Luoyang, this city that carries the glorious history of thirteen ancient dynasties, boasts one of its treasures, the world-famous Longmen Grottoes. Located on the Longmen and Xiangshan mountains on both sides of the Yi River, the Longmen Grottoes are like a historical scroll unfolding, spanning from the Northern Wei to the Tang Dynasty, with over four hundred years of carving time, bringing together more than one hundred thousand Buddha statues and stele art, representing the pinnacle of Chinese stone carving art. Every Buddha statue, every mural, silently tells the faith and culture of that era.
🏞️【Must-Visit Attractions】
- West Hill Grottoes: The essence of the site, home to the most large-scale niches, including the not-to-be-missed treasure of the caves, the giant statue of Vairocana Buddha, standing at 17 meters tall, with a compassionate and solemn face, awe-inspiring.
- East Hill Grottoes: Relatively more serene than West Hill, fewer grottoes but exquisite, especially the group of Arhat statues in the Jingjing Temple, showcasing superb carving skills.
- Xiangshan Temple: Located on East Hill, facing the grottoes across the river, with a long history, the Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi once lived here, the temple environment is tranquil, a good place for rest.
- Bai Garden (Bai Juyi's Tomb): Strolling through the bamboo path, experiencing the elegant life of Tang Dynasty literati, this is the best place to pay homage to the poet demon Bai Juyi.
📍【Detailed Address】
Luolong District, Luoyang City, Henan Province, Dragon Gate Town.
🚗【Transportation Tips】
- Public Transport: Take bus 60 or 81 from Luoyang city center directly to Longmen Grottoes Station.
- Self-driving: Drive along the Luoyang-Luanchuan Expressway, follow the signs after the exit, the scenic area has a large parking lot.
🍲【Food Recommendations】
- Luoyang Water Banquet: A traditional feast in Luoyang that must be tried, mainly featuring soups, such as Peony Yan Dish, Lian Tang Meat Slices, with a delicious taste and unique characteristics.
- Bu Fan Tang: A local snack with a hundred years of history, with a rich soup, served with thin pancakes and various ingredients, with a unique flavor.
🏞️【Nearby Attractions】
- White Horse Temple: China's first ancient temple, the first official temple after Buddhism was introduced to China, about half an hour's drive from Longmen Grottoes.
- Guanlin: A temple and mausoleum commemorating the famous Three Kingdoms general Guan Yu, integrating ancestral halls, tombs, and gardens, with a profound cultural heritage.
In the Longmen Grottoes of Luoyang, every step is a dialogue through a thousand years, every gaze is a deep look into history. This is not only a visual feast but also a purification of the soul! Let's feel the shock and beauty that transcends time and space together!
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