Quick Answer: Longmen Grottoes | UNESCO Buddhist Art | BRIDZA Tours is located in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. Open daily 08:00-18:00. Tickets Check official website or local ticket office. Take Bus or taxi from Xi'an city center. Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours. Check current conditions before visiting.
One of China's greatest Buddhist art treasures - 100,000+ sculptures carved into dramatic cliffs
The Longmen Grottoes (龙门石窟), located in Luoyang about 380 kilometers from Xi'an, are one of the three great treasures of Chinese Buddhist cave art, alongside the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang and the Yungang Grottoes in Shanxi. Carved into the limestone cliffs along the Yi River over a 400-year period from 493 AD to 1127 AD, these caves contain one of the largest and most impressive collections of ancient Buddhist art in China.
The grottoes house over 100,000 Buddhist images, with the largest Buddha statue standing an impressive 17.14 meters tall. The artistic achievement of the Tang Dynasty sculptures is particularly remarkable - known for their graceful forms, flowing robes, and serene expressions that represent the pinnacle of classical Chinese Buddhist sculpture.
Walking through the Longmen Grottoes is like stepping back into China's golden age of Buddhism. The dramatic setting - steep cliffs on both sides of the Yi River, with ancient caves and temples interspersed among modern facilities - creates a powerful sense of history and spirituality.
Recommended combination: 4-Day Xi'an + Luoyang Tour including Terracotta Warriors, Huaqing Palace, Longmen Grottoes, and White Horse Temple. Or add to your 7-Day Grand Shaanxi tour for the ultimate Central China experience.
The 17-meter tall Vairocana Buddha carved during the Tang Dynasty - the largest statue at Longmen.
Thousands of Buddhist images of varying sizes, from tiny figurines to monumental statues.
The finest examples of classical Chinese Buddhist sculpture art from the Tang Dynasty golden age.
The dramatic natural setting with steep cliffs flanking the scenic Yi River.
Marvel at over 100,000 Buddhist statues carved into the cliffs along the Yi River.
The grottoes showcase the peak of Tang Dynasty art—look for the iconic Guanyin statue with 11 faces.
Carving began in 493 AD and continued for over 400 years.
Take high-speed train from Xi'an North Station to Luoyang Longhai Station (1.5 hours, 175 CNY). From the station, take Metro Line 2 to the center, then Bus 81 or taxi to the grottoes.
About 4-5 hours via G30 expressway. A comfortable option if combining with other Luoyang attractions.
The most convenient option. Day tours from Xi'an to Luoyang typically include Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple.
Luoyang
Henan Province