Longmen grottoes

The Longmen grottoes, situated near Luoyang in Henan province, China, are one of the most extraordinary examples of Chinese Buddhist art and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Carved into the limestone cliffs along the Yi River, the grottoes stretch for approximately one kilometre and contain tens of thousands of statues and inscriptions, reflecting the profound spiritual and artistic achievements of ancient China. The construction of the grottoes began in the late 5th century during the Northern Wei Dynasty and continued for over 400 years, reaching their peak during the Tang Dynasty. This period of creation coincided with the flourishing of Buddhism in China, and the grottoes stand as a testament to the religion's integration into Chinese culture.
The Longmen Grottoes are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and the sheer scale of their artistic endeavours. Among the most famous sculptures is the Vairocana Buddha in the Fengxian Temple, a colossal statue standing over 17 metres tall, flanked by intricately detailed disciples and bodhisattvas. The grottoes also feature thousands of smaller niches and statues, each with unique expressions and postures, showcasing the skill and devotion of the artisans. In addition to the sculptures, the site contains numerous inscriptions that provide valuable insights into the religious, political, and social life of the time.
How to get to the Longmen grottoes
The site is about 10 minutes by taxi from the high speed rail station in Luoyang.
Accommodation
There are countless hotels in Luoyang, all bookable via hotel booking portals.