Longmen Grottoes

||. One of China's four major grottoes, the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, is located in the southern suburbs of Luoyang, Henan Province, China. It is situated on the cliffs of Longmen Mountain and Xiangshan Mountain on both sides of the Yi River. The grottoes here were mainly excavated over a period of more than 400 years from the Northern Wei to the Northern Song dynasties. To this day, there are still more than 2,100 niches (or wall niches) with over 100,000 Buddha statues and more than 3,600 inscriptions. Most of these are located on the west bank of the Yi River. The excavation of the Longmen Grottoes spanned multiple dynasties, beginning in the Northern Wei period under Emperor Xiaowen, flourishing in the Tang Dynasty, and concluding at the end of the Qing Dynasty. Currently, there are 2,345 existing niches and over 110,000 statues. ✅ About tickets 🎫: Day tickets and night tour tickets (both are 90 per person) ⚠️ PS: Recently, in summer, it is recommended to buy tickets for around 5 PM, so you can see both the daytime and nighttime illuminated scenery. Especially for those who come specifically to check in, you will definitely see more and not miss out! ⚠️ Differences between day and night tours: ❤️ During the day, you can see: Xishan Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, Bai Garden (Bai Juyi's cemetery) ‼️ At night, you can see: Xishan Grottoes and Xiangji Temple, but you can see the illuminated effect of the grottoes from the opposite Lifo Terrace, which is truly stunning! ✅ Tour route: Northwest Service Area (this is the closest) → Enter the scenic area → Xishan Grottoes (this is where everyone takes photos and checks in online) → Cross the submerged bridge (note that the scenic area is a one-way tour, once you exit, you can't re-enter) → Lifo Terrace (wait for the lights to turn on, around 7:20 PM) → Take the electric car back to the Northwest Service Area (it's about 700 meters to the entrance) ⚠️ Notes: The Xishan area is where everyone will definitely stay the longest because many people want to take photos. Specifically, there are Binyang Cave, Wanfo Cave, Lianhua Cave, and Fengxian Temple. When taking photos, be sure to find multiple angles. Use a wide-angle lens for full-body shots, or use a value of around 3 for half-body shots near the railing! ❤️ The lights turn on around 7:20 PM. Wait a little longer until it's completely dark for a better viewing experience. ✅ Travel tips: Shoes: Make sure they are comfortable, preferably sports shoes, as there is quite a bit of walking! Clothes: Black, white, and red all look good in photos, or if you have time, you can dress up for the occasion. Transportation: There are direct buses (10 yuan per person) from Luoyi Ancient City, White Horse Temple, Yingtian Gate, and Luoyang Longmen High-Speed Railway Station. After watching the lights at Lifo Terrace at night, be sure to buy electric car tickets quickly, as there are many people and you will need to queue. Around 8 PM, there are also buses (5 yuan per person) from the Northwest Service Area to downtown attractions. ❤️ No matter where you travel, always pay attention to safety! Go out happily and return home safely!

【Must-See Attractions Walking Guide】🏯 🌟TOP1: Longmen Grottoes 👉World-class wonder! The 17-meter-tall Vairocana Buddha exudes majestic vibes 🎫Ticket: ¥90 (half-price for students) ✨Hidden gem: Magical lighting after 5 PM 💫 🚤Boat ride: ¥50/person (Highly recommended! Unique cave views) 🕊️TOP2: White Horse Temple China's first Buddhist temple lives up to its fame! 📸Photo spot: International Buddhist zone transports you to Southeast Asia 🎫Ticket: ¥35 (Best value) 🏛️TOP3: Luoyang Museum Free❗But book in advance Treasure: Cao Wei white jade cup – breathtaking beauty ⏳Suggested time: 3 hours (Closed Mondays) 🌃TOP4: Yingtianmen Gate + Mingtang & Tiantang Stunning night views! Don't miss the Saturday 8:30 PM light show 📷Pro tip: Hanfu outfits on the tower make epic photos 🍜【Foodie's Must-Try Map】🍜 🔥TOP1: Zhenbutong Restaurant Luoyang Water Banquet at its finest! ~¥80/person Must-order: Peony Swallow Dish (Radish shreds never looked this elegant!) 🥣TOP2: Nanguan Small Bowl Beef Soup ¥15/bowl with free refills! Perfect with shredded pancakes ⏰Opens at 5 AM (Locals swear by this timing) 🍡TOP3: Cross Street Night Market ¥10 for skewered beef tripe! ¥5 for silver-thread pastries Best after 7 PM – vibrant atmosphere 🚗【Transport & Accommodation】🚗 ✈️Airport to downtown: Metro Line 2 (40-minute direct ride) 🏨Hotels: Budget: Cross Street homestays (¥150-250/night) Luxury: Huamao Chunsong Hotel (includes Hanfu experience) 💰【3D2N Budget】💰 Tickets: ¥300 Food: ¥150/day Accommodation: ¥250-600/night Total: ¥1000-1500 (Flexible options) ⚠️【Pitfall Avoidance】⚠️ 1️⃣April peony festival = extreme crowds! 2️⃣Hanfu rentals are cheaper on Minzhu Street than at scenic spots 3️⃣July-August is scorching – sunscreen essential 💡Money-saving hack: ¥99 annual travel pass = unlimited entry to 7 major sites! 📆【Classic Itinerary】 Day1: Longmen Grottoes → Zhenbutong Water Banquet → Luoyang Museum → Luoyi Ancient City Day2: White Horse Temple → Yingtianmen Gate → Mingtang & Tiantang → "Trace of Luoshen" show Day3: Laojun Mountain day trip (¥260 all-inclusive tour) 👑Not just China's ancient capital of 13 dynasties, but also a carb-lover's paradise! Millennia of Vairocana Buddha's gaze + the aroma of beef soup – you'll fall in love at first visit~

Laojun Mountain, 2025 Central Plains Snow Trekking, this is the ultimate winter romance❄️ In the winter of 2025, Laojun Mountain becomes a "fairyland palace" as soon as it snows—red walls wrapped in snow, rime covering the halls, crunching footsteps on the snow, and looking up to see the glazed tiles shining like scattered jade—this is no earthly place, it’s clearly the Heavenly Palace from Journey to the West✨ 🌨️ How amazing is the snow on Laojun Mountain? As the highest peak of the 800-li Funiu Mountains (elevation 2217 meters), Laojun Mountain after snow directly welds the word "fairy" onto its summit: - Red walls and golden tiles covered with thick snow, icicles hanging from eaves, sparkling like scattered diamonds in the sunlight; - Rime covering every branch, snowflakes falling softly with the wind, walking on the mountain path feels like entering a "limited edition pear blossom rain"; - At the summit of Funiu, the sea of clouds rolls with snowy waves, distant halls half-hidden, you can almost hear "fairy music" (actually just the wind hhhh) 🚶‍♀️ This trek is not just about the snow The 2025 "Snow Trekking in Central Plains" route perfectly combines culture and snowy scenery: ✅ Cross Laojun Mountain: walk the "Taoist ancestral court" trail, touch the snow-covered walls of the thousand-year-old Taoist temple, listen to the mountain wind rustling ancient cypresses ✅ Explore Central Plains hidden gems: visit Songshan, White Horse Temple, Shaolin Temple, Longmen Grottoes along the way, the snowy ancient temples create an immersive atmosphere (Note: Laojun Mountain is the only 5A scenic spot not open to foreigners, so this "unique" snowy scenery is ours to fully enjoy!) 📌 Practical Tips - Mountain paths are slippery in winter, it’s recommended to wear anti-slip shoes and bring trekking poles - The summit is cold, fully gear up with down jackets, heat packs, hats, and scarves - Want to capture snow scenes without people? It’s best to enter the mountain before 7 AM to have the entire "Heavenly Palace" to yourself This winter, don’t just focus on the northern snow! Laojun Mountain’s "fairy palace white" is the unique romantic highlight of the Central Plains~

📆 [Itinerary] ⛱️ Must-see attractions: Longmen Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, Bai Garden, Luoyang Museum 📆 Itinerary: Day 1: Take bus No. 81 from Luoyang Station directly to Longmen Grottoes, visit the West Hill Grottoes and East Hill Grottoes, and admire the exquisite stone carvings such as the Lushena Buddha; walk to Xiangshan Temple to feel the tranquility and history of the ancient Tang Dynasty temple; go to Bai Garden to visit the former residence and cemetery of Bai Juyi, and learn about the poet's life; finally, take bus No. 53 to Luoyang Museum to appreciate the profound heritage of Heluo culture. Day 2: Take bus No. 60 to Guanlin Scenic Area to visit the Guan Yu Ancestral Temple and ancient building complex; transfer to bus No. 58 to the Sui and Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park to explore the prosperous Tang Dynasty atmosphere of the Tiantang Mingtang; walk to Luoyi Ancient City to experience traditional handicrafts and folk culture; before the end of the trip, you can go to Lijingmen Old Street to taste local snacks and buy special souvenirs. 🚗 Transportation Guide: Mainly by bus. Luoyang bus lines have wide coverage, and the fare is CNY 1-2; it is convenient to transfer between scenic spots, and some scenic spots can be connected by walking. 🌟 Highlights of the trip: Experience the charm of the World Cultural Heritage of Longmen Grottoes in depth, combining history, religion and natural landscape; interspersed with Luoyang's special cuisine and urban culture, the itinerary is well-paced. 💰 Average cost per person: About CNY 300-400 (including transportation, tickets, and meals). 💡 Recommended delicacies along the way: 1. "Luoyang Water Banquet" near Longmen Grottoes Scenic Area (recommended sliced meat in soup, and deep-fried meatballs); 2. "Bufan Soup" in Lijingmen Old Street (best with shredded pancakes); 3. "Beef Soup" in the Old Town (freshly boiled in the morning, with sesame seed cake). 📌 Tips: - Tickets for Longmen Grottoes need to be booked in advance. It is recommended to arrive before 8:30 to avoid the crowds; - Luoyang Bus supports Alipay scan code to ride; - There is a large temperature difference between day and night in spring, it is recommended to bring a windproof jacket; - There are many stone steps in Bai Garden, it is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes.

The millennium shock of Longmen Grottoes is hidden among every Buddha statue. Choosing the right route helps you avoid crowds and unnecessary detours! This guide is based on off-season personal experience, suitable for kids and elderly alike. Just save this one👇 💰【Tickets & Hours】 🎫 Single scenic area ticket: 90 RMB/person 🎒 Student/teacher ID: half price 45 RMB ⏰ Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 (last entry at 17:00) 🌌 No night tours currently ✨ Off-season perk: fewer people on weekdays, tested that you can easily finish the core area from 10:30 to 12:30! 🚗【Traffic Tips to Avoid Mistakes】 📍 Taxi preferred drop-off: Northwest Service Area (about 30 RMB from downtown) ⚠️ Pitfall alert: Never choose Northeast Service Area! It adds 3 km of unnecessary walking 🆘 🚇 Public transport: Metro Line 2 to Balitang Station → transfer to bus 81/53/60 directly to the site 🚌 Return helper: Scenic area shuttle bus 10 RMB/person (15-minute walk from exit to transport hub) 🗺️【Two Route Options】 ✨ Easy version (2-3h / must-see with kids and elderly) 1️⃣ Buy tickets online and head straight to "Dashimen Entrance" 2️⃣ Quick visit to Longmen Ancient Street 3️⃣ In-depth tour of West Hill Grottoes (the highlight!) 4️⃣ Cross Manshui Bridge to Worship Terrace (best spot to photograph the Vairocana Buddha 📸) 5️⃣ Exit nearby 🏃‍♂️ Walking version (4-5h / panoramic check-in) 1️⃣ Longmen Ancient Street 2️⃣ West Hill Grottoes 3️⃣ East Hill Grottoes (smaller, can be quickly visited) 4️⃣ Xiangshan Temple (stairs involved ⚠️ elderly should be cautious) 5️⃣ Bai Garden (Bai Juyi’s tomb garden) 🌟【Must-See Highlights】 West Hill Grottoes: extremely dense and exquisitely carved statues! Vairocana Buddha: sculpted with Empress Wu Zetian’s face 🗿 Worship Terrace panoramic view is breathtaking Xiangshan Temple: beautiful scenery but steep stairs (be cautious with elderly) 🎒Tips Audio guide rental: 30 RMB/person (200 RMB deposit) The "Longmen Grottoes" mini program offers real-time location narration Wear comfortable sports shoes (all stone slab paths) 📸Photo Guide: Worship Terrace for panoramic shots of Vairocana Buddha Close-up shots of exquisite statues at West Hill Grottoes Manshui Bridge for mountain and water scenery blending

My impression of Luoyang homestays has improved so much!!! University students don't lie to university students, come to Luoyang and stay at this homestay ➖Luoyi Ancient City➖Creamy light luxury style➖Loft➖Longmen Grottoes😻😻😻 CNY 391 for 4-6 people! CNY 65 per person! Stayed for three days, didn't want to leave at all The location is excellent, and transportation is very convenient Close to Longmen Grottoes, Old Town, and White Horse Temple Very convenient to get anywhere! You can walk to the snack street, it's a foodie's paradise😧😧 In terms of facilities, highly recommended! The bedding is super comfortable All smart devices are available, the bathroom is clean and tidy, and the shower facilities are perfect The host also thoughtfully prepared disposable bath towels, towels, and toilet seat covers, the service is really thoughtful👍👍 There is a little surprise every time you stay There is free mineral water and ice cream in the fridge, and the whole place smells good, not only is it comfortable, but it also puts you in a great mood🤩🤩

If a city has a thousand ways to explore, then the must-visit Henan travel route is the three cities of Zhengzhou—Luoyang—Kaifeng. When you come to Henan, be sure to check in at these three ancient capitals and experience the charm of this historic city~ Small group tours with 9 people, fewer people means more freedom, easy travel, with 24-hour customer service throughout the trip to make your journey worry-free! 🗺️Travel itinerary arrangement ▪Day 1 Zhengzhou Arrive in Zhengzhou, private car pick-up to the hotel, you can visit Only Henan·Drama Fantasy City on your own, featuring 21 theaters that interpret Central Plains culture through drama. ▪Day 2 Luoyang Longmen Grottoes—White Horse Temple—Night tour of Luoyi Ancient City ▪Day 3 Luoyang Shaolin Temple—Henan Museum—Zhengzhou citywalk ▪Day 4 Kaifeng Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden—Free activities ▪Day 5 Zhengzhou Free activities—Private car to the station 📷【Henan Highlights】 Only Henan·Drama Fantasy City ★★★★★ 🕐Opening hours: 10:00—22:00 ⏳Duration: 6 hours ✔A cluster of 21 theaters performing dramas Longmen Grottoes ★★★★★ 🕐Opening hours: 8:00—19:00 ⏳Duration: 6 hours ✔Longmen Grottoes is a millennium-old art treasure trove, with many exquisite Buddha statues that amaze visitors and are highly popular White Horse Temple ★★★★★ 🕐Opening hours: 8:00—20:00 ⏳Duration: 2 hours ✔White Horse Temple is the "ancestral temple" and "origin of Buddhism" in China, featuring five major halls Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden ★★★★★ 🕐Opening hours: 8:00—20:30 ⏳Duration: 6 hours ✔Here you can experience the fun of Song Dynasty games, admire ancient architecture, and enjoy various folk performances 🎒Travel preparation 👗Autumn attire: light jackets, sweatshirts, casual pants, long skirts, shirts, etc. It is recommended to bring some lightweight and comfortable clothes for easy walking between different attractions 🧳Suitcase: bring a lightweight and practical suitcase to pack travel essentials 🩳Toiletries: prepare toothpaste, toothbrush, towel, shampoo, and other daily toiletries in advance 🧳Power bank: a power bank is an essential item for travel ⚠ID card: very important, required for high-speed train travel and hotel check-in ⚠Travel map🗺: you can install an electronic version in advance or print one out to help plan your itinerary and navigation 🌈Every day of travel is a spiritual cleansing. Let's walk together through Zhengzhou—Luoyang—Kaifeng to feel the breath of history and the collision of modern civilization! 💖Like and follow for more travel guides!💖

#chinatrip The Longmen Grottoes (龙门石窟), located near Luoyang in Henan Province, are one of China’s most renowned cultural landmarks. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an incredible collection of over 2,300 caves and 45,000 statues, showcasing the artistic brilliance and religious heritage of ancient China. Dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534 AD) and continuing through the Tang Dynasty, the Longmen Grottoes were created as a Buddhist sanctuary, carved into the limestone cliffs alongside the Yi River. The site is a monumental achievement of ancient Chinese craftsmanship, with each cave housing intricate sculptures, inscriptions, and steles that reflect the evolving styles and beliefs of the time. The most famous feature of the grottoes is the Luoyang Buddha, a massive 17-meter statue that stands as a symbol of Buddhist spirituality. Other notable sculptures include the thousands of smaller Buddhas, many of which are depicted in graceful poses, offering a glimpse into the delicate artistry and devotion of the era. The carvings not only represent the Buddha but also include Bodhisattvas, mythological figures, and royal patrons who commissioned the artworks. Visiting the Longmen Grottoes is like stepping into a living history book, where you can wander through the caves, marvel at the detailed sculptures, and explore the numerous temples and monasteries surrounding the site. The complex offers a peaceful atmosphere that invites reflection, making it an ideal destination for history buffs, art lovers, and spiritual seekers alike. In addition to the historical and artistic significance, the scenic beauty of the area adds to its allure. The Yi River flows gently beneath the cliffs, and the surrounding hills create a picturesque backdrop that complements the grandeur of the grottoes. Whether you’re fascinated by ancient art, intrigued by Buddhism, or simply seeking a serene escape, the Longmen Grottoes offer a unique and awe-inspiring experience that connects visitors to China’s deep cultural and spiritual roots.

5th Century Architecture! The grottoes and niches of Longmen contain the largest and most impressive collection of Chinese art of the late Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties (316-907), and is a UNESCO world heritage site . A perfect way to spend an autumn day.The park is big and beautiful adorned with autumn colors , there are many stores and food shops along the path leading to the Grottoes . be sure to wear anti slip shoes , if you plan to climb the steps , they are very slippery. If you plan to take a didi home , do not wait until the park closes to leave , if you do , you will have a very very long wait to get a car. If there is a way to view the caves from the opposite side without entering the park , that is a better option that paying to enter , the price is a bit high and the experience is average . all the lights do not come on at night anymore , the nighttime view is not special . you also#staycation #thingstodo can enjoy the lawn situated near the entrance of the park ,

Due to seasonal changes and infrastructure maintenance, the "Light Up Longmen" night tour at Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, Henan will be suspended starting November 1, 2025. The reopening time next year will be announced separately. Travelers planning to visit are advised to prepare in advance to avoid any disruption to their itinerary.

Below is a seven-day Henan travel guide with a budget of about 6,000 RMB, covering major attractions, food recommendations, and practical tips to help you enjoy your trip while saving money and effort. Henan Seven-Day Travel Guide (Budget: 6,000 RMB) 1. Itinerary Overview Day 1: Zhengzhou (Zhengzhou Museum, Erqi Memorial Tower, Zhengzhou Night Market) Day 2: Shaolin Temple (Dengfeng) + Songshan Shaolin Culture Day 3: Luoyang (Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple) Day 4: Luoyang (Ancient City, Luoyang Museum) + Night Tour of Luoyang Old Town Day 5: Kaifeng (Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, Iron Pagoda, Bao Gong Temple) Day 6: Nanyang (Funiu Mountain Scenic Area, Yisheng Shrine) Day 7: Zhengzhou (Return Preparation, Shopping, Leisure) Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Zhengzhou Morning: Zhengzhou Museum (free) Noon: Taste Zhengzhou specialty snacks (spicy soup, Hui noodles) Afternoon: Erqi Memorial Tower (free), Zhengzhou People's Park Evening: Zhengzhou Night Market (near Liulin, Erqi Square) Budget: Transportation 10 RMB (subway/bus), meals 100 RMB, tickets 0 RMB, accommodation 200 RMB (budget hotel) Day 2: Shaolin Temple (Dengfeng) Transportation: Zhengzhou to Dengfeng by high-speed train or bus (about 1 hour, 40 RMB) Attractions: Shaolin Temple (ticket 120 RMB), Pagoda Forest, Bodhidharma Cave Lunch: Vegetarian meal or fast food near Shaolin Temple (30 RMB) Afternoon: Dengfeng Shaolin cultural experience Return to Zhengzhou: evening Budget: Transportation 80 RMB, tickets 120 RMB, meals 50 RMB, accommodation 200 RMB Day 3: Luoyang Transportation: Zhengzhou to Luoyang (high-speed train or bus, about 1 hour, 50 RMB) Attractions: Longmen Grottoes (ticket 120 RMB), White Horse Temple (ticket 60 RMB) Lunch: Luoyang Water Banquet or specialty snacks (50 RMB) Afternoon: Luoyang Museum, stroll in the ancient city Accommodation: Luoyang budget hotel (200 RMB) Budget: Transportation 100 RMB, tickets 180 RMB, meals 50 RMB, accommodation 200 RMB Day 4: In-depth Luoyang Tour Attractions: Luoyang Old Town, Sui-Tang City Ruins, Luoyang Museum Evening: Night tour of Luoyang Old Town, enjoy Luoyang Water Banquet Accommodation: Luoyang Budget: Transportation 20 RMB, tickets 0 RMB, meals 50 RMB, accommodation 200 RMB Day 5: Kaifeng Transportation: Luoyang to Kaifeng (high-speed train or bus, about 1 hour, 50 RMB) Attractions: Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden (ticket 150 RMB), Iron Pagoda (free to view), Bao Gong Temple Lunch: Kaifeng specialty snacks (soup dumplings, Hui noodles, 50 RMB) Evening: Visit Kaifeng Night Market Budget: Transportation 100 RMB, tickets 200 RMB, meals 50 RMB, accommodation 200 RMB Day 6: Nanyang Transportation: Kaifeng to Nanyang (train or long-distance bus, about 2 hours, 100 RMB) Attractions: Funiu Mountain Scenic Area (ticket about 100 RMB), Yisheng Shrine Lunch: Nanyang specialty dishes (50 RMB) Evening: Leisure walk, experience local nightlife Accommodation: Nanyang budget hotel (200 RMB) Budget: Transportation 200 RMB, tickets 100 RMB, meals 50 RMB Day 7: Return to Zhengzhou Transportation: Nanyang to Zhengzhou (train or bus, about 2 hours, 100 RMB) Activities: Shopping (such as Dennis Department Store, Dennis Building) or relaxing Budget: Transportation 200 RMB, meals 50 RMB Budget Summary (Approximate) Item Cost (RMB) Transportation (including intercity) 600 Tickets 700 Accommodation (6 nights) 1200 Meals 350 Others (shopping, emergencies) 150 Total about 3,000 RMB Remaining budget can be used for souvenirs, specialty foods, or upgraded accommodation. Travel Tips Transportation: It is recommended to book high-speed train tickets in advance to enjoy discounts. Accommodation: Choose budget hotels or hostels for cost-effectiveness. Food: Henan specialties like Water Banquet, Hui noodles, spicy soup, and soup dumplings are must-tries! Clothing: Prepare clothes according to the season; Henan is hot in summer and cold in winter. Safety: Pay attention to personal belongings, especially in night markets and busy areas. If you need more detailed restaurant recommendations, accommodation information, or transportation plans, just let me know! Wishing you a pleasant and smooth trip to Henan!

⏰Opening Hours: Tickets are sold from 8:00 to 16:30. Ticket checking stops at 17:00, and the site closes at 18:00. 🎫Ticket Prices: Full price tickets are CNY 90/person, and half-price tickets are CNY 45/person. Minors aged 6 (excluding 6) to 18 (including 18), full-time undergraduate and below students, etc., can enjoy half price. Seniors aged 60 (including 60) and above, people with disabilities, retired personnel, disabled revolutionary soldiers, active-duty soldiers, etc., are admitted free of charge. 💁Suggested Visiting Time: 4–5 hrs. For an in-depth visit, you can plan for a full day. 🚏Transportation Guide 🚄High-speed Rail: Luoyang Longmen High-speed Railway Station is about 4 km from the Longmen Grottoes. Take bus No. 67/71 and get off at "Longmen Grottoes Station." You can also take a taxi directly from the drop-off area of the high-speed railway station, and it takes about 10 mins to arrive. ✈️Airplane: From the terminal building of Luoyang Beijiao Airport, take a taxi or take bus No. 83 first, then transfer to bus No. 81 and get off at "Longmen Grottoes Station." The airport is about 24.7 km from the Longmen Grottoes. 🚘Self-driving: After exiting the Longmen Station of the Erguang Expressway, turn right, go along Longgu Road and Longmen North Bridge, and turn left at the traffic light to reach the Northeast Service Area Ecological Parking Lot of the Longmen Grottoes. 🚌Bus: You can take bus routes 53, 60, 67, 71, 81, 99, etc. 📌Tour Routes ◾️Classic Route (suitable for energetic tourists): Great Stone Gate Entrance - Longmen Bridge - Yu Wang Pond - Qianxi Temple - Binyang Three Caves - Three Buddha Niches on the Cliff - Ten Thousand Buddha Cave - Lotus Cave - Fengxian Temple - Guyang Cave - Yaofang Cave - Yi Que Bridge - Leigutai Three Caves - Kanjing Temple - Worship Platform - Xiangshan Temple - Bai Garden. This route allows you to fully appreciate the essence of the Longmen Grottoes without retracing your steps. ◾️Parent-child Route (suitable for families with children): Great Stone Gate Entrance - Pine Forest - Longmen Bridge - Yu Wang Pond - Qianxi Temple - Binyang Three Caves - Ten Thousand Buddha Cave - Fengxian Temple - Guyang Cave - Worship Platform - Nine Elders Hall of Xiangshan Temple - Bai Garden Paradise - Bai Garden Poetry Corridor. This route selects attractions suitable for children, increasing interactive fun. ◾️Family Route (suitable for accompanying parents): Great Stone Gate Entrance - Longmen Bridge - Yu Wang Pond - Qianxi Temple - Binyang Three Caves - Ten Thousand Buddha Cave - Fengxian Temple - Yi Que Bridge - Worship Platform. This route offers a reasonable itinerary, avoids excessive fatigue, and focuses on the awe-inspiring Lushena Buddha. ◾️Calligraphy Route (suitable for calligraphy lovers): Great Stone Gate Entrance - Longmen Bridge - Yi Que Gate - Chen Tuan Cross Stele - Middle Binyang Cave (Stele of Yi Que Buddha Niche) - Fengxian Temple - Guyang Cave (Twenty Dragon Gate Inscriptions) - Qianlong Imperial Stele Pavilion of Xiangshan Temple - Bai Garden Poetry Corridor. This route focuses on appreciating the calligraphy inscriptions in the grottoes. 🏝Attraction Introduction 📍West Hill Grottoes: Gathering 90% of the grotto statues, it is the essence of the scenic area. The Lushena Buddha in Fengxian Temple is 17.14m high, with a plump shape. It is the largest Buddha statue in the Longmen Grottoes and the pinnacle of Tang Dynasty stone carving art. Guyang Cave is the earliest opened and richest cave in the Longmen Grottoes, with more than 1,000 niches of various shapes inside. The caisson on the top of the Lotus Cave has exquisite high-relief giant lotuses, and the surrounding flying Apsaras statues are extremely beautiful. The Ten Thousand Buddha Cave is carved with more than 15,000 small Buddha statues, creating a scene of the Western Paradise. 📍East Hill Grottoes: Facing the West Hill Grottoes across the river, there are relatively fewer statues, mainly Tang Dynasty Buddha niches, and the environment is quiet and serene. The Leigutai Site Museum has a rich collection of exhibits. Kanjing Temple has twenty-nine Patriarch relief Arhats carved during Wu Zetian's reign. The Worship Platform offers a panoramic view of the Lushena Buddha and the Longmen scenery. 📍Xiangshan Temple: Built in the Northern Wei Dynasty and favored during the Wu Zhou period, it is simple and tranquil. Wu Zetian visited the Stone Building many times, leaving behind the story of "Writing Poems on Xiangshan Mountain and Winning Brocade Robes." Bai Juyi lived here in his later years and formed the "Nine Elders of Xiangshan Mountain" with his friends, drinking and writing poems. 📍Bai Garden: This is the tomb of Bai Juyi, built against the mountain, with pavilions, terraces, and open halls, stele corridors, lush forests and bamboos, and murmuring streams. It offers beautiful scenery. Le Tian Tang has a white marble statue of Bai Juyi, and the Poetry Corridor displays 27 of his poems. 📸Photo Spots ▪️Clothing Suggestions: Wearing solid-color or ancient-style clothes is very photogenic, such as light-colored clothing like white, beige, and light blue, or ancient-style costumes like Hanfu and Tangzhuang. ▪️Photo Spots: Take a low-angle shot in front of the Lushena Buddha to highlight the grandeur of the Buddha and the smallness of oneself. Take a photo with your back to the camera on the Yi River Bridge with the grottoes as the background for an artistic feel. The Worship Platform allows you to capture the Lushena Buddha and the surrounding mountains and rivers in one frame, creating a magnificent view. Le Tian Tang and the Poetry Corridor in Bai Garden are full of cultural atmosphere, suitable for character close-ups. 🍽Food Recommendations ✔️Longmen Water Banquet Garden: Featuring authentic Luoyang water banquets, this is a unique traditional banquet in Luoyang. The whole banquet has 24 dishes, including meat and vegetables, with a sour and spicy taste, very distinctive. ✔️Dragon Noodles: The restaurant offers a variety of Henan noodles, including signature Dragon Noodles, Hui Noodles, and Fried Tripe Noodles. The noodles are chewy, and the soup is rich. ✔️Luoyang Mutton Soup: Luoyang people love soup. The mutton soup is milky white, fresh but not gamey, and the soup is thick. A bowl of it will warm you up. There are many time-honored mutton soup restaurants in Longmen Ancient Street near the Northwest Service Area. 💡Important Notes ✅Cultural Relic Protection: Do not touch or climb the Buddha statues, do not carve at will, and visit with civility. ✅Weather Protection: Pay attention to sun protection in summer, bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses, and replenish water in time. Pay attention to keeping warm in winter, wear thick clothes and gloves. ✅Scenic Area Order: Follow the regulations of the scenic area, do not smoke in the scenic area, and keep the environment clean. Obey the staff's arrangements and do not forcibly enter unopened areas. ✅Other: If you need tour guide services, you can make a reservation at the tour guide center at the entrance or rent an audio guide to better understand the history and culture of the Longmen Grottoes. Want to explore the veins of history? Come to the Longmen Grottoes, see the pinnacle of stone carving art, and listen to the footsteps of time.