Home > Attractions >
Longmen Grottoes
Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang is one of the well-known grottoes along the silk road. The grandiose cave filled with immense Buddha decorated with intricated designs is a testament to the skill and wealth of the people who inhabited Luoyang and their devotion to Buddhism. The caves are divided into West Mountain and East Mountain. Dongshan Grottoes are mostly works of the Tang Dynasty, and the West Mountain Grottoes were excavated in the Northern Dynasty and the Sui and Tang dynasties.
Fengxian Temple is the largest and most exquisite group of cliff carvings in Longmen Grottoes; there are nine significant figures of various facial appearances and temperaments in the temple built following the Buddhist rite their relationships by the artists.
Guyang Cave is one of the oldest caves In Longmen, built from AD 428 to 488; it has large images of the royal family and the nobles of the Northern Wei period. Three tiers of Buddha statues in different sizes are carved on the north and the south walls. The states in typical Wei fashion, feature elongated necks and boxlike heads with stylistically rich patterns.
The Vairocana Buddha ( Lushena Buddha ) is the giant Buddha statue in the Longmen Grottoes; this statue is covered in cascades, with a full face, a slightly curled mouth, and a slight smile, a symbolic figure of the Tang Dynasty.
What to visit in Longmen Grottoes?
Considered as the most excellent examples of Chinese Buddhist art, Longmen Grottoes is the best place for history lovers to explore the Charm of Luoyang. It has more than 2800 inscriptions, 70 pagodas, and 100,000 statues. When you are entering this magnificent scenery, you will be astonished by this thousand-year art treasure house and beautiful sculpture art. Now, let's start exploring the Longmen Grottoes.Fengxian Temple is the largest and most exquisite group of cliff carvings in Longmen Grottoes; there are nine significant figures of various facial appearances and temperaments in the temple built following the Buddhist rite their relationships by the artists.
Guyang Cave is one of the oldest caves In Longmen, built from AD 428 to 488; it has large images of the royal family and the nobles of the Northern Wei period. Three tiers of Buddha statues in different sizes are carved on the north and the south walls. The states in typical Wei fashion, feature elongated necks and boxlike heads with stylistically rich patterns.
The Vairocana Buddha ( Lushena Buddha ) is the giant Buddha statue in the Longmen Grottoes; this statue is covered in cascades, with a full face, a slightly curled mouth, and a slight smile, a symbolic figure of the Tang Dynasty.
Opening Hours & Admission Fee
|
Opening Hours
|
* 08:00 - 17:30; stop selling time: 17:00 ( 15th November - 31st January, Monday-Sunday).
* 08:00-18:00; stop selling time: 17:30 ( 1st February - 31st March, 8th October - 14th November, Monday-Sunday). * 08:00-18:30; stop selling time: 17:30 ( 1st April - 7th October, Monday - Sunday ). |
|
Admission Fee
|
CNY 90
|
|
Shuttle Bus
|
CNY 20
|
|
Recommended Time For a Visit
|
1-3 Hours
|
Climate & Weather of Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang:
Luoyang has a warm temperate continental monsoon climate, with windy springs and dry climate in spring, hot summers, centralized rain, adequate sunshine, dry and cold winters, and sparse rain and snow. From April to November ( Spring-Autumn ) are the best seasons to visit the Longmen Grottoes. Summer can be sweltering and winter bitingly cold. Meanwhile, The Annual Luoyang Peony Festival from 10th to 25th April is the best time to see the blooming peonies, so there may be exciting activities during the festival.
Annual Temperature of the Year/℃ ( High-Low )
| Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Aug. | May. | Jun. |
| 1/-1 | 5/-2 | 16/5 | 20/11 | 27/16 | 35/23 |
| Jul. | Aug. | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
| 32/13 | 30/23 | 26/17 | 20/12 | 10/5 | 7/-1 |
The History of Longmen Grottoes:
Longmen Grottoes was built in the late 5th century during the reign of Emperor Xiaowen when the Wei Dynasty moved its capital from Datong (where they created the famous Yungang Grotto) to Luoyang. At this time, Chinese Buddhism was reaching its first peak, and the emperor was a pious believer.
Carving continued after the Wei Dynasty through the successive six dynasties, including Tang and Song, for over 400 years, and the Tang Dynasty witnessed the second peak of Buddhist belief.
Carving continued after the Wei Dynasty through the successive six dynasties, including Tang and Song, for over 400 years, and the Tang Dynasty witnessed the second peak of Buddhist belief.
How to Get to Longmen Grottoes:
Take the train to Longmen Grottoes, travelers have to arrive at Luoyang Station or Luoyang Longmen Station first, and then transfer to the bus or drive to the Longmen Grottoes
1) Luoyang Station: Take bus No. 81 directly: get on from [ Luoyang Station (West Plaza) ] and get off at [ Longmen Grottoes Station ].
2) Luoyang Longmen Station: Walk to [ Tongqu Road Houzaimen Jiekou East Station ], take the No. 67 or 71 and get off at [ Longmen Grottoes Station ], the fare is CNY 1. Then take a taxi to Longmen Grottoes.
1) Luoyang Station: Take bus No. 81 directly: get on from [ Luoyang Station (West Plaza) ] and get off at [ Longmen Grottoes Station ].
2) Luoyang Longmen Station: Walk to [ Tongqu Road Houzaimen Jiekou East Station ], take the No. 67 or 71 and get off at [ Longmen Grottoes Station ], the fare is CNY 1. Then take a taxi to Longmen Grottoes.
Related Articles & Tours
* Longmen Grottoes: A Symbol of Ancient Cultural * Grottoes of the Silk Road
* Silk Road Buddhism Tour * Track the Footstep of Tang Sanzang Adventure Tour
* Silk Road Buddhism Tour * Track the Footstep of Tang Sanzang Adventure Tour
