The Longmen Grottoes are one of Luoyang's must-see sights. They hold over 100,000 stone carvings of Buddhas and are carved along cliffs stretching more than a kilometer. Among China's four great ancient grottoes, Longmen stands out for the scale and detail of its sculptures. Many believe it ranks first in artistic quality.
UNESCO describes the site as "an outstanding manifestation of human artistic creativity". In 2000, the Longmen Grottoes were added to the World Heritage List. For anyone interested in art, religion, or Chinese history, this place is unforgettable.
This guide will help you plan your visit step by step, and make it easy for you to enjoy this amazing site.
Longmen GrottoesFacts:
- Chinese: 龙门石窟 Lóngmén Shíkū
- Location: Luolong District, Luoyang
- Ticket: RMB 90 (USD 12.5 /SGD 16.2)
- Open: Usually 8:00-18:00 (change depending on weather and holidays)
- Time needed: 3-4 hours
- Existed since: 493 AD
- Must-sees: Binyang Caves, Wanfo Cave, Fengxian Temple
- Suited to: history lovers
Content Preview
- How to Get to Longmen grottoes
- How to Explore Longmen grottoes
- When to Visit
- Are Longmen Grottoes Wheel-chair Friendly?
- What to See after Visiting
How to get to Longmen Grottoes from Luoyang or Xi'an
From Luoyang:
There are two ways to get to the Longmen Grottoes from downtown Luoyang: by private car or by direct bus. For a more comfortable and time-saving experience, a private transfer is highly recommended. Check our itinerary for inspiration: 2-Day Luoyang and Shaolin Temple Tour from Beijing.
By Car:
Longmen Grottoes are about 8 kilometers from Luoyang Longmen Railway Station, and it takes around 18 minutes to drive. From Luoyang Railway Station, it's about 18 kilometers and takes around 30 minutes to drive.
Private transport, which we provide, can make you enjoy a smooth ride and avoid the hassle of navigating on your own.
By Bus:
You can take Bus 81, a direct bus from Luoyang Railway Station to Longmen Grottoes. The journey takes about 50 minutes. A one-way ticket costs RMB 1.5 (USD 0.2 /SGD 0.3).
From Xi'an:
The high-speed train from Xi'an North Station to Luoyang Longmen Station takes about 1.5 hours. If you're planning a day trip from Xi'an, it's totally doable. Just start early to catch a train around 7 to 8 AM.
Once you arrive in Luoyang, you can take a private car from Luoyang Longmen Station straight to the Longmen Grottoes, about 18 minutes.
Trains run back as late as 9 PM, so you'll have time to explore the Longmen Grottoes and even squeeze in one more attraction before heading back.
Tip: We suggest choosing Luoyang Longmen Station only. The high speed trains only stop at Luoyang Longmen Station. And it's much closer to the Longmen Grottoes than Luoyang Railway Station.
How to Explore Longmen Grottoes
The Longmen Grottoes sit along both sides of the Yi River. The scenic area is divided into two main areas: West Hill and East Hill (including Xiangshan Temple and Baiyuan Park). Most of the carvings are carved into the limestone cliffs on West Hill, so that's the main focus for most visitors.
Xiangshan Temple and Baiyuan Park are quieter spots on the East Hill. The temple has peaceful courtyards and colorful painted ceilings, while Baiyuan is a traditional Jiangnan-style garden honoring the Tang poet Bai Juyi. These two are nice add-ons if you have extra time and energy.
Xiangshan TempleShould I Choose West Hill or East Hill?
West Hill is where you'll find the most impressive carvings, it's the highlight of the Longmen Grottoes. The East Hill grottoes are less well preserved, with many statues worn down by centuries of wind and weather, leaving only their outlines visible.
So if you're short on time or only want to see the best part, we recommend focusing on West Hill.
The Choice of Entrance
There are two entrances to Longmen Grottoes: Northwest Gate and Northeast Gate.
We suggest entering from the Northwest Gate, where it's just a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the ticket gate. If you prefer not to walk, electric shuttle buses are available.
Avoid the Northeast Gate unless the Northwest Gate parking is full during holidays. It's 2.3 km from the ticket gate and requires a 10-minute shuttle bus ride just to reach the ticket gate.
Tip: Tickets are available at the gate or on WeChat, but it's best to book online in advance to avoid lines and make sure you get tickets.
Suggested Route Options
Option 1: Shorter and easier (great for families with kids or seniors)
Start at the Northwest Gate, explore West Hill, cross the river via the bridge, and stop at the Platform for Adoration to enjoy a panoramic view of the grottoes. From there, take a shuttle bus back. This route takes about 2–3 hours.
Tip: This route is also suitable for night visits, as the East Hill is closed in the evening.
Night visits at the Longmen Grottoes are not available year-round. They are more likely to be open during summer and autumn. If you're especially interested in seeing the grottoes at night, be sure to ask your guide in advance.
Besides, you can catch the moment when the grottoes light up at 6:00pm. As the golden light falls across the statues, it creates a glow that feels almost sacred, like the radiance of a Buddha's halo. The best spot to see the panoramic night view is at the Platform for Adoration.
Longmen Grottoes at nightOption 2: Full experience (more walking)
Begin with West Hill, then cross the bridge (note: there's a checkpoint and you can't go back once you pass it). Continue to East Hill, then stop by the Platform for Adoration, Xiangshan Temple, and Baiyuan Park. Leave by shuttle buses around Baiyuan Park. Plan for 3–4 hours, and be ready for a lot of walking.
What Are the Highlights of Longmen Grottoes?
Binyang Caves: A showcase of Buddhist art from the Northern Wei to early Tang dynasties. Admire the graceful Buddha in the Middle Cave, then snap a fun photo with the famous "V-sign Buddha" in the North Cave.
V-sign Buddha in the Binyang North CaveMoya Three Buddha Niches: See unfinished Tang dynasty carvings up close. Chisel marks, sketched robes, even blank faces. You will feel like stepping into an open-air workshop frozen in time.
Moya Three Buddha NichesWanfo Cave: Commissioned by female officials, this cave holds 15,000 tiny Buddhas lined across the walls. Find the elegant Guanyin statue on the outside wall, whose damaged face echoes the beauty of the Venus de Milo.
Wanfo CaveFengxian Temple (the most worthwhile place to visit in the entire grottoes): Home to the awe-inspiring 17-meter-tall Rocana Buddha, often called the "Mona Lisa of the East" for its subtle smile. Climb 99 steps and meet its calm gaze closely. It will be lit up at night and you will have a more shocking feeling.
Our clients and the Rocana BuddhaPlatform for Adoration: Best spot to take in the full view of the giant Rocana Buddha across the river, especially in spring with green willows, or at night when the grottoes are lit up. Look at our 6-Day Xi'an, Luoyang & Shaolin Highlights Tour.
A visitor taking pictures at the Platform for AdorationWhen to Visit Longmen Grottoes
Best Seasons
You can visit Longmen Grottoes at any time of year, but the best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), which also happens to be the ideal time to explore Luoyang. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for walking outdoors. You'll also enjoy lovely views of the Yi River and the Longmen Mountains.
- In spring (March to May), temperatures usually range from 9–25°C (48–77°F), with about 14 days of rain per month. The lush green hills bring a refreshing contrast to the ancient stone carvings.
- Autumn (September to November) sees temperatures between 11–27°C (52–81°F) and fewer rainy days, around 6 days per month. The clear skies are perfect for taking photos, and you're less likely to have your trip disrupted by rain and heat.
Willow trees and Longmen Grottoes reflecting on the riverTip: Try to avoid visiting in summer (June to August), especially during school holidays. Longmen Grottoes is one of China's most popular attractions and tends to get very crowded in peak season. Pushing through dense crowds in the sweltering heat may turn your promising visit into a frustrating experience.
If you visit Longmen Grottoes in summer, try to go after 4:00 pm to avoid peak time and heat.
Best Time of Day
The ideal times to visit are from 8:00 to 11:00 am, and 3:00 to 6:00 pm.
In the morning from 8:00 to 11:00 am, you'll catch the light shining directly onto the statues and caves, which makes for better photos. The temperature is also cooler, and the site tends to be quieter.
In the late afternoon from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, you get the best of both periods: daytime views and the stunning moment when the lights turn on around 6:00 pm. As the evening approaches, the temperature drops. You can leisurely visit the Longmen Grottoes while enjoying the gentle evening breeze.
Longmen Grottoes are lit up at nightIs Longmen Grottoes Wheel-chair Friendly?
Not really.
First of all, There is quite a bit of walking involved, and many of the stone paths (especially on the west side) are uneven and deeply grooved, which can make the ride very bumpy for someone in a wheelchair.
Second, most of the major caves are built into cliffs and require climbing stairs to view them up close. If you're using a wheelchair, you can only view the smaller caves near ground level, or go to the east side of the river for a distant view of the main Buddha.
Stairs of the Longmen GrottoesWhat to See after Visiting the Longmen Grottoes
If you visit the Longmen Grottoes in the morning, you can spend your afternoon at either White Horse Temple (about a 45-minute drive) or the Luoyang Museum (about a 25-minute drive). You can check our 8-Day Beijing, Luoyang, and Xian Tour.
- A visit to White Horse Temple usually takes 2 to 3 hours. You'll see local residents lighting incense with quiet devotion and explore temple halls inspired by styles from four different countries. The golden rooftops and peaceful courtyards also make great photo spots.
- At Luoyang Museum, plan for 2 to 4 hours. You'll find a wide range of lively ceramic figurines and spot girls dressed in hanfu taking photos with the famous "hand-in-hand sisters" statue on the first floor. Upstairs, you'll see elegant Chinese paintings, including works themed around Luoyang's iconic peonies.
If you're visiting the Longmen Grottoes between 3:00 and 6:00 pm, then after sunset, consider heading to Luoyi Ancient City (about a 40-minute drive).
At night, its bridges, pavilions, and lanterns reflect beautifully on the water. This area is also a popular photo spot. We can help you rent a hanfu outfit you like. Dressed in hanfu and surrounded by lantern-lit pavilions, you'll capture photos that feel like moments stolen from another era.
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