Longmen Grottoes

Longmen Grottoes facing the Yi River

 This enormous undertaking was carried out through a systematic, streamlined process divided into stages. First, site selection specialists chose suitable locations based on the rock structure and smoothed the cliff surfaces. Then, excavation workers carved the general outlines of the caves and statues according to the design. Next, more skilled craftsmen refined the details, including the faces, drapery, and decorations of the statues. Finally, master craftsmen completed the delicate facial features, such as eyes, and polished and colored the statues. The later stages required higher levels of expertise and were often handled by experienced specialists. This efficient division of labor allowed generations of craftsmen, each specializing in different tasks, to contribute their skills across dynasties. 
 

Fengxian Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty and it is the largest grotto in Longmen Grottoes with a width of 36 metres (about 118 feet) and a length of 41 metres (about 136 feet). There are nine major figures of various facial appearances and temperaments in the temple that were built in accordance with the Buddhist rite and their relationships by the artists. 
The most impressive figure is the statue of Vairocana Buddha sitting cross-legged on the eight-square lotus throne. It is 17.14 metres (about 56.23 feet) in total height with the head four metres (about 13 feet) in height and the ears 1.9 metres (about 6.2 feet) in length. Vairocana means illuminating all things in the sutra. The Buddha has a well-filled figure, a sacred and kindly expression and an elegant smile. According to the record on the epigraph, the Empress Wu Zetian together with her subjects took part in the ceremony of Introducing the Light (a Buddhist blessing that the Buddha opens the spiritual light of himself and shares it with others). 

Vairocana Buddha, the chief Buddha in Fengxian Temple

 

Wanfo Cave in Longmen Grottoes, completed in 680, is a typical chronological cave of the Tang Dynasty of two rooms and square flat roofs. Its name is due to the 15,000 small statues of Buddha chiseled in the southern and northern walls of the cave. The main Buddha Amida sits on the lotus Sumeru throne, having a composed and solemn face. The wall behind Amida is carved with 54 lotuses upon which there are 54 Bodhisattvas in different shapes and with various expressions.

In addition, there are lifelike reliefs of pretty and charming singers and dancers on the wall. The singers are accompanied by various kinds of instruments and the dancers dance lightly and gracefully to the music. The whole model in the cave has created a lively and cheerful atmosphere. On the southern wall outside the cave is carved a statue of Kwan-yin of 85 centimetres (about 33 inches) in height, holding a pure bottle in the left hand and deer's tails (as a symbol of brushing off the dust in spirit) in the right hand. This figure is well designed and is regarded as an example of Bodhisattva statues of Tang Dynasty in Longmen.
 Guyang Cave is the earliest cave in Longmen Grottoes. There are three tiers of niches on the northern and southern wall of the cave, in which are hundreds of statues, and most of the statues are engraved with the names of the artists, the dates and the reasons for carving them. The sculptures are of diverse shapes and patterns that are representations of the Gandhara Art style after the grotto art transmitted to Luoyang. A statue of Sakyamuni is situated in the middle with a whole height of 7.82 meters (about 25.66 feet). Nineteen of the most famous Twenty Calligraphies are found in Guyang Cave. Twenty Calligraphies represent the steles of the Wei's style, which are the essentials of stele calligraphies in Longmen Grottoes.
 

Longmen Grottoes

Statue of Vairocana Buddha, Fengxian Temple

 

After the construction of Guyang Cave, the royalty of the Northern Wei Dynasty constructed a series of larger-scale caves known as the North, South, and Middle Binyang Caves. Among them, the Middle Cave, taking the longest time from 500 to 523, is the only one of the three to be fully finished during the Northern Wei period. It houses 11 large statues: Sakyamuni with a dignified and serene appearance, flanked by disciples and bodhisattvas characterized by slender figures and graceful postures, is a typical artistic style of the late Northern Wei. The cave floor is engraved with lotus patterns, and the rooftop features a finely detailed relief of a flourishing lotus flower.

In the North Cave, the main Buddha statue has gained modern popularity for its hand gesture: the wide gap between the straightened index and middle fingers, combined with the bending of the thumb, ring, and little fingers, makes it resemble a "scissor hand" or "victory sign" we often see today. Contrary to popular belief, this was not the original design. The Buddha statue's thumb was initially extended straight, but it broke due to weathering, coincidentally forming this scissors-like posture. This gesture represents a rare Buddhist mudra, likely used by Buddhists during the chanting of sutras. It is believed that this hand posture, combined with reciting Buddhist scriptures, helps achieve spiritual progress more swiftly during Buddhist practices.
 Chiseled grottoes on the base of the natural limestone caves are also seen in Longmen, and the Lotus Cave is one of this type. Differing from sitting statues, Sakyamuni is of standing figure, showing that he has trudged a long distance to develop Buddhism from India to China. A huge relief of a well sculpted lotus flower is engraved on the dome, seedpod in the centre, petals in the outer and each leaf with honeysuckle patterns. Around the lotus are six flying musicians with vivid gestures, as if they are dancing along with the melodies of the music.

In addition, there is Prescription Cave that has about 140 prescriptions engraved on the walls, showing the achievements of medicine in ancient China. Some of the prescriptions are still used today. Other caves and temples like Xiangshan Temple, Huangfugong Cave, and Qianxi Temple can also be found in Longmen Grottoes.
 From April 1 to October 31 each year, visitors can enjoy the special "Lanterns Illuminating Longmen" night tour, experiencing the magic of the Longmen Grottoes after dark. Evening access includes the West Hill Grottoes and Xiangshan Temple. As night falls, the area is bathed in soft light, transforming the ancient stone Buddhas into a dreamlike spectacle. Strolling along the pathways, you can admire the illuminated caves and statues, which appear even more solemn and mystical under the night sky. The nearby river shimmers in the darkness, adding to the serene atmosphere. This offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the grottoes' grandeur in a different light, perfect for capturing stunning photos, especially when dressed in traditional Han attire. 

While enjoying the beauty of the lit-up caves, some visitors may wonder whether the lighting could harm the pigments on the Buddha statues. The answer is no. On the one hand, the colored pigments used in the statues are mineral-based and have already stabilized through long-term natural oxidation. On the other hand, the lighting is carefully designed in strict accordance with conservation principles: it does not shine directly onto the statues, and its intensity complies fully with heritage protection standards, ensuring no harm to the precious pigments or the stone surfaces.
 

March - October: 8:00 - 19:00, with last entry at 18:00
November - February: 8:00 - 18:00, with last entry at 17:00

Notes:
1. Ticket sales stop 30 minutes before the last entry time.
2. During the Qingming Festival (Apr. 4 - 6), May Day Holiday (May 1 - 5), National Day Holiday (Oct. 1 - 7), and on weekends of the Luoyang Peony Culture Festival, it opens 30 minutes earlier and closes 30 minutes later.
 

►Ticket Sales: 17:30 - 19:30
►Admission: 18:00 - 20:00
►Closing Time: 21:00
►Lighting time: The lights at the Longmen Grottoes are typically turned on gradually from 18:00. After 19:30, as more lights are illuminated, the viewing experience becomes increasingly impressive.
 

The entrance fee is CNY 90 and includes admission to the grottoes on the East and West Hills, Xiangshan Temple, and Bai Garden.
Children under 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) are admitted free of charge.

Notes: 
1. The ticket covers both day and night visits. 
2. Foreign visitors can purchase tickets online by entering passport information through the Longmen Grottoes official WeChat account, or buy them in person at the ticket office.

 Longmen Grottoes Tickets Booking
 

►Take Bus 118, 99, 60, 81, or 53 to Longmen Grottoes Station, taking about 40 minutes.

►By Taxi: The fare is approximately CNY 30 to 40, and the journey takes about 20 minutes.
 ►Board bus 81 and get off at the last station, with a journey of approximately 75 minutes.

►By Metro + Bus: Ride Metro Line 2, then transfer to bus 60, 118, 81 at Longmen Avenue Yiluo Road Station, or transfer to bus 71 at Longmen Avenue Tongheng Road Station, with a total time of approximately one hour.

►By Taxi: It costs around CNY 70 to 80, with a travel time of roughly 30 minutes.
 ►Take bus 71 and get off at Longmen Shiku Station, taking roughly 35 minutes.

►By Metro + Bus: Use Metro Line 2, then change to bus 60, 118, 81,53, or 99 at Longmen Avenue Yiluo Road Station，which takes around 40 minutes.

►By Taxi: The cost is about CNY 20 to 30, and the trip takes approximately 15 minutes.
 Take a bullet train from Beijng West Railway Station to Longmen Railway Station, which takes around 3 to 4.5 hours, and then follow the above ways to get there.
 

Further Reading:  
Twenty Inscriptions of Longmen Grottoes
9 Historical Places in China You Should Never Miss