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Longmen Grottoes

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

The Longmen Grottoes, located in Henan Province near the city of Luoyang, are among the finest examples of Chinese Buddhist cave art, spanning a period of intense religious activity between the 5th and 10th centuries. Carved into the limestone cliffs bordering the Yi River, the complex was primarily developed during the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties, reflecting the peak of Buddhist influence in China. The site features more than 2,300 niches and caves housing an estimated 110,000 Buddhist statues, ranging in size from a few centimeters to a staggering 17 meters in height. The most iconic structure is the Fengxian Temple, which contains the colossal Vairocana Buddha statue, completed under the patronage of Empress Wu Zetian and celebrated for its serene expression. In addition to the magnificent sculptures, the grottoes contain over 2,800 inscriptions on stone stelae, which provide a vital historical record of contemporary politics, medical knowledge, and calligraphic styles. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, the Longmen Grottoes stand as a monumental achievement of human craftsmanship and spiritual devotion.

Location: China
Top sights: Middle Binyang Cave · Fengxian Cave · Wanfu Cave
Nearby: Luoyang (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	0	3	9	16	21	26	28	26	21	15	7	1
Rain mm	11	15	21	41	66	79	130	119	98	46	26	9

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Longmen Grottoes are a major UNESCO World Heritage site open to the public. Visitors walk along a cliffside path to view the carvings.

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Typical hours

Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry). Peak season hours may extend; check official website.

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Photography

Photography is permitted, but no flash or tripods inside some caves. The giant Vairocana Buddha is a must-capture.

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Time needed

Plan 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. The site is large; allow more time if you want to explore all caves.

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Combine with

Combine with the White Horse Temple in Luoyang or the nearby Guanlin Temple. Luoyang city has many historical sites.

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Getting there

Located 12 km south of Luoyang, accessible by bus, taxi, or subway. Parking available for cars.

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Insider tip

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds. Wear comfortable walking shoes as there are many steps.

Geography

Coordinates

34.55900, 112.46600

Facts

Houses an estimated 110,000 individual Buddhist statues.
Construction began in 493 AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in the year 2000.
The largest statue, the Vairocana Buddha, is 17 meters tall.
Contains more than 2,300 niches and caves along the Yi River.
Features over 2,800 inscriptions on stone stelae for historical records.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Luoyang5 km · WExplore →

Dengfeng / Shaolin52 km · NExplore →

Pingyao Ancient City116 km · WExplore →

Zhengzhou129 km · NExplore →

Taiyuan141 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Longmen Grottoes (7)

Middle Binyang Cave 📍 landmark

A major grotto at Longmen containing three large Buddha statues carved during the Northern Wei dynasty.

Fengxian Cave 🌿 nature

The largest and most spectacular grotto at Longmen, dominated by a massive 17-meter-tall Vairocana Buddha statue.

Wanfu Cave 📍 landmark

Known as the Cave of Ten Thousand Buddhas, its walls are covered with over 15.000 tiny Buddha carvings.

Caves in the east hill 🌿 nature

These grottoes offer excellent views across the Yi River toward the main carvings on the West Hill.

Longmen Grottoes 📍 landmark

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring tens of thousands of Buddhist statues carved directly into the limestone cliffs.

Xiangshan Temple ⛪ religious

A historic Buddhist temple on the East Hill offering panoramic views of the Longmen Grottoes and the river.

Luoyang Planning Exhibition Hall 🏛 museum

A modern museum showcasing the urban development and architectural transformation of this historic imperial city.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How many Buddha statues are there?

There are over 100,000 statues in about 2,300 caves and niches.

Where are the grottoes located?

They are located south of Luoyang on the Yi River in Henan Province.

Can you visit the grottoes at night?

Yes, during peak season, there is an impressive night lighting display for visitors.

Which is the largest statue?

The Vairocana Buddha in Fengxian Temple is the largest figure at 17 meters.

Is there a lot of walking involved?

Yes, the path along the river is long; an electric shuttle is available.

Longmen Grottoes: where is it located?

Longmen Grottoes is located in China.

Longmen Grottoes: what is there to see?

Highlights include Middle Binyang Cave, Fengxian Cave, Wanfu Cave.

Longmen Grottoes: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.

Longmen Grottoes: why is it worth visiting?

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Longmen Grottoes

Best time to visit & climate