Longmen Grottoes must-see attractions: A comprehensive guide

Longmen Grottoes Travel Guide I. Pre-trip Preparations Best time to visit: April-May or September-October offer pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities. Transportation: Plane: After arriving at Luoyang Beijiao Airport, take a taxi or bus to the city center. Train: Get off at Luoyang Railway Station or Longmen Railway Station, then take a taxi or bus to the scenic area. Car: The scenic area has a parking lot. Navigate to "Longmen Grottoes". Tickets: Peak season (April 1 - October 31): CNY 90/person Off-season (November 1 - March 31): CNY 80/person It is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues. Accommodation: It is recommended to stay in Luoyang city center for more choices and convenient transportation. Other: Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, etc. There are restaurants in the scenic area, but you can also bring your own snacks and water. II. Tour Route 1. West Hill Grottoes (recommended visiting time: 2-3 hours) Binyang Three Caves: Carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty, featuring a majestic statue of Sakyamuni, the principal Buddha. Ten Thousand Buddha Cave: Carved with tens of thousands of small Buddha statues, a truly spectacular sight. Fengxian Temple: The largest cliff-carved niche in the Longmen Grottoes, with the main Buddha, the Vairocana Buddha, standing 17.14 meters tall, an awe-inspiring presence. Guyang Cave: One of the earliest caves in the Longmen Grottoes, highly valued for its calligraphic art. 2. East Hill Grottoes (recommended visiting time: 1-2 hours) Kanjing Temple: Tang Dynasty grottoes with exquisite reliefs depicting Buddhist stories. Xiangshan Temple: Where Bai Juyi once lived, offering a panoramic view of the Longmen Grottoes. 3. Xiangshan Temple (recommended visiting time: 1 hour) The residence of Bai Juyi in his later years, a tranquil environment where you can experience the poet's life. 4. Bai Garden (recommended visiting time: 1 hour) The location of Bai Juyi's tomb, a beautiful garden suitable for commemorating the poet. III. Food Recommendations Luoyang Water Banquet: A traditional Luoyang banquet with 24 courses of soups and dishes, offering a unique flavor. Hu La Tang (Spicy Soup): A Henan specialty breakfast, spicy, savory, and fragrant. Bu Fan Tang (Unflipped Soup): A traditional Luoyang snack, sour and spicy, appetizing. Jiang Mian Tiao (Starch Noodles): A Luoyang specialty noodle dish, sour and flavorful. IV. Travel Tips The scenic area is large, so it is recommended to take the electric sightseeing bus to save energy. Please do not touch or climb on the cultural relics to protect our cultural heritage. There are more tourists during holidays, so it is recommended to travel during off-peak times. There are guided tours available in the scenic area. It is recommended to hire a guide or rent an audio guide. V. Nearby Attractions White Horse Temple: The first ancient temple in China, the first government-run temple after Buddhism was introduced to China. Guanlin Temple: The burial place of Guan Yu's head, a large-scale temple dedicated to Guan Yu. Luoyang Museum: A good place to learn about the history and culture of Luoyang. VI. Special Reminders The above guide is for reference only. The specific itinerary can be adjusted according to personal preferences. Please check the weather forecast before traveling and make corresponding preparations. Have a pleasant trip! We hope this guide is helpful to you!