The Perfect Way to Explore the Longmen Grottoes

As one of the four largest grottoes in China, the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang are a World Cultural Heritage site and a 5A-rated tourist attraction. They attract tourists from all over the world with their rich stone carving art and profound historical and cultural heritage. Here's a detailed travel guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip to the Longmen Grottoes. 1. The Unique Charm of the Longmen Grottoes 1. World Cultural Heritage Site Construction of the Longmen Grottoes began during the reign of Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty and continued through several dynasties. There are 2,345 existing caves and niches, more than 100,000 statues, and over 2,800 inscriptions and tablets. The grottoes are known as the "Encyclopedia of Chinese Stone Carving Art." 2. Representative of Royal Grottoes Many of the Longmen Grottoes were built by the royal family and nobles. The most famous one, the Lushena Buddha, is said to have been carved in the likeness of Wu Zetian and is known as the "Oriental Mona Lisa." 3. International and Multicultural Integration The Longmen Grottoes incorporate diverse cultural elements from India, Silla, and Tocharians, showcasing ancient China's exchanges with the world. They are considered the "most international grottoes." 2. Travel Guide 1. Best Time to Visit - **Spring and Autumn:** The weather is mild and suitable for outdoor sightseeing. - **Luoyang Peony Culture Festival in April:** Luoyang peonies are in full bloom, and the scenic area offers a variety of activities, making it the best time to visit. 2. Recommended Routes - **West Hill Grottoes:** This is the core area of the Longmen Grottoes, including Qianxi Temple, Binyang Caves, Wanfo Cave, and Fengxian Temple. - **East Hill Grottoes:** Featuring the Kanjing Temple and the Thousand-Hand Guanyin龛, this area is suitable for in-depth cultural experiences. - **Xiangshan Temple and Bai Garden:** Xiangshan Temple is a famous temple from the Tang Dynasty, and Bai Garden is the tomb of Bai Juyi, suitable for culture lovers. 3. Tickets and Opening Hours - **Tickets:** Full price: CNY 90/person. Half-price discounts are available for students, seniors, etc. - **Opening Hours:** - Mar 1 to Oct 31: 8:00–18:30 (extended to 19:00 during the Peony Culture Festival). - Nov 1 to Feb 28: 8:00–17:00. 3. Transportation and Accommodation 1. Transportation Guide - **High-speed Rail:** Take the high-speed train to Luoyang Longmen Station, then transfer to bus No. 67 or 71 to the scenic area. - **Self-driving:** Get off at the Longmen exit of the Erguang Expressway and follow S320 to Longmen Avenue. - **Direct Bus from Jiaozuo to Longmen:** One bus per day, CNY 46/person. 2. Accommodation Recommendations - **Hotels in the City Center:** Luoyang city center has many budget-friendly and high-end hotels, suitable for short stays. - **B&Bs near the Scenic Area:** Suitable for tourists who want an in-depth cultural experience. 4. Special Experiences 1. Immersive Cultural Experiences - **Wushang Longmen Immersive Experience Hall:** Through a 360-degree holographic spherical screen cinema, visitors can "travel" to historical periods such as the Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties and experience the cultural charm of the Longmen Grottoes. - **Cultural and Creative Products:** Items such as the "Lushena Buddha" plush pendant and the "Flying Apsara umbrella" are popular among tourists. 2. Study Tours The Longmen Grottoes offer a variety of study programs, such as archaeological excavations and intangible cultural heritage inheritance, suitable for young visitors. 5. Important Notes and Respectful Visiting 1. Book tickets in advance through official channels to avoid queuing during peak seasons. 2. Follow the rules of the scenic area, protect cultural relics, and do not touch the stone carvings. 3. Pay attention to sun protection and hydration, as there is a lot of walking involved in the scenic area. Conclusion The Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang are not only a treasure trove of stone carving art but also a living history textbook. Whether you are a culture enthusiast, a history researcher, or an ordinary tourist, you can find your own inspiration and enlightenment here. We hope this guide will be helpful for your trip to the Longmen Grottoes!