Longmen Grottoes 龙门石窟 Travel Guide
Longmen Grottoes Overview
One of the three most famous ancient sculptural sites in China (the others being Yungang Caves at Datong and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang) the Longmen Grottoes contain a staggering 100,000 Buddhist statues along a 1km long cliff face. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the carvings date back almost 2,900 years and despite damage by both unscrupulous collectors and red guards during the Cultural Revolution, remain one of China’s most impressive sites.
Best Months to Visit Longmen Grottoes
Best Reason to Visit Longmen Grottoes
Simply the spectacle of the carvings and the sheer scale of the site.
The Longmen Grottoes
None of the caves can be entered in order to protect the relics but it is easy enough to view the contents from outside. There is plenty to see and the best way is to just wander around along the paths and stop at the caves which interest you. Highlights are the Middle Binyang Cave built by the emperor Xuanwu in honour of his parents. South Binyang cave and Hidden Stream Temple Cave which underwent restoration in the 1990s.
Weather Averages for Longmen Grottoes
Our Top Longmen Grottoe Travel Tip
Easily fitted in to any trip going from Beijing to Xian the Grottoes are one of many slightly less visited sights in this part of China including Shaolin Si.
Longmen Grottoes Accommodation
Almost everyone stays in the nearby city of Luoyang where we recommend the superb Christian’s Hotel.
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By Phil Stanley & Headseast – TCTC Destination Expert.