Hello, I’m Michael Zhang. As a seasoned cultural traveler with years of international travel experience, I’ve always held a deep reverence for the artistic achievements of ancient civilizations. Among the many UNESCO World Heritage sites I’ve visited across the globe, the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang stand out as one of the most breathtaking. This site is more than just a sanctuary of stone carvings—it’s a monumental history book etched into the cliffs along the Yi River.

In this comprehensive Longmen Grottoes travel guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before your visit—from the cultural significance of the site to practical visiting tips. If you’re passionate about history and eager to explore the roots of Chinese civilization, this destination should be high on your list.

Summary

Introduction to the Longmen Grottoes

The Longmen Grottoes span over 31.7 square kilometers and feature an astounding 2,345 niches, over 100,000 Buddha statues, and more than 2,800 inscriptions carved into limestone cliffs. Recognized as the pinnacle of Chinese stone carving, this site has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List and ranks first among China’s four great grottoes.

The grottoes house a wealth of material related to religion and art, while also reflecting the evolution of Chinese politics and culture. Its contributions to the development of Chinese grotto artistry are immeasurable.

  • Address: Longmen Grottoes, Luolong District, Luoyang City (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours:
    • April to October: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (with nighttime illumination; final entry at 8:00 PM, hours may vary—check ticketing page for updates)
    • November to March: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM)
  • Recommended Duration: 3–4 hours
  • Best Visiting Season: April to October, especially during night opening periods
  • Ticket Price: 90 CNY
  • Where to Buy Tickets: Trip.com Discounts
Night view of the Longmen Grottoes main Buddha statue

Longmen Grottoes Map

Map and guide of the Longmen Grottoes scenic area

Top Things to Do in Longmen Grottoes

Main Attractions

West Hill Grottoes

The West Hill Grottoes are the oldest and most extensive section of the Longmen Grottoes, dating back to the reign of Emperor Xiaowen during the Northern Wei dynasty. This is where the legacy of Longmen’s stone-carving tradition began. With over 600 niches and tens of thousands of statues, this area showcases the grandeur of early Buddhist sculpture, centered around the awe-inspiring Vairocana Buddha.

The most famous highlight here is the Fengxian Temple, home to a 17-meter-tall Vairocana Buddha whose serene expression and majestic presence embody the Tang Dynasty ideal of elegance and strength. Flanked by guardians, bodhisattvas, and heavenly kings, the temple presents an unparalleled masterpiece of religious art.

Main Buddha statue at the West Hill of Longmen Grottoes

East Hill Grottoes

On the opposite bank, the East Hill Grottoes reflect the stylistic transitions from the late Tang to the Song Dynasty. These caves are smaller in scale and some have suffered damage over time. However, they remain notable for their delicate craftsmanship and fluid sculptural lines, signaling a shift from monumental religious art to more introspective and humanistic expressions.

This quieter section often has fewer visitors, making it a perfect spot for closely observing intricate carvings or photographing textures and details. For those curious about the evolution of Buddhist art, East Hill offers a more intimate, contemplative experience.

Delicate carvings at the East Hill of Longmen Grottoes

Xiangshan Temple

Xiangshan Temple is more than a thousand-year-old Buddhist monastery—it also holds deep literary and cultural significance. Originally built during the Northern Wei period and flourishing in the Tang Dynasty, the temple became the final home of the renowned Tang poet Bai Juyi, whose burial site lies nearby.

Set against the hillside and surrounded by nature, the temple offers a peaceful retreat, especially during spring and autumn when maple leaves blanket the grounds. From the temple’s elevated viewpoint, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Yi River and surrounding grottoes—a sight so picturesque, it feels like a landscape painting brought to life.

Entrance to Xiangshan Temple near Longmen Grottoes

Bai Garden

Bai Garden (also known as “Baiyuan”) serves as the memorial site and tomb garden of Bai Juyi, the Tang Dynasty poet often revered as the “Poet Buddha.” Spanning 4.5 hectares, the garden includes a museum, his tomb, and numerous stone inscriptions of his poetry.

Designed with traditional Chinese landscaping aesthetics, the garden harmonizes poetry, nature, and heritage. A visit here is more than a literary pilgrimage—it’s a moment to connect with the soul of Chinese classical poetry and experience its resonance with the nearby Buddhist carvings of the Longmen Grottoes.

Statue of Bai Juyi at Baiyuan Garden in Longmen Grottoes

Longmen Grottoes Ticket Guide

Ticket Prices for Longmen Grottoes

  • Adults: 90 CNY
  • Children/Students: Ages 13–17 and university students at the undergraduate level or below
  • Free Admission: Children aged 12 or under, or under 1.4 meters in height; seniors aged 60 or above

Where to Buy Tickets

  • Online: Through the official WeChat account or third-party travel platforms
  • On-site: Tickets can be purchased at the gate, but it’s strongly discouraged. Tickets often sell out quickly, so booking online in advance is highly recommended.

Longmen Grottoes Guided Tours

The Longmen Grottoes offer both official in-person guided tours and online audio guides. If in-person guides are not available at the time of your visit, the online version is a solid alternative. In-person guides charge based on specific areas, most commonly for the West Hill Grottoes.

  • Official In-Person Guide
    • Reservation Location: Tour Guide Center in the Northwest Service Area
    • Language: Chinese
    • Pricing:
      • West Hill Grottoes: 200 CNY per group
      • East Hill Grottoes: 100 CNY per group
      • Bai Garden: 100 CNY per group
      • Xiangshan Temple: 100 CNY per group
      • Up to 5 people per group; for each additional person, add 10 CNY
  • Online Audio Guide
    • Access: Via the official WeChat account (see instructions below)
    • Languages: Chinese and English
    • Fee: Free
Official Longmen Grottoes audio guide via WeChat

The general route at the Longmen Grottoes is a round-trip starting and ending at the Northwest Service Area. If you arrive during the day, it’s highly recommended to follow the extended sightseeing route below. Night visits are particularly special, but only the West Hill Grottoes remain open after dark—East Hill Grottoes and Bai Garden are closed in the evening.

  • Morning: West Hill Grottoes (Vairocana Buddha, Wanfo Cave) → East Hill Grottoes → Xiangshan Temple
  • Afternoon: Bai Garden → Yi River boat ride
  • Evening: Head back to downtown Luoyang and visit the Shizi Street Night Market
  • Night: Experience the illuminated night tour of Longmen Grottoes

Longmen Old Street

Zhenbo Shredded Pancake Sliced Noodle Restaurant

Local Luoyang sliced noodle soup near Longmen Grottoes
  • Why Visit: Established in 1992, this time-honored local restaurant is a favorite among Longmen locals. Their specialties—shredded pancake soup and hand-cut noodles—are both excellent.
  • Address: Diagonally across from the Preventive Vaccination Clinic, Longmenzhen Health Center, Luolong District, Luoyang (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Hours: Monday to Sunday, 08:00–21:30
  • Average Price: 18 CNY per person

Chaxu The Peony Pavilion (Longmen Grottoes Shop)

Local-style milk tea near Longmen Grottoes
  • Why Visit: This locally inspired milk tea shop is perfect for enjoying a sweet, refreshing drink while exploring Longmen Old Street. With a balanced flavor of tea and milk, it’s neither too sugary nor bland—just right.
  • Address: No. 0015, Longmen Old Street, Luolong District, Luoyang (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Hours: Monday to Sunday, 09:00–22:00
  • Average Price: 18 CNY per person

Travel World Hotel

Travel World Hotel
  • Transport: 5-minute walk from Lijingmen Metro Station
  • Price per night: from 208 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Deals
  • Rating: Trip 9.4
  • Special Amenities: gym, robot room service, laundry room, triple rooms

The hotel sits in the very heart of Luoyang’s Old Town, within easy walking distance of Yingtian Gate and the Mingtang complex.

Décor feels classically Chinese yet spotless; breakfast offers an impressive spread in an elegant dining hall. A Han-fu rental studio in the lobby makes photo shoots a breeze for culture-minded guests.

Magpie Hotel

Magpie Hotel
  • Transport: 10-minute walk from Yingtianmen Metro Station
  • Price per night: from 314 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Deals
  • Rating: Trip 9.6
  • Special Amenities: gym, robot room service, laundry room

From the hotel it’s a short stroll to Yingtian Gate, where evening light shows lend extra magic to Luoyang nights. Drives to major flower gardens or other sights stay under thirty minutes.

Rooms are new, beds comfortable, and bathrooms spacious. Complimentary drinks and snacks enhance the high value-for-money appeal.

Dong Shan Hotel

Dong Shan Hotel
  • Transport: 10-minute walk from the Longmen Grottoes entrance
  • Price per night: from 409 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Deals
  • Rating: Trip 9.4
  • Special Amenities: triple rooms, quad rooms

A hotel shuttle drops guests 300 meters from the Northwest Gate, ideal for a counter-clockwise tour that ends at Bai Garden; one quick call summons a ride back, saving the uphill walk.

A storied property—locals say Chiang Kai-shek once stayed here. Rooms are large and clean, yet some facilities feel dated, so travelers who demand modern hardware should note this.

How to Reach the Longmen Grottoes From Downtown Luoyang

Buses

Although Luoyang has a metro system, no line goes straight to the Longmen Grottoes. Because the distance is short, city buses are the simplest choice. Routes 118, 99, and 71 all stop at the grotto entrance; the fare is 1 CNY, and the ride usually finishes within an hour.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing

A taxi from downtown to the Longmen Grottoes entrance costs about 20–30 CNY and takes under twenty minutes. Set your destination to the Northwest Service Area; the Northeast Service Area sits a 25-minute walk from the ticket gate (an electric cart is optional at 10 CNY per person).

How to Get to the Longmen Grottoes From Zhengzhou

The fastest option combines high-speed rail and local transit. Take a G-train from Zhengzhou East Station to Luoyang Longmen Station (roughly 65 CNY and twenty minutes). From there, ride bus 71 to the grotto entrance or grab a taxi for under 20 CNY.

  • High-Speed Rail Tickets: Book here
  • Route: Zhengzhoudong ↔ Luoyanglongmen

FAQ

Is the Longmen Grottoes suitable for strollers or wheelchairs?

No. The visit involves continuous stair climbing, which makes pushing a stroller or wheelchair very strenuous.

Where can I store luggage?

Both the Northeast and Northwest Service Areas offer free storage for the first six hours; after that, the fee is 1 CNY per hour. Operating hours run from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.