Longmen Grottoes (Luoyang) 龙门石窟·洛阳
About Longmen Grottoes (Luoyang) 龙门石窟·洛阳
Highlights
- ✓ Visit the Vairocana Buddha at Fengxian Temple — 17m tall
- ✓ Walk the Yi River path between the East and West Hills
- ✓ Explore the 2,345 caves and 100,000+ statues
- ✓ Visit the White Horse Temple — China's first Buddhist temple
- ✓ Try Luoyang water-bag steamed buns (luoyang matuandui)
- ✓ See the peony flowers in April (Luoyang Peony Festival)
- ✓ Evening lights show at the Longmen Grottoes (seasonal)
Trip Essentials
Photo Gallery
Longmen Grottoes Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs
Local cuisine
Local people
Adventure
Longmen Grottoes (Luoyang) 龙门石窟·洛阳 Itinerary
Suggested Travel Plan
Suggested Itinerary
Longmen Grottoes
Enter through the South Gate. The West Hill has the main caves, including Fengxian Temple. Allow 3-4 hours.
Lunch — Luoyang Matuandui
The famous water-bag steamed buns with braised meat filling. A Luoyang specialty.
White Horse Temple
China's first Buddhist temple, founded in 68 AD. The international architecture section is unique.
Luoyang Old Town
Wander the old city: Luoyi Ancient City, the Ming City Wall, and the peony gardens.
Luoyang Night Market
Try the local snacks: matuandui, luoyang beef soup, and sesame cakes.
Location
Practical Information
✈️ Getting There
Luoyang Longmen Airport (LYA) is 18km from the city. Flights from Beijing (1.5h), Shanghai (2h), Guangzhou (2.5h). High-speed trains from Beijing (4.5h), Xi'an (1.5h), and Zhengzhou (1h) arrive at Luoyang Longmen Station. The Longmen Grottoes are 12km from the city center — take the bus (¥5) or a taxi (¥30).
🏨 Where to Stay
Stay in Luoyang city center (convenient, $20-50/night) or near the Longmen Grottoes (quieter, $30-60/night). The city has a rich history and is well worth exploring in its own right. The peony gardens are best in April during the Luoyang Peony Festival.
💡 Travel Tips
The Longmen Grottoes are best visited in the morning (before 10 AM) to avoid the tour groups. Wear comfortable shoes — there's a lot of walking on uneven paths. The Fengxian Temple (Vairocana Buddha) is the highlight — don't miss it. The evening lights show is seasonal (usually March - October) and worth the extra ticket. The White Horse Temple is a 10-minute drive from the grottoes — combine both in one day.
Luoyang Longmen Airport (LYA) is 18km from the city. Flights from Beijing (1.5h), Shanghai (2h), Guangzhou (2.5h). High-speed trains from Beijing (4.5h), Xi'an (1.5h), and Zhengzhou (1h) arrive at Luoyang Longmen Station. The Longmen Grottoes are 12km from the city center — take the bus (¥5) or a taxi (¥30).
Stay in Luoyang city center (convenient, $20-50/night) or near the Longmen Grottoes (quieter, $30-60/night). The city has a rich history and is well worth exploring in its own right. The peony gardens are best in April during the Luoyang Peony Festival.
The Longmen Grottoes are best visited in the morning (before 10 AM) to avoid the tour groups. Wear comfortable shoes — there's a lot of walking on uneven paths. The Fengxian Temple (Vairocana Buddha) is the highlight — don't miss it. The evening lights show is seasonal (usually March - October) and worth the extra ticket. The White Horse Temple is a 10-minute drive from the grottoes — combine both in one day.
Travel Tips
The Vairocana Buddha is the highlight
The 17m Vairocana Buddha at Fengxian Temple is the most celebrated statue in the Longmen Grottoes. Its serene expression and perfect proportions represent the pinnacle of Tang Dynasty Buddhist art. Spend at least 30 minutes in front of it.
Luoyang is one of China's cheapest cities
A full day of eating, transport, and the Longmen Grottoes ticket costs under $30. The city is significantly cheaper than Beijing, Shanghai, or Xi'an. The food is excellent and affordable.
Luoyang matuandui is a must-try
The water-bag steamed buns (matuandui) are Luoyang's signature dish. The thin dough wraps a filling of braised meat and broth. The best version is at the local street vendors, not the restaurants. Try them at breakfast.
Pack for Four Seasons in One Day
China's climate varies dramatically by region. In the north, winters can be -20°C; in the south, it's 30°C year-round. Pack layers, a light rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for any trip.
High-Speed Trains Are a Game Changer
China's high-speed rail network covers most major cities. A Beijing-Shanghai trip that used to take 12 hours by plane now takes 4.5 hours by train — and the experience is far more comfortable. Book tickets on the 12306.cn website or app.
Cash Is Still King in Small Towns
While major cities are increasingly cashless (WeChat Pay and Alipay), many smaller towns and rural areas still rely on cash. Always carry RMB bills (¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100) for small purchases and street food.
The Vairocana Buddha is the highlight
The 17m Vairocana Buddha at Fengxian Temple is the most celebrated statue in the Longmen Grottoes. Its serene expression and perfect proportions represent the pinnacle of Tang Dynasty Buddhist art. Spend at least 30 minutes in front of it.
Luoyang is one of China's cheapest cities
A full day of eating, transport, and the Longmen Grottoes ticket costs under $30. The city is significantly cheaper than Beijing, Shanghai, or Xi'an. The food is excellent and affordable.
Luoyang matuandui is a must-try
The water-bag steamed buns (matuandui) are Luoyang's signature dish. The thin dough wraps a filling of braised meat and broth. The best version is at the local street vendors, not the restaurants. Try them at breakfast.
Pack for Four Seasons in One Day
China's climate varies dramatically by region. In the north, winters can be -20°C; in the south, it's 30°C year-round. Pack layers, a light rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for any trip.
High-Speed Trains Are a Game Changer
China's high-speed rail network covers most major cities. A Beijing-Shanghai trip that used to take 12 hours by plane now takes 4.5 hours by train — and the experience is far more comfortable. Book tickets on the 12306.cn website or app.
Cash Is Still King in Small Towns
While major cities are increasingly cashless (WeChat Pay and Alipay), many smaller towns and rural areas still rely on cash. Always carry RMB bills (¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100) for small purchases and street food.