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Longmen Grottoes

Longmen Grottoes龙门石窟

The Longmen Grottoes line both banks of the Yi River on Luoyang's southern outskirts, ranked with Mogao at Dunhuang, Yungang at Datong and Maijishan at Tianshui among China's four great grotto complexes. First cut in the Northern Wei and continued through the Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties and Song over more than 400 years, they hold 2,345 niches and over 100,000 statues.

Luoyang · Visitor Guide2026-10-27

Quick Answer

Is Longmen Grottoes worth visiting?

One of China's four great grotto sites, with some 100,000 Buddha figures carved into the cliffs on both banks of the Yi River, framed by Xiangshan Temple and Bai Garden.

Quick facts

Ticket	Adults CNY 90 (covers West Hill caves, East Hill caves, Xiangshan Temple and Bai Garden); students/seniors CNY 45
Hours	08:00-18:00 (may extend to 19:00 in peak season)
Recommended duration	3-5 hours
Best time to visit	April-June (peony festival season); September-November (autumn)
How to get there	Bus 81 direct from Luoyang railway station; or metro Line 1 to the terminus and transfer to a bus
English signage	Yes
Wheelchair accessible	Partial
First carved	Northern Wei dynasty (493)
Construction span	Over 400 years
Niches	2,345
Statues	Over 100,000
World Heritage	Yes (2000)
Largest statue	Vairocana Buddha of Fengxian Temple (17 m)

What to expect

The Longmen Grottoes spread along both banks of the Yi River 13 km south of Luoyang — one of the largest and densest treasuries of stone carving in the world. Begun around the time Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei moved his capital to Luoyang and continued for over 400 years, the caves and niches honeycomb the limestone cliffs on either side of the river.

The West Hill caves hold the finest work. The Vairocana Buddha of Fengxian Temple stands 17 m tall, its face serene and classically beautiful — said, by legend, to be carved in the likeness of Empress Wu Zetian. The Ten Thousand Buddha Cave, packed with 15,000 small figures, is a marvel of density.

The East Hill caves are smaller but better protected, their statues retaining more of the original colour. Xiangshan Temple crowns the east bank, where the Tang poet Bai Juyi spent his last years, and Bai Garden, his tomb, lies among solemn pines and cypresses.

How to get there

Bus 81 runs direct from Luoyang railway station to the grottoes, about an hour. Direct buses also serve Luoyang Longmen high-speed rail station. By car, take Wangcheng Avenue to the South Ring Road.

Best photo spots

The full face of the Vairocana Buddha
The grotto panorama across the Yi River
The ranks of small Buddhas in the Ten Thousand Buddha Cave
Xiangshan Temple's mountain gate
Longmen by night (the light show)

Tips

With so many caves, hire a guide or rent the audio guide first
The Vairocana Buddha is the must-see; avoid shooting into the light
Peak season is shoulder-to-shoulder — come early or toward dusk
Xiangshan Temple and Bai Garden sit across the river — leave time for them
In summer the banks offer little shade — bring sun protection

Scams to avoid

Private guides vary wildly in quality — book through the scenic area's official channels
Vendors at the gate sell stone rubbings of dubious authenticity; buy from proper shops
Parking fees may be arbitrarily set by locals

Frequently asked questions

Longmen or Yungang — which is more worth it?

Both rank among China's four great grottoes, each with its own character. Longmen is dominated by Tang-era carving and is larger; Yungang is Northern Wei in style, with more spectacular open-air statuary. Different enough to justify seeing both.

How long should I allow?

Plan on 3-5 hours: about 2-3 for the West Hill caves, and 1-2 more for the East Hill caves, Xiangshan Temple and Bai Garden.

What is it like in winter?

Winter is low season — fewer visitors, and you can study the art in peace. Some caves may close for protection.

Other things to do in Luoyang

Baiyun Mountain (Luoyang)

Yuhuangding, the highest summit of the Central Plains at 2,216 m, delivers spectacular seas of cloud, sunrise views and fiery autumn foliage — a celebrated summer escape.

Luoyang Museum

A National First-Grade museum holding 5,000 years of Heluo civilization — the evidence of 'the earliest China.

Luoyang Old Street

Night-market culture atop the Sui-Tang city of Luoyang — lantern-lit streets for tasting the water banquet and street snacks; best spent over 1-2 evening hours.

Shaolin Temple

The 'First Temple Under Heaven' — birthplace of Shaolin kung fu and the emblem of Chinese martial arts; admission CNY 80 and allow 4-6 hours.

Museums in Luoyang

Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum

Walk through 25 reconstructed underground tombs spanning 1,500 years — from Han Dynasty brick chambers to Song Dynasty frescoed vaults — in the world's only museum dedicated to ancient burial.

Longmen Grottoes Museum

The museum documenting the Longmen Grottoes (龙门石窟) — one of China's four great Buddhist cave temple sites with 100,000+ Buddhist images carved between 493 CE and the Tang Dynasty. ¥90.