Explore the Thousand-Year-Old Buddhist Kingdom: A Detailed Guide to the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang

As one of China's four major grottoes, the Longmen Grottoes have been a beacon of Buddhist culture from the Northern Wei to the Tang and Song dynasties, and are a "cultural icon" of Luoyang. This guide is based on my personal experience and will help you make the most of your time at this open-air museum of stone carvings. 📌Basic Information - 📍Address: Longmen Town, Luolong District, Luoyang, Henan - 🎫Tickets: CNY 90 (includes the West Hill Grottoes, East Hill Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, and Bai Garden), CNY 10 for a one-way electric car ride - ⏰Opening Hours: - Peak Season (April–October): 8:00–18:30 - Off Season (November–March): 8:00–17:30 - 🚗Transportation: - Bus: Take Bus 81 from Luoyang Station, or Bus 71/99 from Longmen High-Speed Railway Station - Taxi: CNY 30 from downtown to the scenic area 🌟Recommended Route Enter from the west gate and exit from the east gate (a classic route with no backtracking): West Hill Grottoes (the highlights) → cross the bridge → East Hill Grottoes → Xiangshan Temple (for a panoramic view) → Bai Garden (Bai Juyi's tomb) ⏳Recommended Duration: 3–4 hours 📸Must-See Highlights 1. Vairocana Buddha (West Hill Grottoes) - Built with money donated by Empress Wu Zetian, this 17.14-meter-tall smiling Buddha is known as the "Mona Lisa of the East." Visit in the morning or evening to see the sunlight give the statue a golden glow. 2. Wanfo Cave (North Section of West Hill) - Over 15,000 small Buddhas cover the cave walls, and the central Amitabha Buddha's hand gesture seems to be explaining Buddhist teachings. 3. Guyang Cave (a must-see for calligraphy lovers) - Nineteen of the "Twenty Calligraphic Masterpieces of Longmen" are here, making it the pinnacle of Northern Wei calligraphy. 4. Xiangshan Temple Jiang-Song Villa - A collision of Republican-era architecture and an ancient Tang temple, the second-floor platform is a hidden spot for taking panoramic photos of the West Hill Grottoes. ⚠️Tips 1. Avoid the crowds: Head straight to the West Hill Grottoes when the park opens at 8:00 am, as most tour groups arrive after 10:00 am. 2. Audio guide: Scan the QR code to buy a CNY 10 audio guide (cheaper than renting equipment), or listen in on a tour group. 3. Clothing: The entire route is stone paths and steps, so wear non-slip sneakers and bring a sun hat in summer. 4. Protect the relics: Do not touch the statues! There are also exquisite details to observe outside the railings of some caves. 🍜Nearby Food - Outside the Longmen Grottoes: Try Luoyang specialties like "bufantang" and "jiangmian noodles" at "Old Luoyang Noodle House." - Must-try in the city: ① Shizijie Night Market (bustling at night) ② Nanguan Small Bowl Beef Soup (a local breakfast favorite) 📝Personal Experience Seeing the Vairocana Buddha in the morning mist was an indescribable shock—the Buddha's eyes were lowered, as if speaking to the people across the ages. Stay until an hour before closing to see the sunset turn the Yihe River amber, and the grottoes look even more ancient in the twilight. The East Hill Grottoes have fewer visitors, making them perfect for quietly admiring the plump beauty of Tang statues. 🚩Extended Itinerary If you have time, you can also visit: - Luoyang Museum: Free! Book in advance to see the "mysterious smile" of Northern Wei pottery figurines. - White Horse Temple (China's first ancient temple) + Luoyi Ancient City (a Hanfu photo spot) for a one-day cultural tour. (Original text and images, please credit the source if reposting)