Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, Henan Province

Located 12 kilometers south of Luoyang City in Henan Province, China, the Longmen Grottoes stretch along both banks of the Yi River, surrounded by mountains and water, offering breathtaking scenery. As one of China's four major grottoes, it was primarily carved during the Northern Wei to Northern Song dynasties over a span of more than 400 years. Today, it preserves over 2,100 caves and niches, more than 100,000 statues, and over 3,600 inscriptions, making it the largest collection among China's grottoes. The grottoes are divided into two sections by the Yi River: the West Hill and the East Hill. The West Hill Grottoes are the highlight, carved during the Northern Dynasties and Sui-Tang periods. They feature classic caves from the Northern Wei era, such as Guyang Cave, Binyang Cave, Lotus Cave, and Yaofang Cave, as well as Tang Dynasty constructions like Qianxi Temple, Kanjing Temple, Wanfo Cave, Fengxian Temple, and the Grand Wanwu Buddha Cave. Among them, the main Buddha of Fengxian Temple, the Lushena Buddha, stands an impressive 17.14 meters tall, leaving visitors in awe. The East Hill Grottoes, mostly works from the Tang Dynasty, complement the West Hill Grottoes. The sculptures of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas inside the caves exude compassion and grace, bringing a sense of solemnity and reverence to the cold stone grottoes. These carvings are considered precious relics of Buddhist art, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship and profound cultural heritage of ancient artisans. Tips: Visitors planning a trip to the Longmen Grottoes are advised to map out their route in advance, starting with the West Hill Grottoes before moving on to the East Hill Grottoes to fully appreciate the charm of millennia-old Buddhist art. Public Transportation: Take Bus No. 81 from downtown Luoyang to the northwest service area of the Longmen Grottoes. After alighting, follow the pedestrian path for a short walk to reach the entrance of the scenic area.