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Longmen Grottoes, Luoyang

4.6

#1 of 323 in Things to do in Henan

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Admire ancient statues at the World Heritage Site of Longmen Grottoes, one of the world's premier sites for Chinese Buddhist artwork. Spanning both sides of the Yi River, the complex features niches and caves carved directly into the cliff faces along the banks. Explore this extensive network, with more than 2,300 chambers in all, and marvel at its array of Buddhist statues, shrines, and temples, as well as all sorts of religious inscriptions cut into the limestone rock. You'll find several sets of main grottoes home to intricate statues and carvings that date back to the complex's origins in the late fifth century CE. Don't miss the massive main statues in the western portion of the site, which tower over visitors from their position above three long staircases. Plan to see Longmen Grottoes and other attractions that appeal to you using our Luoyang vacation planning website .

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Longmen Grottoes Reviews

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1,607 reviews

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4.6

• By Foodie_Traveller_12

  We went to this as part of a history theme tour of China. The carvings and workmanship was outstanding. The largest statue was commissioned by the first female emperor of China - Wu ZheTian. Across...  more »

• By Herwie

  A UNESCO site! Amazing to see how people carved out statues of Buddha right into the mountain. The biggest of all was commissioned by Wu Zetian, first female emperor of China. Hence it could possibly....  more »

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• By Togrul Yagublu TY

  wow wow wow I loved Luoyang, didn't expect it to be so exciting city. Apart from Longmen Grottoes you should visit old city centre too, it is one of the ancient city centres which preserved its atmosphere and didnt suffer much from reconstruction. Prices on street are comparatively cheap than other tourist destinations, as well as you can find some interesting and unique snacks and gifts which would be rare to find in other parts of China. Take a long relaxed evening walk here. recommend you to try fresh squeezed pomegranate juice. Later on try local newly baked bread from one of home shops. City was on ancient Silk Road, so you can observe elements of Muslim culture. Bread, mosques and etc. Nice city mix of modern and ancient China

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• By Charles Li

  These grottoes are sensational. The earliest grottoes started during the North Wei dynasty. The bulk of the constructions are from the Tang dynasty. And the last few are carved during the Song dynasty. I highly recommend a guide as it explains the subtle stylistic differences from each era. These grottoes ran along both bank of the river, so you can walk along one side, cross the bridge then back the other.

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