Stop wandering aimlessly! The 1-day essential itinerary for Longmen Grottoes

Finally got the most essential way to experience Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang! You can see the stunning giant Buddha and the breathtaking night view all in one day. Please keep this nanny-level guide✨

The perfect route straight to the point:
Enter the park from the Northwest Service Area for the most convenience (you can navigate directly here) → 5-minute walk straight to the Vairocana Buddha cluster area (best before 9 AM when there are fewer people) → Follow the Yishui Riverbank to visit the Wanfo Cave and Lotus Cave (this section is perfect for photos) → Climb Xiangshan Pavilion before 5 PM (you can see the amazing dusk light and shadows)

💡 Tested practical tips:
1. The Northwest entrance saves the most walking! Other entrances require a long unnecessary walk
2. Be sure to wait until the lights turn on at night (around 7 PM in summer now), the sacred feeling of the Vairocana Buddha lit up is incredible
3. The view from Xiangshan Pavilion is fantastic, you can capture the grottoes + Yihe River + city skyline in one frame
4. Prices inside the scenic area are high, it’s recommended to bring your own water and snacks

📸 Best photo spots:
1. Looking up from the foot of the Vairocana Buddha (wide-angle lens recommended)
2. Panoramic view of the grottoes along the Yihe Riverbank
3. The third-floor viewing platform of Xiangshan Pavilion (stunning at sunset)
4. Night view platform (must check in to the Vairocana Buddha after lights on)

🍜 Nearby food recommendations:
1. "Old Luoyang Noodle House" outside Longmen Grottoes Scenic Area (knife-cut noodles are a must-try)
2. The must-drink "Bufan Soup" on the way back (search "Lin’s Bufan Soup" on navigation)

🚗 Transportation guide:
It’s most convenient to take a taxi to "Longmen Grottoes Northwest Service Area"
For the return trip, you can take the scenic area shuttle bus to the Northeast Service Area to catch a taxi

The biggest surprise this time is the night view! It’s 10 times more stunning than during the day