combined with a visit to the Longmen Grottoes in a day trip.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the Longmen Grottoes selling Buddhist-themed items, such as statues, prayer beads, calligraphy, and traditional Chinese arts and crafts.
After visiting the Longmen Grottoes, visitors can continue their journey by taxi or local bus to other attractions in Luoyang. Trains and buses from Luoyang connect to other cities in Henan Province and beyond.
