Many of you are planning to visit the Longmen Grottoes, so how should you explore it during the winter? Here is a detailed guide. Read through it and prepare your itinerary ahead of time to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
I. Ticket Information
If you have purchased tickets online, please proceed directly to the entrance of the scenic area at the Dashimen (Big Stone Gate) for ticket inspection.
If you are purchasing tickets offline, please visit the ticket center located 100 meters away from the Northwest Service Area. This is also where you can find electric car services and tour guides.
If you wish to store your luggage, you can use the luggage storage service at the Visitor Center behind the ticket center.
II. Detailed Itinerary
9:00 AM:
Start your day with a nourishing and authentic bowl of Luoyang mutton soup.
Luoyang residents have a special fondness for soup, and mutton soup is the most nourishing choice. There is a century-old mutton soup shop named Songji Laobaisha Mutton Noodle Restaurant on the Longmen Ancient Street near the Northwest Service Area. As a renowned establishment in Luoyang, Laobaisha is famous for its milky white soup, fresh flavor without any gaminess, and rich broth. When you come to Longmen, a steaming bowl of mutton soup will energize you for the day.
9:30 AM:
Indulge in a romantic and beautiful Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) makeover.
Visit one of the numerous Hanfu shops on the Longmen Ancient Street and experience a graceful Hanfu makeover. Whether you choose the majestic and glamorous Tang Dynasty Empress, the charming and playful Western Region Princess, the flowing and ethereal celestial maiden, the elegant and refined scholar, or the valiant and strong knight, you will undoubtedly be a stunning sight at Longmen.
10:30 AM:
Immerse yourself in the stunning visual experience of “Supreme Longmen.”
As an immersive light and shadow show that has won numerous domestic awards, appeared on CCTV media multiple times, and is a representative of Luoyang, “Supreme Longmen” on the Longmen Ancient Street utilizes spherical screen projection, naked-eye special effects, and other technologies to showcase the exquisite stone carvings of Longmen and the historical legends of Luoyang spanning thousands of years. From the beginning of Yique, the carp jumping over the Dragon Gate, the ancient people carving the grottoes, and the serene Buddha sitting in meditation… This experience allows you to relax, recline, and learn about the past and present of Longmen. After exiting the Longmen Ancient Street, walk south for 500 meters to reach the entrance of the scenic area.
11:00 AM:
Enter the scenic area through the Dashimen (Big Stone Gate).
Touring the scenic area and taking photos will take approximately 3-4 hours. It is recommended to book a tour guide at the guide center located 100 meters from the entrance.
Scenic area tour route: West Mountain Grottoes – East Mountain Grottoes – Xiangshan Temple – Baiyuan (all included in your 90 yuan admission ticket)
West Mountain Grottoes: Home to 90% of the stone cave statues, it is the essence of the scenic area.
East Mountain Grottoes: Located across the river from the West Mountain Grottoes, it has fewer statues compared to the West Mountain, primarily featuring Buddhist niches from the Tang Dynasty. The environment is more serene and beautiful.
Xiangshan Temple: A Buddhist temple from the Wu Zhou Dynasty, Xiangshan Temple is ancient and tranquil, attracting Empress Wu Zetian, Bai Juyi, and countless literary figures. Bai Juyi, captivated by the serene beauty of Xiangshan Temple, spent many years indulging in the natural beauty of Longmen, calling himself “Xiangshan Hermit.”
Baiyuan: Featuring pavilions, terraces, steles, corridors, lush bamboo forests, and gurgling streams. This is a picturesque garden built into the mountain, serving as a place where Bai Juyi sought peace and rest in his later years.
It’s worth noting that once you exit the West Mountain through the turnstile, you cannot return to view the West Mountain Grottoes. It is advised to explore the West Mountain Grottoes thoroughly before leaving to avoid any regrets.
Recommended places to check in at the Longmen Grottoes Scenic Area:
『West Mountain Grottoes』 Recommended attractions:
Longmen Bridge
Majestic and beautiful, it is reflected in the clear Yishui River, creating a harmonious blend of mountains and water that inspires longing. This is also the legendary site of “Carp Jumping Over the Dragon Gate.” In the Year of the Dragon, make a leap here for a successful year ahead, ensuring your studies and career reach great heights!
Yu Wangchi (Great Yu Pond)
Above the pond, there is a uniquely shaped stone pillar. Legend has it that this was used by Great Yu when controlling floods, hence the name Yu Wangchi. Among the numerous streams and springs in Longmen, Yu Wangchi has the most abundant water and the most stunning scenery, with playful carp swimming in the water. “Those who see it will have good fortune, and carp will bring good luck.” Come and check it out!
Binyang Three Caves
These are the most representative large-scale royal cave temples from the Northern Wei Dynasty, built by Emperor Xuanwu for his parents, Emperor Xiaowen and Empress Wen Zhao, as a way to pray for their well-being. The middle cave boasts a vaulted ceiling, three Buddhas, and colorful reliefs covering the entire rock face, forming a grand masterpiece. The north cave features the popular “scissor-handed” Buddha, known as the “most adorable Buddha ever,” whose cute appearance has quickly made it an “internet celebrity” attraction, drawing many tourists who want to catch a glimpse of its charm and take photos.
Lianhua Cave (Lotus Cave)
Carved during the late Northern Wei Dynasty, the Lotus Cave has a vaulted ceiling with a unique and exquisite giant lotus relief, blooming in three layers from the inside out. The surrounding walls of Lianhua Cave feature flying celestial figures, whose exquisite forms are praised worldwide.
Wanfo Cave (Cave of Ten Thousand Buddhas)
One of the most important royal stone caves from the Tang Dynasty in the Longmen Grottoes, the north and south walls are filled with over 15,000 small Buddha statues, creating an atmosphere of fervent joy and the realization of universal Buddhahood, reminiscent of a Western Paradise.
Fengxian Temple
The most extensive and magnificent group of cliff carvings in the Longmen Grottoes, with exquisite sculptures, it exudes a majestic and awe-inspiring presence, showcasing the grandeur of royal stone carving. The most famous statue within is the Lushena Great Buddha.
Guyang Cave
The “first cave of the Longmen Grottoes,” this is the earliest and longest-lasting cave in Longmen, with the richest content. It contains over 1,000 niches with various statues, showcasing distinct features of the era.
Yaofang Cave (Medicine Prescription Cave)
This cave contains the earliest known stone-carved medicinal prescriptions in China. The two passageways on either side of the cave entrance are inscribed with over 140 Tang Dynasty medicinal prescriptions, recording 40 diseases, 20 acupuncture treatments, and 173 types of medicinal herbs. Yaofang Cave gets its name from this unique feature. The prescriptions cover various ailments, from hoarseness and sore throats to cholera and plague, all recorded within this cave.
『East Mountain Grottoes』 Recommended attractions:
Leigutai Site Museum
The Leigutai Site Museum showcases exquisite and captivating exhibits, including archaeological artifacts of great research value from different historical periods.
Kanding Temple
Kanding Temple is the largest cave on the East Mountain, carved during the Wu Zetian period. The most striking feature of this cave is the depiction of 29 Ancestors of the Dharma carved in relief on the lower sections of the north, east, and south walls, each standing 180 centimeters tall. These figures are incredibly lifelike and detailed.
Lifo Terrace
Many large-scale films have been shot on Lifo Terrace. This location offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Lushena Great Buddha and the picturesque scenery of Longmen, making it the ideal spot for scenic contemplation.
『Xiangshan Temple』 Recommended attractions:
Shilou (Stone Building)
When Empress Wu Zetian ruled from Luoyang, she deeply favored the serene and elegant Xiangshan Temple. She frequently visited the Shilou within the temple and left behind the legendary tale of “Winning a Silk Robe through Poetry at Xiangshan,” which has been passed down through the ages.
Jiulaotang (Hall of Nine Elders)
During his later years in Luoyang, Bai Juyi resided in Xiangshan Temple, forming the “Nine Elders of Xiangshan” with eight other elderly individuals, including Li Yuanshuang. They would gather daily to drink and compose poetry.
『Baiyuan』 Recommended attractions:
Letyantang (Hall of Joy)
Letyantang is nestled amidst mountains and rivers, featuring a white jade statue of the great poet Bai Juyi. Visit this place to experience the literary charm of this figure who has come alive from the pages of books.
Shilang (Poetry Corridor)
This hundred-meter-long corridor, built into the mountain, displays 27 poems by Bai Juyi, each showcasing his brilliant literary talent and diverse styles. Here, you can revisit the famous works of Bai Juyi that you learned in school while also appreciating the beauty of calligraphy.
3:00 PM:
Enjoy a meal at Longzhimian (Dragon Noodle) / Longmen Water Banquet Garden.
Located east of Baiyuan, there is a noodle restaurant called “Longzhimian.” The restaurant features a simple and elegant interior and offers a variety of specialty noodle dishes. The signature Dragon Noodle, Henan-style braised noodles, beef offal noodles, and pepper chicken silk noodles are all incredibly delicious and highly praised.
The Longmen Water Banquet Garden is situated on the first floor of the Visitor Center in the Northeast Service Area. It specializes in Luoyang Water Banquet. The environment is comfortable, spacious, and clean. The prices are affordable, and the flavors are authentic, with dishes primarily based on traditional Luoyang Water Banquet.
4:00 PM:
Explore the Ancient Street and purchase some creative cultural products.
Most of the creative cultural product stores are located on the Longmen Ancient Street in the Northwest Service Area. You can take an electric car there. The Northwest Service Area is closer to the bus stop.
The “Longmen Post Office” and the “Longmen Wonderful Things Creative Product Store” on the Ancient Street are very popular among tourists.
From the simple and elegant “Luoyang Notes” to the best-selling “Luoyang Pass Certificate” and the stylish “Great Buddha Bookmark” to the exquisite “Panorama Hand-drawn Map” of the Longmen Grottoes, the thousand-year-old historical and cultural heritage of Longmen provides endless inspiration for creative cultural products. Take one with you as a treasured reminder of your visit to Longmen.
On the Ancient Street, there is also a non-legacy craft called “Fire Painting,” created by a heritage practitioner. The scenic beauty of Luoyang is captured in a single stroke, accompanied by a personalized blessing message, making it a meaningful gift for loved ones and friends.
If you feel tired, you can relax at the “Longmen Wonderful Tour Coffee Creative Cultural Center.” Settle into a chair, enjoy a cup of coffee and a piece of peony pastry, reflecting on your encounter with the Lushena Great Buddha…
III. Tourist Information
1. Transportation routes:
① Longmen High-speed Railway Station – Longmen Grottoes
Approximately 4 kilometers from the Longmen Grottoes, a 10-minute drive. Take bus route 71 directly to the Longmen Grottoes bus stop, about 42 minutes.
② Luoyang Railway Station – Longmen Grottoes
Approximately 19 kilometers from Luoyang Railway Station, a 30-minute drive. Take bus route 81 directly to the Longmen Grottoes bus stop, about 1 hour and 5 minutes.
③ North Suburban Airport – Longmen Grottoes
Approximately 19 kilometers from the Longmen Grottoes, a 30-minute drive. Take bus route 1 and transfer to route 81 to reach the Longmen Grottoes bus stop, about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
2. Scenic area opening hours: November 1st to February 28th of the following year, ticket sales: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, ticket inspection stops: 5:00 PM, clearance: 6:00 PM.
3. Contact number: 0379-65980972.
4. Admission tickets: The Longmen Grottoes Scenic Area uses a single-ticket system, covering the West Mountain Grottoes, East Mountain Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, and Baiyuan, with a full-price ticket at 90 yuan/person and a half-price ticket at 45 yuan/person.
This article is from a user submission and does not represent the views of Trip Footsteps. If you repost it, please indicate the source: https://www.tripfootsteps.com/travel-guides/china-travel-guides/4731.html
