The foremost of China's Four Great Grottoes — Longmen Grottoes

Located in Luoyang, Henan Province, the Longmen Grottoes were carved during the reign of Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty (493 AD), flourished during the Tang Dynasty, and continued through the Northern Song Dynasty, spanning over 400 years. It is the leading site among China's Four Great Grottoes (Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, Yungang Grottoes in Datong, Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, and Maijishan Grottoes in Tianshui). It is the largest and most extensive repository of stone carving art in the world, recognized by UNESCO as "the pinnacle of Chinese stone carving art." The most representative figure is the Vairocana Buddha of Fengxian Temple. Standing 17.14 meters tall, with a head height of 4 meters and ears measuring 1.9 meters, this statue was sculpted under the order of Empress Wu Zetian based on her own facial features and demeanor. It is the highest artistic achievement, most meticulously designed, and largest statue in the Longmen Grottoes, famous for its mysterious smile. "Vairocana" means vast wisdom and radiant illumination.