Longmen Grottoes
Longmen Grottoes Facts
Longmen Grottoes Overview
Also known as Longmen Caves, a world heritage site named in 2000, the sculptures of the Longmen Grottoes in China are an outstanding manifestation of Chinese Buddhism and human artistic creativity. They represent China’s most extensive and impeccably conserved ancient cave temple complex, originally commissioned by imperial rulers. Along the cliffs, there are more than 2100 niches and 2,800 inscribed stone tablets. Moreover, Buddhist pagodas and nearly 110,000 Buddhist images and statues still exist today.Longmen Grottoes History
In 493 AD, Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty relocated the capital to Luoyang, and he implemented a policy of Sinicization. Buddhist art was then consequently transitioned from the Yungang style of Pingcheng (present-day Datong) to the Central Plains style, marking the beginning of the Luoyang Longmen Grottoes' construction. Regarding when the Longmen Caves were built, overall, the continuous carving of the grottoes spanned over 400 years. Large-scale carving occurred mainly in two phases, with the Northern Wei and Tang becoming the main empires to build Longmen Caves. The first phase was during the Northern Wei Dynasty (493-528 AD), lasting 35 years under Emperors Xiaowen, Xuanwu, and Xiaoming. During the Tang Dynasty, one of the top 6 greatest dynasties of China, the Longmen Grottoes experienced a second peak in statue carving under the patronage of the ruling class. Masterpieces such as the Qianxi Temple, Fengxian Temple, and Wanfo Cave were created then.Why Were the Longmen Caves Built
During the turbulent Wei-Jin and Northern-Southern Dynasties (4th-early 6th century), as wars and disasters devastated common people's lives, Buddhism's promise of future bliss in exchange for present suffering gained powerful appeal. Its teaching that cave excavation and statue creation could accumulate karmic merit for enlightenment perfectly addressed the populace's spiritual crisis. This symbiosis fueled Buddhism's explosive growth.
On the other hand, Longmen, aka Yique during the Northern Wei Dynasty, located about 25 kilometers southwest of the ancient Chinese imperial capital Luoyang, is ideal for monastic meditation with its remote and tranquil environment. Together with its exceptional limestone and perfect carving texture, it became particularly suitable for excavating large caves and Buddhist statues. Hence, the imperial courts went so far as to utilize state financial resources to excavate grottoes at Longmen.
What Makes Longmen Grottoes a Must-Visit
1. A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Recognized globally, Longmen Grottoes are one of the top Buddhist grottoes in China and are not to be missed during your China heritage tour. These works, entirely devoted to the Buddhist religion, represent the high point of Chinese stone carving. Visiting them is like walking through a living museum of Buddhist art.
2. Exquisite Carving Craftsmanship
The carving art of Longmen Grottoes can be called a masterpiece, having endured over 400 years from the Northern Wei to the Song Dynasty, bearing witness to the ingenuity of countless artists. The Buddhist stone carvings here are so lifelike that they seem to transport people into a mysterious and solemn world. Whether it's the breathtaking grandeur or the exquisite craftsmanship, one cannot help but marvel at nature's miraculous work and humanity's infinite wisdom.
3. Valuable Scriptures and Inscriptions
In addition to Buddhist statues, the Longmen Grottoes also contain a large number of carved scriptures, inscriptions, and dedicatory texts, which document the historical, cultural, and Buddhist propagation traces of that time. Among them, the Tang Dynasty's "Zhen Ti Si Bei" (True Meaning Temple Stele) inscription is particularly rich in content, so don't miss it during your Henan tours to Luoyang.
4. A Glimpse of Chinese History and Culture
The walls of the Longmen Caves are carved with a large collection of reliefs and murals depicting Buddhist stories, historical events, court life, and folk legends. Additionally, the diverse statue styles demonstrate the aesthetic preferences of different historical periods. For instance, you'll marvel at the simple and unadorned style of the Northern Wei, the ornate and exquisite style of the Sui and Tang, and the vigorous and bold style of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms.Attractions of Longmen Grottoes: Best Things to See
The Longmen Grottoes are a highlighted place of interest to add on your China kung fu tours, together with Shaolin Temple. The scenic area consists of four main attractions: the West Hill Grottoes, East Hill Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, and Bai Garden, with the West Hill being the most exquisite and representative section.
1. West Hill GrottoesFengxian Temple
It houses the largest and most artistically exquisite group of cliff-carved sculptures. Vairocana, the principal Buddha of Longmen Grottoes Buddhist sculptures, stands at an imposing height of 17.14 meters, appearing to gaze directly at viewers from every angle. With its full, rounded face and enigmatic smile, it has been acclaimed as the "Oriental Mona Lisa." According to the legend, this Buddha statue was carved in the likeness of Empress Wu Zetian, representing the pinnacle of Tang Dynasty sculptural art.Binyang Caves
Comprising the Middle Binyang Cave, South Binyang Cave, and North Binyang Cave, these were imperial grottoes funded by the Northern Wei royal family. Among them, the Longmen Grottoes’ Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the Middle Binyang Cave exemplifies the aesthetic style of the Northern Wei period, with its slender cheeks and elongated physique.
Wanfo Cave
It is a must-visit on your China religious tours to Longmen Caves. This sacred cave derives its name from its astonishing collection of 15,000 meticulously carved miniature Buddhas, each standing only 4 centimeters tall. The lotus caisson on the cave ceiling is surrounded by numerous celestial musicians playing pipas or transverse flutes. A standing Guanyin Bodhisattva statue on the southern side of the entrance displays an "S"-shaped curve, perfectly embodying the elegance and dignity of Tang Dynasty Buddhist sculptures at Longmen Grottoes.Lotus Cave
The Lotus Cave in Longmen Grottoes is named after a huge and exquisite high-relief lotus on its ceiling, which is a 3.6-meter-wide masterpiece of stone carving. The petals are plump and rounded, with smooth, flowing lines, and the lotus seedpod at the center is clearly visible. Surrounded by apsaras and other decorative patterns, the lotus resembles a sacred flower blooming in the Buddhist paradise.Guyang Cave
Also called Old Sun Cave, Guyang Cave was carved under Emperor Xiaowen's decree to honor his grandmother. It is the earliest excavated and most richly decorated cave in the Longmen Grottoes. The cave's four walls and ceiling are densely covered with Buddhist niches of varying sizes. Except for Buddhas in the Old Sun Cave at Longmen Grottoes, there is also a large number of dedicatory inscriptions, many of which are exquisite calligraphic works, including the "Twenty Inscriptions of Longmen".2. East Hill Grottoes
Kanjing Temple
This is the largest grotto on the East Hill of Longmen Caves. The entire chamber is square-shaped with no main statue on the rear wall. Inside are 29 high-relief arhat statues, vividly lifelike, representing the most exquisite existing group of Tang Dynasty arhat sculptures in China and the largest arhat statue group in Chinese grotto art.Buddha Worship Platform
You will definitely appreciate this platform's optimal positioning, as it allows you to enjoy the Longmen Grottoes vistas and capture the Vairocana Buddha in perfect composition.
3. Xiangshan Temple
Within the temple grounds, you can explore historic treasures like Jiang Song's Villa, the venerable Nine Elders Pavilion, and imperial steles inscribed by Emperor Qianlong. It is also the perfect location for taking photos of Longmen Grottoes and the Yi River.4. Bai Garden
As China's only memorial garden honoring the Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi, this serene sanctuary features his final resting place, a winding Poetry Walk inscribed with his verses, and the lush Green Valley.
Best Time to Visit Longmen Grottoes
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to travel to China’s Longmen Caves, during which the weather is mild and the scenery is picturesque. If you visit there in April, you can coincidentally encounter the Luoyang Peony Festival and witness the beauty of peonies and the grandeur of the grottoes. You can also visit the Longmen Grottoes in winter, which unveils the grottoes' serene charm dusted with snow. Just note that some roads may be icy, remember to check out the Luoyang weather before you go.How to Get to Longmen Grottoes
From Beijing to Longmen Grottoes
For a Beijing to Luoyang travel, high-speed trains prove to be the most convenient way. It takes just 3-4 hours from Beijing West Station to Luoyang Longmen Station. Upon arrival, take a taxi to Longmen Cave's Northwest Service Center, with a fare of 10-15 yuan. Alternatively, after exiting the railway station, walk to Longmen Avenue Guangfu Road Station and take bus No. 53, 60, or 81, getting off at Longmen Grottoes Station, and you’ll be there.
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From Xi’an to Longmen Grottoes
At a distance of 380 km from Xi’an, the Longmen Grottoes are most conveniently reached by high-speed train. Simply make your way to Xi'an North Railway Station and take the high-speed train to Luoyang Longmen Station, with many train schedules available and a journey time of about 1.5 hours. After arriving, you can get to the Longmen Grottoes by taxi (most direct) or local buses 53/60/81 (budget-friendly option).
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Plan Your Luoyang Longmen Grottoes Tour with ETC
Every cave in the Longmen Grottoes has its own historical story. Why not travel with us Easy Tour China, a travel agency specializing in China tours for over 20 years? Besides arranging the itinerary according to your preferences, our professional guides will also give you detailed explanations about the history and culture of the caves. If you want to customize your Luoyang Longmen Grottoes tour, feel free to contact us. Or browse our selection of bestselling China tour packages below to start your journey.
