Luoyang Longmen Grottoes | One of Asia's Top 100 Must-See Spots in 2025!

🌟Luoyang Longmen Grottoes | One of Asia's Top 100 Must-See Spots in 2025! Your ultimate guide to April and May: A timeless spectacle of light and shadow! 🔥Why are the Longmen Grottoes so hot? The 2025 Asian travel list is out! Luoyang Longmen Grottoes have made it onto the "Asia's Top 100 Must-See Spots." This "open-air stone carving museum," spanning from the Northern Wei to the prosperous Tang Dynasty, is about to take over your social media feeds! While the peonies fade in April and May, the grottoes shine—lush greenery, clear waters, and warm sunlight make every photo a historical masterpiece! ------------------------------------------------- 🚌Getting There: Your complete route guide 📍Address: 13 Longmen Middle Street, Luolong District, Luoyang City, Longmen Grottoes ✅ How to get there: - By plane: Luoyang Beijiao Airport → 30-minute taxi ride (approx. CNY 50) - By high-speed rail: Luoyang Longmen Station → Take bus No. 71/53 for 20 minutes (CNY 2) - By car: Parking lots are available at both the north and south gates of the scenic area (CNY 10/day) ⚠️ Tip: Arrive before 8:00 am to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquil morning light of the grottoes! ------------------------------------------------- 🌸What makes the Longmen Grottoes so special in April and May? 1️⃣ The Golden Hour of the Lushena Buddha In the early morning, the sun shines obliquely on the West Hill Grottoes. The Lushena Buddha (17.14m high), with a compassionate expression and gilded body, resembles the "Mona Lisa of the East"! 2️⃣ A cruise through the Yi River landscape painting The clear waters of the Yi River reflect the beauty of Longmen Mountain. Take a boat trip (CNY 40/person) through the "Yi Que" canyon and see the grottoes on both sides sparkling like stars! 3️⃣ The lingering charm of peonies at Xiangshan Temple Although the peonies have withered by the end of April, the roses in Bai Garden (Bai Juyi's former residence) at Xiangshan Temple are in full bloom. The red walls of the ancient temple complement the green vines, creating a Zen-like atmosphere! ------------------------------------------------- 📸Must-See Photo Spots 1. West Hill Grottoes Center Stage: Shoot upwards from the foot of the Lushena Buddha, capturing both the Buddha's light and yourself in the frame (wide-angle lens a must!). 2. Panoramic view from the Buddhist worship platform: At the entrance of the East Hill Grottoes, overlook the Yi River and the entire West Hill Grottoes. 3. Binyang Three Caves Light Show: At 3:00 pm, sunlight penetrates the cave entrance, making the carved flying apsaras appear to dance. 4. The mysterious smile of the Guyang Cave: A masterpiece of the Northern Wei Dynasty's "showy bone and clear image" style. Side lighting enhances the vividness of the Buddha statue. ------------------------------------------------- 🚶Easy 3-Hour Itinerary West Hill Grottoes (2h) → Cross the Manshui Bridge → East Hill Grottoes (0.5h) → Xiangshan Temple (0.5h) → Bai Garden (optional) ✅ Must-see grottoes: - Fengxian Temple (home to the Lushena Buddha) - Wanfo Cave (15,000 small Buddha niches) - Lotus Cave (a ceiling adorned with Tang Dynasty flying apsaras) ⚠️ Tip: The scenic area's electric shuttle bus costs CNY 10/person—a must for those who prefer not to walk. Audio guides are CNY 30/unit. We recommend scanning the QR code for the official audio guide (more affordable). ------------------------------------------------- 💡Tips to Avoid Pitfalls⚠️ 1. Wear sneakers! The West Hill Grottoes have many steps, and the stone paths can be slippery.⚠️ 2. Sunscreen + sun hat: There's no shade in the open areas, and the midday UV rays are strong.☂️ 3. Off-peak secret: After 4:00 pm, the crowds thin out, and the grottoes are bathed in golden light at dusk, doubling your chances of getting great photos! 4. Night tour bonus: Night tours are available from April to October (reservations required). The grottoes are dreamlike under the lights. ------------------------------------------------- 🍜Nearby Food: A Luoyang culinary explosion Outside the Longmen Grottoes: Try the intangible cultural heritage "Luoyang Water Banquet." Must-try dishes include Peony Yandai and Jiaozha Meatballs (we recommend "Longmen Li Family Water Banquet"). Downtown Luoyang: Old Town Cross Street Night Market offers beef soup with flatbread, jiangmian noodles, and bufan soup to satisfy your hunger! ------------------------------------------------- 📌Practical Information 🎫 Tickets: CNY 90 (includes West Hill, East Hill, Xiangshan Temple, and Bai Garden) ⏰ Opening hours: 8:00 am - 6:30 pm (night tour 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm) 🚫 Taboos: Do not touch the Buddha statues! Protect cultural relics and respect religious beliefs. ------------------------------------------------- ✨Your 2025 Asian travel list has been updated! If you missed the peonies in April and May, you can still experience the breathtaking remnants of the Tang Dynasty at the Longmen Grottoes. Take this guide and travel through a thousand years! 💬 Discussion topic: What attraction best represents Chinese culture in your opinion?____ We'll pick three commenters to receive a Luoyang cultural and creative gift pack!