Longmen Grottoes: The Ultimate Travel Guide

✨ Basic Information - Address: No. 13, Longmen Middle Street, Luolong District, Luoyang City, Henan Province - Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm year-round (night tour opens at 6:30 pm) - Tickets: - Full price: 90 CNY/person, students/teachers half price (45 CNY) - Free for seniors over 60, children under 1.4m, military personnel, etc. - Night tour tickets are the same price as day tour tickets and must be booked in advance --- 🚇 Transportation Guide 1. High-Speed Rail/Airport: - Luoyang Longmen Station: Take bus No. 71/77 (about 30 minutes) or taxi (20-30 CNY) - Luoyang Beijiao Airport: Taxi for about 40 minutes (80-100 CNY) 2. City Transportation: - Subway Line 2 to Balitang Station, transfer to bus No. 53/60 - Self-driving: Navigate to "Longmen Grottoes Northeast Service Area Parking Lot" --- 📸 Must-See Attractions & Photo Guide 1. West Hill Grottoes (the essence): - Lushena Buddha: 17.14m high, said to be carved in the image of Wu Zetian, the Buddha's mysterious smile is known as the "Oriental Mona Lisa" - Guyang Cave: A Northern Wei Dynasty royal cave, check in with the "Scissorhands Bodhisattva" statue (Buddhist handprint) - Wanfo Cave: 15,000 small Buddha statues inside, perfect for taking pictures of the "sea of Buddhas" 2. East Hill Grottoes: - Enjoy a panoramic view of the West Hill, recommended to shoot the sunset over the Yi River in the evening 3. Worship Platform: The best spot to capture the full view of the Lushena Buddha, the atmosphere is full at sunset 4. Xiangshan Temple: The hermitage of Bai Juyi, climb to the top to overlook the West Hill Grottoes 5. Bai Garden: Bai Juyi's tomb, suitable for a peaceful visit --- 🎯 Recommended Tour Routes Classic Route (4-5 hours): West Hill Grottoes → East Hill Grottoes → Worship Platform → Xiangshan Temple → Bai Garden Family Route (easy version): West Hill Grottoes → Lushena Buddha → Xiangshan Temple (less walking) Night Tour Route (Friday/Saturday/Sunday): Light show + silent commentary, experience the mysterious charm of the thousand-year-old Buddha statues --- 📝 Important Notes 1. Cultural Relic Protection: - Do not touch the Buddha statues or use flash photography, violators will be fined - It is recommended to rent an electronic guide (30 CNY/unit) or join a group tour with a guide (200 CNY/time) 2. Practical Tips: - Wear comfortable athletic shoes (about 8 km walk in total) - Sunscreen + sun hat in summer, warm clothes in winter - Cashless payment in the scenic area, prepare small change or activate WeChat Pay in advance 3. Tourist Trap Guide: - Be wary of rickshaws soliciting customers at the entrance, it is recommended to go through the formal channels - The East Hill Grottoes and Bai Garden are not open for night tours, pay attention to time arrangements