One-Day Tour Guide to Longmen Grottoes | Empress Wu Zetian's Millennial Mark

| Empress Wu Zetian's Millennial Mark. Highlights: The Longmen Grottoes, a World Cultural Heritage site, are located in the southern suburbs of Luoyang. Construction began in the Northern Wei Dynasty and flourished in the Tang Dynasty. There are over 2,300 caves and niches, and more than 100,000 statues. Empress Wu Zetian had a deep connection with Longmen—legend says the Lushena Buddha in Fengxian Temple was carved in her likeness. Standing at 17.14 meters tall, this majestic and compassionate statue represents the pinnacle of grotto art. The West Hill Grottoes contain 80% of the site's highlights. Must-sees include the Lushena Buddha, the Ten Thousand Buddha Cave (with 15,000 small Buddha statues), and the Medicine Cave (inscribed with Tang Dynasty medicinal formulas). The East Hill offers panoramic views of the West Hill. Xiangshan Temple (Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling's villa) and Bai Garden (Bai Juyi's tomb) are also worth visiting. Practical Tips Transportation: Take a taxi or bus No. 53/81 from Luoyang, about a 40-minute ride. Duration: 3–4 hours (morning visits recommended to avoid crowds) Tickets: 90 CNY (includes West Hill, East Hill, Xiangshan Temple, and Bai Garden) Photography: The square in front of the Lushena Buddha and the panoramic view from the Buddhist worship platform offer the best photo opportunities. Tips: Wear comfortable shoes (many stone steps) and bring a sun hat. The Buddhist worship platform on the opposite bank offers panoramic views of the Lushena Buddha. Cultural Tidbits Empress Wu Zetian donated 20,000 strings of cash for cosmetics to help build Fengxian Temple. The meaning of "universal illumination" of the Lushena Buddha echoes her vision of "sun and moon in the sky" (曌) upon her ascension to the throne. A thousand years of gazing, a glimpse into the prosperous Tang Dynasty.