The Longmen Grottoes are a vast Buddhist cave-temple complex carved into the limestone cliffs on both banks of the Yi River, just south of Luoyang in Henan Province, China. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the caves were created over roughly 400 years from the Northern Wei dynasty (5th century) through the Tang dynasty, leaving some 1,400 caves and more than 100,000 statues. The crown jewel is the towering 17-meter Vairocana Buddha at Fengxian Temple, and the site stretches across the West Hill and East Hill, with a separate evening-illumination tour also available.
Fengxian Temple's Vairocana Buddha: a 17.14 m colossus whose serene smile earns it the nickname 'Eastern Mona Lisa' — the symbol of Longmen
Wanfo (Ten Thousand Buddha) Cave: over 15,000 tiny Buddhas densely carved across the walls, a Tang-dynasty masterpiece
The Three Binyang Caves and Guyang Cave: early grottoes showcasing the finest Northern Wei carving
Lotus Cave: admired for the exquisite lotus relief carved into its ceiling
The panoramic view of the entire West Hill cliff face seen from the East Hill across the river, plus Xiangshan Temple and Baiyuan Garden
Good to know
CautionIllegal taxis and unofficial 'guides' near the stations and terminals often push 'shortcuts' or 'temple tours.' Reports include meters switched off, doubled fares, and 100 RMB demanded for a short ride. Decline these offers and use public transit or a metered taxi.
RulesTickets use a real-name system, so you must carry your original passport to buy tickets and enter. Tickets can only be booked within 7 days (including the day of visit), so reserve ahead in peak season. (Confirm current rules before you go.)
MannersInside the caves, photography/filming, touching relics, graffiti or carving, and loud noise are strictly forbidden. This is a Buddhist sacred site, so stay quiet and respectful.
SeasonSummer (July–August) is hot and humid with almost no shade along the cliff path. Visit early morning or after 4 pm and bring a hat, umbrella and water. The West Hill statues are best lit in the morning sun.
SafetyThe riverside route has many steps and narrow walkways; a full loop takes 3–4 hours of walking and draws big crowds. Wear non-slip shoes and brace for heavy congestion during the Peony Festival (mid-to-late April) and Chinese public holidays.
Practical info
Admission is around CNY 90 (half-price CNY 45) and covers the West and East Hill caves plus Xiangshan Temple and Baiyuan Garden; the night tour is a separate ticket. Hours are seasonal — roughly 08:00–18:00 (Mar–Oct) and 08:00–17:00 (Nov–Feb). Reach it by bus 71, 99, etc. from Luoyang Longmen high-speed rail station, and use the official free shuttle. Confirm fares, hours and night-tour operation via official channels before visiting.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
