[2025 Luoyang Attraction] Travel Guide for Xiangshan Temple (Updated Apr)

📆 [Itinerary] ⛱️ Must-see attractions: Longmen Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, Bai Garden, Luoyang Museum 📆 Itinerary: Day 1: Take bus No. 81 from Luoyang Station directly to Longmen Grottoes, visit the West Hill Grottoes and East Hill Grottoes, and admire the exquisite stone carvings such as the Lushena Buddha; walk to Xiangshan Temple to feel the tranquility and history of the ancient Tang Dynasty temple; go to Bai Garden to visit the former residence and cemetery of Bai Juyi, and learn about the poet's life; finally, take bus No. 53 to Luoyang Museum to appreciate the profound heritage of Heluo culture. Day 2: Take bus No. 60 to Guanlin Scenic Area to visit the Guan Yu Ancestral Temple and ancient building complex; transfer to bus No. 58 to the Sui and Tang Luoyang City National Heritage Park to explore the prosperous Tang Dynasty atmosphere of the Tiantang Mingtang; walk to Luoyi Ancient City to experience traditional handicrafts and folk culture; before the end of the trip, you can go to Lijingmen Old Street to taste local snacks and buy special souvenirs. 🚗 Transportation Guide: Mainly by bus. Luoyang bus lines have wide coverage, and the fare is CNY 1-2; it is convenient to transfer between scenic spots, and some scenic spots can be connected by walking. 🌟 Highlights of the trip: Experience the charm of the World Cultural Heritage of Longmen Grottoes in depth, combining history, religion and natural landscape; interspersed with Luoyang's special cuisine and urban culture, the itinerary is well-paced. 💰 Average cost per person: About CNY 300-400 (including transportation, tickets, and meals). 💡 Recommended delicacies along the way: 1. "Luoyang Water Banquet" near Longmen Grottoes Scenic Area (recommended sliced meat in soup, and deep-fried meatballs); 2. "Bufan Soup" in Lijingmen Old Street (best with shredded pancakes); 3. "Beef Soup" in the Old Town (freshly boiled in the morning, with sesame seed cake). 📌 Tips: - Tickets for Longmen Grottoes need to be booked in advance. It is recommended to arrive before 8:30 to avoid the crowds; - Luoyang Bus supports Alipay scan code to ride; - There is a large temperature difference between day and night in spring, it is recommended to bring a windproof jacket; - There are many stone steps in Bai Garden, it is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes.

### **1. Latest Ticketing Information** 1. **Ticketing System Upgrade and Adjustment** (Completed): Online pre-sale was suspended from January 9 to 20, 2025, due to a ticketing system upgrade. Only same-day ticket purchases were supported during this period. The system has now been restored and **online booking is available**. **Lunar New Year Holiday Notice**: If you are traveling during the holiday, please book online in advance (tickets may still be available from February 2 to 4). 2. **Ticket Inclusion**: Tickets include admission to the West Hill Grottoes, East Hill Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, and Bai Garden. Please keep your ticket stub as it is required for entry at each location. --- ### **2. Transportation and Accommodation Suggestions** 1. **Transportation**: - **High-speed Rail**: After arriving at Luoyang Longmen Station, take bus No. 490, 829, or the tourist line (You 4, 212) directly to the scenic area. The journey takes approximately 30 mins. - **Car**: Drive from downtown Luoyang along National Highway 209 to Longmen Town, which takes about 20 mins. 2. **Accommodation Recommendations**: - **Downtown Luoyang**: Hotels in the old town (e.g., Luoyang Old Town Hotel) offer an immersive experience of local culture and cuisine. - **Near the Scenic Area**: Longmen Grand Hotel or characteristic inns are convenient for early morning visits to avoid crowds. --- ### **3. Best Time and Season to Visit** - **Best Seasons**: Spring and autumn (April, September-October) offer pleasant weather, avoiding the summer heat and winter cold. - **Recommended Time of Day**: Morning or evening have fewer crowds and better lighting for photos. The illuminated Buddha statues during the Longmen Grottoes night tour are even more mystical. --- ### **4. Core Attractions and Recommended Routes** 1. **Must-See Highlights**: - **West Hill Grottoes**: - **Luoyang Longmen Grottoes Lushena Buddha**: Standing 17m tall, this statue is known as the "Oriental Mona Lisa" and symbolizes Wu Zetian. The main Buddha has a benevolent face and exhibits exquisite craftsmanship. - **Ten Thousand Buddha Cave**: This cave contains 15,000 small Buddha statues, showcasing the peak of Tang Dynasty art. - **Fengxian Temple**: A royal grotto of the Tang Dynasty, featuring a grand complex of sculptures. - **East Hill Grottoes**: - **Kanjing Temple**: Famous for its 29 vivid statues of Tang Dynasty arhats, it is an important relic of Zen Buddhism. - **Leigutai Three Caves**: Legend has it that Wu Zetian once celebrated here by beating drums, creating a rich historical atmosphere. 2. **Recommended Route**: It is suggested to first visit the West Hill Grottoes (approx. 2-3 hrs), cross the Manshui Bridge to the East Hill Grottoes (1 hr), and finally visit Xiangshan Temple and Bai Garden (the tomb of Bai Juyi). --- ### **5. Cultural Experiences and In-Depth Activities** 1. **Guided Tours**: - The scenic area offers **audio guides** or human guides (approx. CNY 200/session), which are recommended for understanding the historical stories behind the Buddha statues. - **Exhibition Hall**: Showcases Buddhist art and archaeological findings, ideal for culture enthusiasts. 2. **Special Activities**: - **Immersive Experiences**: New in 2025 are the "Digital Repatriation of Lost Relics" and "3D Printing Restoration" projects, using technology to recreate the original appearance of the grottoes. - **Educational Programs**: Designed for teenagers to explore grotto art and Buddhist culture. --- ### **6. Food Recommendations** - **Luoyang Water Banquet**: A banquet featuring soup dishes, with "Peony Swallow's Nest" and "Continuous Soup Meat Slices" being highly recommended. - **Snacks**: Beef soup, scallion pancakes, and tofu pudding can be enjoyed at stalls around the scenic area. --- ### **7. Important Notes** 1. **Physical Preparation**: The scenic area has steep steps, so comfortable athletic shoes are recommended. Allow ample time for your visit. 2. **ID and Booking**: Bring your ID card and purchase tickets online in advance. Save a screenshot of your ticket. 3. **Avoid Peak Hours**: During holidays, it is advisable to enter the park before 8am or visit on a working day. --- ### **8. Nearby Attractions** - **White Horse Temple**: The first ancient Buddhist temple in China, located about 40 mins by car from the Longmen Grottoes. A day trip can be arranged. - **Luoyang Museum**: Free admission, offering an in-depth understanding of the history of the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties.

Xiangshan Temple located in the west bank of river in the Long Men Grottoes scenic area of Luoyang City, Henan province. This is small but very old temple, founded by famous Chinese philosopher and poet who was censuring people's sins, especially, lust. The temple has collection of his poetical texts and study books. Yes, there was also a school, that was typical for that time temples. The temple is still playing its religious role for locals. Also this is very good option to take a rest during exploration of Long Men grottoes area.

You can take a bus from the city center (¥1.5, about 1 hour) to the Longmen Grottoes (entrance fee ¥90, tickets can only be purchased on-site without an ID). I thought I could avoid the crowds of tour groups by going around noon, but I was too naive. The Longmen Grottoes, much like the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, are always bustling with visitors. The Longmen Grottoes are divided into four sections: the West Hill Grottoes, East Hill Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, and Bai Garden. However, the highlights are concentrated in the West Hill Grottoes. After entering through the northwest entrance and walking along the Yi River, you'll quickly see the honeycomb-like niches. Most of the grottoes and Buddha statues were built during the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties by the imperial family and nobility. The massive and exquisitely carved stone Buddha statues are awe-inspiring, giving a sense of the monumental effort involved in their creation. Unfortunately, many statues are damaged or missing entirely. In addition to natural weathering, much of the damage is due to human destruction (as Buddha heads were often stolen and sold for profit). It's truly a pity.

👍🏻Recommended reasons: The Longmen Grottoes are super worth visiting!🌟 They are the world's largest and most abundant treasure trove of stone carving art. Constructed over 1,400 years, starting from the Northern Wei Dynasty and spanning more than ten dynasties before nearing completion, they boast a profound historical and cultural heritage. The Lushena Buddha, sculpted in the image of Wu Zetian, is known as the "Oriental Mona Lisa." Its beauty is beyond imagination and will definitely feast your eyes, allowing you to experience the stunning charm of ancient art!🤩 🗺Attraction Introduction: 📍Longmen Grottoes are one of the four major grottoes in China, with over 2,300 caves and nearly 110,000 statues. Northern Wei Dynasty caves account for about 30%, while Tang Dynasty caves account for 60%, mainly concentrated in the West Hill Grottoes. The East Hill Grottoes are primarily from the Tang Dynasty. This is also the birthplace of the legend of the "carp jumping over the dragon gate"🐉. Moreover, the Guyang Cave is the earliest cave in the Longmen Grottoes, carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty over 1,500 years ago. The Binyang Three Caves were built by Emperor Xuanwu of the Northern Wei Dynasty for his parents. The main statue, "The Present Buddha" Sakyamuni, is 8.4 meters high. Each cave has its unique historical and artistic value. 🚗Transportation: ✈Approximately 25 km from Luoyang Beijiao Airport, about a 30-minute drive. 🚉If traveling by train, it's 19 km from Luoyang Railway Station. Bus No. 81 goes directly to the grottoes, and there's also a special Longmen Grottoes train. It's even closer to Longmen High-Speed Railway Station, about 5 km, and a taxi ride costs around CNY 10. 🚇Take subway line 2, exit from Bali Tang Station Exit A/D, and transfer to bus No. 60/99/81/53 to Longmen Grottoes Bus Station. 🗺Tour Route: The scenic area offers a one-way route, so no backtracking is needed. For the West Hill Grottoes, start from the West Hill North Gate entrance and pass by Yuwang Pond, Qianxi Temple, Binyang Three Caves, Wanfo Cave, Lotus Cave, Fengxian Temple, and Guyang Cave in order. For the East Hill Grottoes, start from West Hill, cross Manshui Bridge and the Buddhist worship platform, then go to Xiangshan Temple, and finally to Bai Juyi Garden. A complete route can also start from the Dashimen entrance, go to the Northwest Service Area, then begin the West Hill Grottoes tour, followed by the East Hill Grottoes area, the Viewing Platform, Xiangshan Temple, Longmen Bridge, Bai Garden, and finally return to the Northwest Service Area and exit🚶. 🍱Food Recommendations: When in Luoyang, you must try the local specialties😋. Luoyang Water Banquet, a full course of 24 dishes, features a clever combination of hot and cold, meat and vegetables, sweet and savory, sour and spicy flavors, each with a unique taste. There's also Bufan Tang, a sour and spicy soup that's great for sobering up and whetting the appetite, a folk snack with local characteristics. Also, don't miss the mutton soup, with its delicious broth and tender mutton, both warming and tasty. 💰Expenses: 🎫Tickets are CNY 90/person for adults and CNY 45/person for students and teachers. The scenic shuttle bus costs CNY 10/ride/person. Audio guide rental is CNY 20/unit, and returns can be made at both visitor centers. 📌Other tips: Currently, there are no night tours at Longmen Grottoes, but if you want to see the lights, you can view them from the opposite bank of the river around 6 pm. There's a fee for ringing the bell at Xiangshan Temple, CNY 100 for 3 rings. It seems the price has increased; it used to be only CNY 20. It's recommended to visit in the morning, as the sunlight on the West Hill Grottoes makes the statues look lifelike. If you want a night view, it's better to enter the park around 3 or 4 pm to see the lights turn on. Be sure to wear comfortable sneakers👟, as you'll likely be walking over 10,000 steps. If you're interested in history and want to learn more about Buddhist culture and the stories behind the Buddha statues, you can share a tour guide with a few other people.

Longmen Grottoes: A Complete Guide Located in Luoyang City, Henan Province, the Longmen Grottoes are one of the four largest grottoes in China, a World Cultural Heritage site, and known as the "peak of stone carving art." They house more than 100,000 Buddha statues from the Northern Wei to the Tang Dynasties, representing a perfect fusion of history, art, and Buddhist culture. Here's a detailed guide: I. Basic Information • Address: Longmen Town, Luolong District, Luoyang City, Henan Province • Opening Hours: ◦ Peak Season (Apr 1–Oct 31): 8am–6pm (last tickets sold at 5:30pm) ◦ Off Season (Nov 1–Mar 31): 8am–5:30pm (last tickets sold at 5pm) • Tickets: ◦ Full Price: CNY 90/person (includes West Hill Grottoes, East Hill Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, and Bai Garden) ◦ Night Tour Ticket: CNY 120/person (reservations required; lighting times vary by season) ◦ Free Admission: Seniors over 60, children under 1.4m, military personnel, people with disabilities, etc., with valid ID. II. Transportation • High-Speed Rail/Train: ◦ Luoyang Longmen Station (high-speed rail) → 10-min taxi ride to the northwest service area of the scenic spot ◦ Luoyang Station → Bus No. 81 directly to Longmen Grottoes (approx. 1 hr) • Airplane: Luoyang Beijiao Airport → 40-min taxi ride or airport bus transfer to a public bus • Car: The scenic spot has two parking lots, northwest and northeast, CNY 10/entry (arrive early during peak season) • Transportation within the Scenic Spot: ◦ Electric Shuttle Bus: CNY 10/person (connects the service area to the ticket gate; approx. 20-min walk) III. Must-See Attractions 1. West Hill Grottoes (Main Area) • Lushena Buddha: The largest Buddha statue of the Tang Dynasty, 17.14m high, funded by Wu Zetian, known as the "Mona Lisa of the East" • Binyang Three Caves: Northern Wei royal grottoes; the middle cave features a "Sakyamuni" statue with ornate robes, and the north cave's "Scissorhands Buddha" has unexpectedly become popular • Ten Thousand Buddha Cave: More than 15,000 small Buddha statues cover the walls, and the 52 lotus flowers carved behind the main Buddha are exquisite 2. East Hill Grottoes • Kanjing Temple: Tang Dynasty Luohan reliefs; 29 Dharma Luohan statues with different expressions; the only grotto that has not been looted 3. Xiangshan Temple • Wu Zetian once hosted poetry gatherings here; the Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling Villa witnessed the era of the Republic of China; panoramic views of the Yi River 4. Bai Garden (Bai Juyi's Tomb) • The resting place of Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi; serene bamboo forest; inscribed poems and writings worth savoring IV. Recommended Routes • Half-Day Tour (Highlights): Northwest Service Area → West Hill Grottoes (Lushena Buddha, Binyang Three Caves, Ten Thousand Buddha Cave) → Cross the bridge → Xiangshan Temple → Return by electric shuttle bus • One-Day Tour (In-depth): Northwest Service Area → West Hill Grottoes → East Hill Grottoes → Xiangshan Temple → Bai Garden → Longmen Night Tour (light show) • Culture Enthusiast Route: Book a guide in advance → Focus on Guyang Cave (Wei stele calligraphy) and Yaofang Cave (stone-carved prescriptions) → Enjoy tea at Xiangshan Temple → Night photography of grotto silhouettes V. Seasonal Activities • Spring (Mar–May): Willows line the banks of the Yi River; visit the Luoyang Peony Garden during the Peony Culture Festival (April) • Summer (Jun–Aug): Avoid midday heat; choose morning/evening visits; dazzling night tour lights • Autumn (Sep–Nov): Clear skies; the red leaves of Bai Garden complement the grottoes • Winter (Dec–Feb): Fewer crowds; snow-covered grottoes (beware of slippery surfaces) VI. Practical Tips 1. Guide Services: • Human Guide: CNY 200/session for up to 5 people (recommended for more engaging stories) • Electronic Guide: CNY 30/device (CNY 200 deposit) 2. Photography Tips: • Morning is best for photographing the West Hill Grottoes (with the light), and afternoon for the East Hill Grottoes (for optimal light and shadow) • Best spot for photographing the Lushena Buddha: Worship platform (looking back from the east side after crossing the bridge) 3. What to Wear: • Non-slip athletic shoes (many steps in the grottoes); hat + sunglasses in summer; windproof jacket in winter 4. Dining: • Mainly simple meals in the scenic area; bringing your own snacks is recommended • Try Luoyang Water Banquet after leaving the scenic area ("Zhen Bu Tong" restaurant is recommended) 5. Things to Avoid: • Don't trust people outside the scenic area offering "shortcuts" • Protect the cultural relics; do not use flash photography on the Buddha statues VII. Nearby Attractions • Guanlin Temple: Burial place of Guan Yu's head; 10-min drive; CNY 40 • White Horse Temple: The first ancient temple in China; 30-min drive; CNY 35 • Luoyang Museum: Free admission with ID; see Tang Sancai in the Treasures Hall • Luoyi Ancient City: Hanfu experience + night view; 25-min drive • Shaolin Temple: 1.5-hr drive; experience Chan and Wu culture The Longmen Grottoes are a time tunnel through millennia, with each Buddha statue narrating the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty and the ingenuity of the artisans. Learning about the historical background beforehand will enhance your experience! 🛕📿

|2-day travel guide. Stop rushing around! 2-day in-depth tour of Luoyang Grottoes [Clap] Luoyang, an ancient capital with thousands of years of history, attracts countless tourists with its profound cultural heritage and unique charm. Today I will bring you a 2-day travel guide to Luoyang, allowing you to deeply appreciate the charm of Longmen Grottoes and surrounding attractions, and embark on a cultural journey through time and space. Itinerary Day 1: In-depth tour of Longmen Grottoes 📍Longmen Grottoes: A world cultural heritage, the first of the three major grottoes in China, with 2,345 existing caves and more than 110,000 statues. The Vairocana Buddha, with the face of Wu Zetian carved on it, is the core of the building. It combines Chinese and international artistic styles, and even elements such as ancient Greek stone columns can be found here. - Highlights route (half-day tour)🎈 - Xishan Grottoes (2 - 3 hours): Visit Binyang Three Caves (Scissor Hand Buddha) → Ten Thousand Buddha Caves (15,000 small Buddhas) → Lotus Cave → Fengxian Temple (Lotus Buddha) → Guyang Cave in that order. The panoramic shooting point of Vairocana Buddha is located at the Buddha Lifu Platform, so don’t miss it. - Dongshan Grottoes (1 hour): The highlights are the Jing Temple (29 Arhat statues), Siyan Cave (Flying Goose Caisson), and a panoramic view of Xishan. - Xiangshan Temple + Baiyuan (1 hour): The combined ticket includes the following attractions: Xiangshan Temple offers a panoramic view of the Yi River, while Baiyuan is the tomb of Bai Juyi. - In-depth route (one-day tour)🎈 - Morning: Xishan Grottoes + Dongshan Grottoes - Afternoon: Xiangshan Temple → Baiyuan → Yi River Cruise (15 minutes boat ride to view the grottoes on both sides) - Tickets and opening hours: Tickets are 120 yuan (including Xishan Grottoes, Dongshan Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, and Baiyuan). Students/teachers can enjoy half price with ID and senior citizens aged 60-69 can enjoy half price. Open from 7:30 to 17:30 in winter (November to March); open from 8:00 to 18:30 in other seasons, and night tours are open until 22:00 (weekends from April to October). - Transportation Guide: Take Metro Line 2 to Balitang Station, and transfer to Bus No. 81/53/60; use the self-driving navigation to "Northwest Service Area", and do not go to the Northeast Service Area, otherwise you will have to walk 3 kilometers. The battery car pass in the scenic area is 10 yuan per person, and the one-way boat trip is 40 yuan. - Note: It is about 800 meters from the parking lot to the entrance of the scenic area. It is recommended to take an electric car. Be wary of vehicles soliciting passengers around the parking lot and don't be misled. There are many activities but many people during the peony flower festival in April, while there are fewer people and the scenery is quieter in winter. Wear comfortable sports shoes (there are many stone steps), and bring sunscreen and drinking water. Day 2: Explore the surrounding cultural attractions 📍Gongyi Grottoes Temple: 1 hour drive from Luoyang, the Northern Wei royal grottoes, which preserves the complete picture of the emperor and empress worshiping Buddha, a must-see for history lovers. 📍White Horse Temple: The first ancient temple in China, it has Buddhist halls in Chinese, Indian, Burmese and Thai styles. It is great to visit it together with Longmen Grottoes. 📍Luoyang Museum: Free to visit, you can fully understand the history of the ancient capital of 13 dynasties. Featured Experiences 🎏Legend of the Fish Leaping Over Dragon Gate: Yique is the place where carp turned into dragons. You can feel the mystery and romance when visiting. 🌙Night tour of the grottoes: From April to October, the night lights illuminate the Buddha statues, creating a mysterious atmosphere and a unique experience. 📣Cultural interpretation: The scenic spot provides paid tour guides (200 yuan/session), or you can scan the QR code for free audio guides. 💡Tip: If you have enough time, it is best to arrange a 2-day trip. Focus on the Longmen Grottoes on the first day, and visit the White Horse Temple and Luoyang Museum on the second day to fully experience the diverse charm of the "Millennium Imperial Capital". Luoyang, a city full of stories, is looking forward to you unveiling its mysterious veil and embarking on an unforgettable cultural journey.

✨Hey guys, today I want to share with you a super detailed guide to Longmen Grottoes. Let's explore this treasure trove of art and feel the charm of history! 📍Address: Longmen Avenue, Longmen Town, Luolong District, Luoyang City, Henan Province 🎫Ticket: Full price ticket CNY 90 🚗Transportation: 1. Bus: There are many bus routes from the city center to Longmen Grottoes, such as No. 53, No. 60, and No. 71. 2. Taxi: Just tell the driver that your destination is Longmen Grottoes. It's convenient and fast. 🗺️Tour route: West Hill Grottoes👉East Hill Grottoes👉Xiangshan Temple👉Bai Garden 🌟West Hill Grottoes: This is the essence of Longmen Grottoes. It was excavated in the Northern Wei Dynasty and built in the Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, Tang, and Five Dynasties, stretching for more than 1 km. The Buddha statues in the grottoes are of various shapes and are vivid and lifelike. From the slender and clear statues of the Northern Wei Dynasty to the plump and round statues of the Tang Dynasty, they reflect the artistic styles and aesthetic changes of different periods. Especially the Vairocana Buddha, with a total height of 17.14 m, a head height of 4 m, and ears as long as 1.9 m, has a plump and round face, crescent-shaped eyebrows, kind eyes, and a slight smile. It is an outstanding representative of Tang Dynasty Buddhist art, making people marvel at the wisdom and skills of the ancients. 🌟East Hill Grottoes: Compared with the West Hill Grottoes, it is smaller in scale, but it also has its unique charm. Most of the grottoes here were excavated in the Tang Dynasty, and the carving craftsmanship is exquisite, worth savoring. 🌟Xiangshan Temple: Located halfway up the East Hill of Longmen, it has a quiet environment and simple and elegant buildings. It is the place where Bai Juyi lived in seclusion in his later years, leaving many popular poems. 🌟Bai Garden: It is the cemetery of Bai Juyi, a poet of the Tang Dynasty. The garden is beautiful and full of cultural atmosphere. 📸Photography tips: 1. If you want to take a panoramic view of the Buddha, you can go to the viewing platform on the other side of the river, where you can see the majestic figure of the Vairocana Buddha. 2. Make good use of the soft light and shadow in the early morning or evening to take photos with a great atmosphere. 3. Pay attention to protecting cultural relics and do not use flash. 🍜Food recommendations: There are some snacks and restaurants in the scenic area, and there are also many Luoyang specialties around. 1. Luoyang Water Banquet: Mainly sour and spicy, with classic dishes such as Peony Swallow Dish and Sliced Meat in Soup. 2. Beef Soup: The soup is fresh and delicious, and the cake strips are endless aftertastes. 3. Bu Fan Soup: Mung bean cake with vermicelli, fungus, and other ingredients, sour and spicy. 💡Notes: 1. It is recommended to take sun protection and hydration measures in advance, and bring a hat and water bottle. 2. Wear comfortable shoes because you have to walk a lot. 3. Abide by the regulations of the scenic area, visit in a civilized manner, and do not touch or damage cultural relics. Come to Longmen Grottoes to feel the integration of history and art!💖

#favouriteitinerary Longmen Grottoes (龙门石窟) – A UNESCO Treasure of Ancient China 📍 Location: Luoyang, Henan Province, China 🕒 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by season) 🎫 Entrance Fee: ~90 RMB --- 🗿 What are the Longmen Grottoes? The Longmen Grottoes are one of China’s most stunning Buddhist art sites, featuring over 100,000 stone carvings of Buddha and his disciples, dating back over 1,500 years to the Northern Wei Dynasty (493 AD). Carved into the cliffs along the Yi River, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a breathtaking fusion of religion, art, and history. --- 🌟 Highlights of Longmen Grottoes Fengxian Temple (奉先寺) ⛩️ – Home to the colossal 17-meter Vairocana Buddha, one of the most famous statues in China. Wanfo Cave (万佛洞) 🏯 – The "Cave of Ten Thousand Buddhas", filled with tiny, intricate carvings. Guyang Cave (古阳洞) 🏛️ – The oldest cave, featuring inscriptions from emperors and ancient scholars. Binyang Cave (宾阳洞) 🎨 – Showcases detailed carvings of Buddhist figures, commissioned by Emperor Xuanwu of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Xiangshan Temple (香山寺) 🌿 – A peaceful temple surrounded by lush greenery, offering a quiet retreat after exploring the grottoes. --- ✨ Why Visit the Longmen Grottoes? ✅ A must-see for history & art lovers ✅ One of China’s top Buddhist heritage sites ✅ Awe-inspiring rock carvings and scenic riverside views For the best experience, visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and catch the beautiful golden light on the statues! Would you like travel tips or nearby attractions to complement your visit?

Image 2️⃣ Wuhua Temple Pagoda, Luoyang/Yiyang, presumed to be from the Song dynasty, National Level 7; the temple was destroyed, which is a pity Image 3️⃣ Lingshan Temple Square Stone Pagoda, Luoyang/Yiyang, dated to the Northern Wei or Ming dynasty, National Level 7; the stone-carved Buddha statues are well-preserved Image 4️⃣-5️⃣ Lingshan Temple Pagoda Forest, Luoyang/Yiyang, with more than 20 tomb pagodas of monks from the Ming and Qing dynasties and modern times, with relatively simple styles Image 6️⃣ Xiwocaves Stone Carved Pagoda, Luoyang/Xin'an, in the Qiantang Stele Pavilion, Northern Wei, Provincial Level; four stone pagodas, two with three stories, one with five stories, and one with seven stories, each story has Buddha statues, with exquisite carvings Image 7️⃣ Fazang Zen Temple Monk Chenggong Xingtian Pagoda, Luoyang/Old Town, Ming dynasty, now placed outside the Xiaqing Palace Image 8️⃣ Abbot Jingben Zhi Brick Pagoda of Anguo Temple, Luoyang/Old Town, Ming dynasty, now placed outside the Xiaqing Palace Image 9️⃣ Zhang Qinglin Pagoda, Luoyang/Old Town, Ming dynasty, a relatively rare Taoist pagoda, now located in the east courtyard of the Xiaqing Palace, not open to the public Image 🔟 Qiyun Pagoda of White Horse Temple, Luoyang/Chanhe, Jin dynasty, National Level 1; a typical Jin imitation Tang pagoda, with several examples in Henan Image 1️⃣1️⃣ Wenfeng Pagoda, Luoyang/Old Town, early Qing dynasty, Provincial Level; a very peculiar style, a sight in Luoyang Ancient City Image 1️⃣2️⃣ Longmen Grottoes Square Stone Pagoda, on top of the Chen Tuan Stele, Tang dynasty Image 1️⃣3️⃣ Pagoda in the courtyard on the right after entering Longmen Grottoes, asked the staff, they assembled it from some scattered Tang dynasty stone pieces, quite beautiful Image 1️⃣4️⃣ Longmen Grottoes also have several stone-carved pagodas, with various styles, helpful for understanding the evolution of pagodas Image 1️⃣5️⃣ Robe and Bowl Pagoda of Xiangshan Temple, Guangxu period of the Qing dynasty, not easy to preserve Image 1️⃣6️⃣ Three-story Golden Phoebe Pagoda, a gift from Qianlong to his mother for her 70th birthday, now housed in Luoyang Museum, one of the museum's treasures Image 1️⃣7️⃣ Da Qin Jingjiao Stone Sutra Pillar, Tang dynasty, extremely rare cross and flying apsaras mixed decoration, located in the Treasure Hall of Luoyang Museum Image 1️⃣8️⃣ Luoyang Museum also houses several pagodas and sutra pillars from various periods, each with its own beauty 🔻 These are not all the ancient pagodas in Luoyang, at least three pagodas in Song County have not been visited, can only look forward to the future

"Among the ten temples of Longmen, Xiangshan is the first" (Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, "Two Poems of Xiangshan Temple"). Longmen Xiangshan Temple is an ancient temple of the Northern Wei Dynasty, located on the east mountain of Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, diagonally opposite the Lushena Buddha. It was once repaired by Wu Zetian and Bai Juyi, and the handwriting of the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty is still preserved. It is simple and quiet here, with melodious bells, and beautiful women in Hanfu between the red walls and green tiles, walking lightly, picking flowers and smiling, which is extremely amazing. Walking around, you will find that there are two worlds here, the simple and quiet traditional temple and the modern small building with blue bricks and black tiles. Yes, there is also a Jiang Song Villa here, hidden in the ancient tree treasure hall, and the planning and design inside greatly restores the historical style of the Republic of China in the last century... (Yu Jian Henan Luoyang Trip 3)

Xiangshan Temple is located in Luoyang, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, close to the Longmen Grottoes. It was built in the first year of Xiping in the Northern Wei Dynasty. It is a national AAAA-level scenic spot, facing east and west. It was originally called Guanyin Temple and was renamed Xiangshan Temple in October of the 22nd year of Daoguang in the Qing Dynasty (November 1883). Xiangshan Temple is divided into two parts, front and back, and several side rooms. The temple was rebuilt when Wu Zetian became emperor. Bai Juyi once donated money to rebuild Xiangshan Temple. In 2003, Xiangshan Temple was restored for the fifth time, drawing on the Tang Dynasty style to renovate the Jiang and Song Buildings, Qianlong Imperial Stele Pavilion, and the Yibo Pagoda. A bell tower, drum tower and main hall were newly built on the original site, and the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Hall of Arhats, walking trails, etc. were renovated. Tickets: Free, included in the Longmen Grottoes ticket Recommended playing time: 2 hours

🍃【Walking in Xiangshan, looking for the footprints of literati】🍃 "Among the ten temples in Longmen, Xiangshan Temple ranks first. It is not only an ancient temple, but also a witness to history." I strolled on Xiangshan Mountain in the south of Luoyang City, feeling the tranquility and mystery of this ancient temple isolated from the world. 🏯 🌱 Xiangshan Temple is a temple that has a close connection with the ancient Indian monk Divagarbha. Wu Zetian once visited this place and left behind the story of "composing poems in Xiangshan and winning brocade robes". The Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi devoted much effort to rebuilding the Xiangshan Temple, making it famous far and wide. 📜 🏡 There are 36 existing palace rooms. The main hall is spacious, with a hard-mountain brick and wood structure. The east and west side rooms and side halls are staggered. The overall layout is rigorous yet elegant. The simple and elegant architectural style complements the surrounding environment, making people feel peaceful. 🏰 The Chiang-Song Villa in Xiangshan Temple witnessed the historical moment when the National Government celebrated Chiang Kai-shek's 50th birthday. In 1936, Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling spent an unforgettable time here. 🌿 Baiyuan is the resting place of Bai Juyi, a great writer in the Tang Dynasty. The buildings in the park are simple and elegant, the four seasons are like spring, and the winding paths lead to secluded places, as if every step is stepping on the vein of history. In front of Bai Juyi's tomb, a tombstone stands solemnly, with the big words "Tomb of Bai Gong, Shaofu of Tang" awe-inspiring. 🌲 Cost: Tickets: 90 yuan 📍 Location: Longmen East Mountain, Luoyang ⏰ Opening hours: 8:00-18:00

1. Transportation - You can choose to travel by subway, which is free for students and people wearing Hanfu, and free for everyone after 8 PM. - Shared electric scooters are half-price in the evening, making them very affordable. - Taxi fares are low, and drivers enthusiastically introduce good places to eat and have fun. 2. Food - Various soups in the morning, 10 yuan per bowl with free bread. - Beef noodles for 15 yuan per bowl, with lots of meat. - 80 yuan can get you a large table of delicious food. - There is also a 5 yuan bus, allowing you to search for food along the way. 3. Attractions - Laojun Mountain: Enter the world of martial arts with one click. - The city is full of romantic atmosphere, with poetic train stations, and peony elements in traffic lights and car lights. 4. Travel Tips - Wear Hanfu while traveling to enjoy free subway rides and immerse yourself in the romance of Luoyang. - Take the subway for free after 8 PM to explore Luoyang's night scenery.

When the incense in the incense burner reaches a peak concentration There will be smoke everywhere, as gorgeous as a divine realm If you come to Longmen Grottoes and have enough time here, you must come and see it. I think it's better to watch all of them after spending 90 yuan. It's just a scenic spot that cannot be entered and exited repeatedly Once you've finished viewing this area, you're gone. If you don't want to watch it, you can take the shuttle bus directly to the door. If you want to see the White Garden, you have to walk a distance to get there. There is also a river cruise service here, but I didn't take it. I took one look at the pier and left. The building itself is light grey. With red doors and windows The eaves are a complex feeling created by stacking bright colors The roof is the same as the wall, and the overall tone is a low-saturation color. The decoration is simple and elegant, creating a peaceful atmosphere Xiangshan Temple is located on a hillside, and you can climb up to look down. You can also see the other side of the Yi River Perhaps we can no longer see the original Xiangshan Temple as it was originally seen by Mr. Bai. But through the reflection of the Xiangshan Temple now, I seem to be able to feel that slight desire to find what is there, and the three thousand worlds are infinite. #Buddhist Art and Architectural Treasures #Buddhist Culture

🍁Among the scenic spots in the outskirts of Luoyang, Longmen is the first; among the ten temples and monasteries in Longmen, Xiangshan is the first. —— Bai Juyi 💗Home-brewed wine fills the bottles, books fill the shelves, half of my livelihood is moved to Xiangshan. —— Bai Juyi 💚Let us form a bond with the clouds and springs, in the next life, I will be a monk in this mountain. —— Bai Juyi Xiangshan Temple got its name because of the production of fragrant kudzu. In the third year of the Yuanhe era of the Tang Dynasty, after Bai Juyi settled in Luoyang, he became a frequent visitor to Xiangshan Temple and called himself: Xiangshan Hermit. In 831, before his friend Yuan Zhen passed away, he gave a large sum of money as a writing fee to Bai Juyi to write his epitaph. Bai Juyi donated all this money to Xiangshan Temple for renovation, and the originally dilapidated Xiangshan Temple was thus renewed. Since then, Bai Juyi truly lived a life of "home-brewed wine fills the bottles, books fill the shelves, half of my livelihood is moved to Xiangshan," living a semi-monastic life at home. In 846, before Bai Juyi passed away, he instructed his family to bury him next to the Ruman Pagoda in Xiangshan Temple. The great literary giant fulfilled his wish of "Let us form a bond with the clouds and springs, in the next life, I will be a monk in this mountain" with his actions.

The city known as 'The City with the Most Grottoes' by the nation is truly beautiful... Luoyang◎Longmen Grottoes, Lazy Person's Half-Day Tour Guide!! The Longmen Grottoes are really huge, and these suggestions can save you a lot of unnecessary walking. For families with children or the elderly, it's a relaxed tour without exhausting your legs. Ticket price: 90r (it's recommended to buy a combined ticket for 7 attractions for 99r), half price for teachers and students 8:00-18:00, night tours are currently closed★Transportation For taxis, it's recommended to set your destination to the Northwest Service Area (about 30r), not the Northeast Service Area, as that will add an extra 3KM From Line 2 Balitang Subway Station, transfer to bus 81/53/60 to Longmen Grottoes Bus Stop Now Luoyang is in the off-season, I arrived at the scenic area at 10:30 am on a weekday, it wasn't crowded, and I finished touring by 12:30 pm, didn't go to ◎Xiangshan Temple and Bai Garden, spent 2h Attractions: Longmen Grottoes are vast, consisting of ◎West Hill Grottoes, ◎East Hill Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, Bai Garden, to visit all would need 4-5h Route: For online ticket purchases, navigate directly to the Dashi Gate ticket checkpoint and walk straight in, no need to go to the service center, otherwise, it will add an extra 20 minutes Explanation: Ticket checkpoint audio guide, 30/person, deposit 200, or use the Longmen Grottoes app for real-time location-based explanations Tour: Longmen Ancient Street → West Hill Grottoes via Manshui Bridge → East Hill Grottoes → Lifo Platform at Xiangshan Temple → Bai Garden (single-direction tour in the scenic area, no backtracking)Attraction Introduction West Hill Grottoes: Most of the attractions are here, you can spend more time visiting and taking photos √East Hill Grottoes: There are fewer grottoes here, and they are quite small, you can finish visiting quickly √Lifo Platform: Here you can take a full view of the ◎Lushena Buddha (said to be carved in the likeness of Empress Wu Zetian), very photogenic, just 200 meters past Manshui Bridge √Xiangshan Temple: The temple is not big, requires climbing stairs, the steps are very high and steep, quite tiring, worth a visit if you have enough time √Bai Garden: The tomb garden of Bai Juyi, consisting of Qinggu, Tomb Body, and Poetry Gallery If you have enough stamina, East Hill Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, and Bai Garden are worth a visit, but if you're short on time or energy, just visiting West Hill Grottoes is also very worthwhile. I didn't see the night view, so I don't know if the lights are still on small tips The way back is a bit far, but it's just a 15-minute walk, if you don't want to walk you can take the tour bus, 10r/person You can bring some supplies and water, as prices in the scenic area are slightly expensive

👉4 attractions: West Hill Grottoes, East Hill Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, Bai Garden 👉Complete tour: 7-8 hours 👉2 entrances: Northwest Service Area, Northeast Service Area, the Northeast requires an extra 3 kilometers walk 👉Cultural and Tourism Bureau 7 scenic spots joint ticket: 42099 Boarding pass from Luoyang Airport can waive the ticket for 70 scenic spots 【Longmen Grottoes 4-Hour Route Strategy】 Arrival Don't go to the Northeast Service Area The Northwest Service Area saves you 3 kilometers Ticket price: 90 RMB per person Time: 8:00-18:00, night tours closed from October 15th. To avoid crowds and still follow the lazy person's guide, enter the park at 14:00 The road before entering the scenic area If you have already bought tickets online, navigate directly to the Dashi Gate ticket checkpoint and go straight in, don't go to the service center, it's a big detour! The scenic area has 3 levels of gates, the archway ticket checkpoint Longmen Bridge is the 1st gate, at least 1 kilometer walk It makes me unable to walk even before entering the scenic area Explanation ·Ticket checkpoint audio guide: 30 RMB per person, deposit 200 RMB Not necessary, Longmen Grottoes guide can provide real-time positioning explanation Human guide next to Longmen Bridge, 200 RMB for up to 5 people, duration 1 hour, only includes official grottoes of the West Hill, not the folk grottoes Binyang Three Caves Representative royal grottoes from the Northern Wei period, where the Buddha resides Thousand Buddha Cave The Great Buddha of Lushena! Longmen Grottoes are the largest in scale, and also the only large-scale cliff-carved sculptures in the country that split open a mountain As you ascend the steps, when the Great Buddha's face gradually reveals itself with height, it's like an enlightening moment ✅ Legend has it that the main Buddha's face is modeled after Empress Wu Zetian Human guide ends Folk Grottoes Many folk grottoes are unrecorded, you can climb them if interested, I didn't climb Manshui Bridge Cross Manshui Bridge to the east side scenic area: ·East Hill Grottoes are small folk grottoes ·Xiangshan Temple for a panoramic view of West Hill, but the Buddhist platform is also available ·Bai Garden is the tomb of Bai Juyi Due to the lazy person's guide, going there requires a return trip on the same path, decisively give up Buddhist Platform The best spot for a photo with the Great Buddha of Lushena is at eye level ✅Don't rush to the platform to squeeze, there's also a lower level Night view lighting Small grotto lights are solar-powered and turn on automatically The Great Buddha niche lights are controlled by the scenic area, night tours close from October 15th, and lights are off after the National Day ✅You might encounter lights during recent adjustments, but don't wait foolishly, The shuttle bus stops running at 17:30 If you don't catch the bus, you can only walk 3 kilometers out!! O Shuttle Bus Next to the Buddhist platform is the shuttle bus, to prevent winter time adjustments After reaching the Buddhist platform, go ask what time it stops running first! After viewing, take the bus directly out The road after leaving the scenic area The shuttle bus doesn't go to the service center, it goes to Longmen Ancient Street, you can stroll if you want, but it's another 10 minutes walk out Return trip

Longmen Grottoes ⚠️4 attractions: Xishan Grottoes, Dongshan Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, Baiyuan ⚠️Full tour: 7-8 hours ⚠️2 entrances: Northwest Service Area, Northeast Service Area. Northeast requires an extra 3 kilometers. ⚠️7 scenic spots combined ticket of the Cultural and Tourism Bureau: 420➡️99 ⚠️Boarding pass at Luoyang Airport can be used to get free tickets to 70 scenic spots . 📍【4-hour route guide for Longmen Grottoes】 ❶ Arrival ❌Don’t go to the Northeast Service Area Northwest Service Area allows you to walk 3 kilometers less‼ ️ ❷Tickets: 90/person ❸ Time: ⏰8:00-18:00, night tour closed from October 15 If you want to avoid the crowds and want a lazy guide, enter the park at 14:00 ❹The road to the scenic spot If you have purchased your ticket online, navigate to the Dashimen ticket gate and walk directly inside‼ ️ Don't go to the service center, it's a long detour‼ ️ ⚠️The scenic area has 3 levels of gates, archway ➡️ticket gate ➡️Longmen Bridge ➡️The first generation gate, at least 1 km walk ⚠️I couldn't walk before I even entered the scenic area ❺Explanation · Ticket gate interpreter: 30/person, deposit 200 No need, the Longmen Grottoes preface can provide real-time location explanation · Manual explanation is next to Longmen Bridge, 200 for 5 people or less, 1 hour, only includes the official grottoes in the West Grottoes, and the folk grottoes are not explained ❻ Binyang Three Caves Representative of the royal grottoes during the Northern Wei Dynasty, where the Biye Buddha is located ❼Ten Thousand Buddha Caves ❽Loshana Buddha‼ ️ Longmen Grottoes is the largest in scale and the only large-scale stone sculpture in the country that was carved out of a cliff. As you climb the stairs, you will see the face of the Buddha gradually revealed, which is like a revelation. ✅It is said that the main Buddha's face is Wu Zetian End of manual explanation ❾Folk Grottoes Many folk caves have no records. If you are interested, you can climb them by yourself. I didn't climb them. ❶⓪Flood Bridge Cross the Manshui Bridge to the east scenic area: Dongshan Grottoes are small folk caves · Xiangshan Temple has a panoramic view of the West Mountain, but the Buddha worship platform is also available Baiyuan is the cenotaph of Bai Juyi Because of the lazy strategy, I had to go back the same way after I went there, so I gave up decisively ❶❶ Buddha worship platform The best photo location with a direct view of the Vairocana Buddha ✅Don't rush to the platform, there is also a lower floor ❶❷Night view lighting Small cave lamp solar automatic lighting The lights in the Buddha shrine are controlled by the scenic area. They will be closed for night tours from October 15 and will not be lit after National Day. ✅You may run into a light during the first few days of debugging, but don't wait, the shuttle bus will stop running at 17:30 ⚠️If you don’t get on the bus, you can only walk 3 kilometers out‼ ️ ❶❸Shuttle bus Next to the Buddhist altar is the shuttle bus, which is adjusted in case of winter. After arriving at the Buddhist altar, ask what time the service will stop! After watching, take a car and go out ❶❹Road to leave the scenic area The shuttle bus does not reach the service center, but goes to Longmen Ancient Street. You can go shopping if you want, but it takes another 10 minutes to walk out. ❶❺Return