Luoyang Longmen Grottoes: What to See and How to Visit
Luoyang Longmen Grottoes is a vast Buddhist cave complex in China, located south of Luoyang in Henan Province. There are 2,345 caves and niches, over 100,000 Buddhist statues and more than 2,800 stone inscriptions on both sides of the Yi River.
Longmen Grottoes was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000 and recognized as the highest peak of Chinese stone carving art from the Northern Wei to the Tang Dynasty. When visiting Luoyang, it is a key attraction for experiencing the city’s Buddhist art and history.
Most of the major grottoes are on the West Hill, while the East Hill, Xiangshan Temple, and Bai Garden offer more to explore across the river.
This guide will show you the tickets and opening hours, routes, main sights, transport from Luoyang and Xi’an, accessibility, the best time to visit, and practical tips for planning a visit.
Quick Links: Plan Your Visit to Longmen Grottoes
- How to Explore Longmen Grottoes
- Highlights to See at Longmen Grottoes
- How to Get to Longmen Grottoes
- Best Time to Visit Luoyang Longmen Grottoes
- Accessibility at Luoyang Longmen Grottoes
Longmen Grottoes Tickets and Opening Hours
The ticket and opening hours are important when planning a visit. The official Longmen Grottoes website currently lists:
- Full-price ticket: RMB 90
- Daytime areas: West Hill, East Hill, Xiangshan Temple, Bai Garden
Daytime Opening Hours
Opening hours change between the peak and off-peak seasons.
| Period | Entry | Ticket Sales Close | Last Admission | Clearance |
| Mar. 1–Oct. 31 | 08:00 | 17:30 | 18:00 | 19:00 |
| Nov. 1– Feb. 28/29 | 08:00 | 16:30 | 17:00 | 18:00 |
If you want to visit both hills, arrive earlier, as coming shortly before the last admission time will leave too little time to complete the visit.
What About the Night Visit?
The “Night Tour of Longmen” programme has been available since March 30, 2026, but it is not offered throughout the year. Its operating dates may vary by season, so check the official website for the latest schedule before planning an evening visit.
| Item | Night Tour Information |
| Open areas | West Hill Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple |
| Closed areas | East Hill Grottoes, Bai Garden |
| Ticket checking | 18:00–20:00 |
| Site clearance | 21:00 |
For a first visit, daytime is a better choice if you want to see the main caves and inscriptions, as all four main areas are open.
How to Explore Longmen Grottoes
Longmen Grottoes covers a large area, so choosing a suitable route can help you plan a more comfortable visit. Most visitors follow a route that includes the main grottoes and riverside sights, while shorter walking routes and boat sightseeing options are available for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
Option 1: Classic Route (Recommended)
The classic route covers the major highlights of Longmen Grottoes on both sides of the Yi River. Start from the West Hill, where most important grottoes are located, then cross the river and continue to the East Hill, and you can visit Xiangshan Temple and Bai Garden.
| Time Needed | Entrance | Suitable For |
| About 3–4 hours | Northwest Service Area | First-time visitors |
Tips:
- After crossing the Yi River Bridge to the East Hill, there is a checkpoint. Once you pass the checkpoint, you cannot return to the West Hill, so make sure you have finished visiting the West Hill sights before crossing.
- A shuttle bus is available from the Platform for Adoration or Bai Garden to the exit area. The one-way fare is RMB 10 per person, which can help reduce walking time.
Option 2: Yi River Boat Sightseeing Route (Less Walking)
The Yi River sightseeing boat offers a more relaxed way to explore Longmen Grottoes. The Yi River sightseeing boat provides a more relaxed way to experience Longmen Grottoes from the water. The boat departs from Dashi Gate Pier and stops at Fengxian Temple Pier, Platform for Adoration Pier, and Bai Garden Pier. Visitors can get off at these piers to explore the nearby sights and continue by boat with the same ticket.
| Time Needed | Price | Entrance | Suitable For |
| About 2–3 hours | RMB 70 per person for a round-trip boat ticket | Northwest Service Area | Seniors, families, and visitors who prefer less walking |
Highlights: Views of the grottoes from the Yi River, Fengxian Temple and Vairocana Buddha, Platform for Adoration, and Bai Garden.
Boat Operating Hours:
| Pier | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Dashi Gate Pier | 9:00–19:30 |
| Fengxian Temple Pier | 9:00–18:00 (extended to 21:00 during night sightseeing periods) |
| Platform for Adoration Pier | 9:00–18:00 (extended to 21:00 during night sightseeing periods) |
Tips: Boat operations may be affected by weather conditions. Check the latest information before planning your visit. And boat tickets are usually subject to the daily passenger capacity and may sell out after reaching the limit.
Highlights to See at Longmen Grottoes
The main grottoes are divided between the West Hill and East Hill, with the Yi River running between them. The West Hill contains most of Longmen’s well-known caves and sculptures.
Fengxian Temple and the Vairocana Buddha— The main sculptural highlight
Fengxian Temple has the largest and most elaborate group of cliff sculptures at Longmen. The 17.14-meter-high Vairocana Buddha stands at the center, surrounded by figures of different sizes and expressions.
Binyang Cave — Northern Wei art and the V-sign Buddha
Binyang Caves include three Northern Wei caves, with Middle Binyang Cave being an imperial cave from the period. North Binyang Cave is known for a Buddha making a distinctive V-sign with its hand, which has become a popular photo spot.
Wanfo Cave — 15,000 tiny Buddha figures
Wanfo Cave, also known as the Ten-Thousand-Buddha Cave, is famous for 15,000 small Buddha figures covering its walls. Each figure is only about 4 centimeters high.
The cave also has a Bodhisattva statue near the south side of the entrance. Standing 85 centimeters tall, it is a fine example of the elegant Bodhisattva figures created during the Tang Dynasty.
Guyang Cave — Inscriptions and Northern Wei calligraphy
Known as the “first cave” at Longmen, Guyang Cave was the earliest to be carved and remained in use for the longest period. It also contains a rich variety of sculptures, inscriptions, and other carved details. If you are interested in Chinese writing and stone inscriptions, you may find this area especially interesting.
Platform for Adoration — A View Across the Yi River
The Platform for Adoration is the best place to view Longmen Grottoes from a distance. Standing by the Yi River, you can look across to the West Hill cliffs and enjoy a clear view of the Vairocana Buddha and the surrounding carvings. The peaceful riverside setting also offers a different perspective on the scale and layout of the grotto complex.
Xiangshan Temple — Historic temple linked with Bai Juyi
Xiangshan Temple stands on the East Hill overlooking the grottoes across the river.
The temple has a history of more than 1,400 years and is associated with Bai Juyi, the Tang Dynasty poet who spent his later years in Luoyang.
The temple offers different scenery from the grottoes, with temple buildings, trees, and views over the river and surrounding hills.
Bai Garden — Memorial site for Bai Juyi
Bai Garden is a memorial garden associated with Bai Juyi and is located beneath Pipa Peak on the East Hill. It contains areas connected with the poet’s life and later years in Luoyang.
How to Get to Longmen Grottoes
Luoyang Longmen Grottoes is about 12 kilometers south of central Luoyang and is easy to reach by car, bus, or high-speed train. The best option depends on where you are coming from and whether you have luggage.
How to Get to Longmen Grottoes from Luoyang City Center
- Distance: About 12 km south of central Luoyang
- Taxi, Didi, or private transfer: Usually takes about 30 minutes
- Public buses: Routes including 53, 60, and 81 connect central Luoyang with the Longmen Grottoes
How to Get to Longmen Grottoes from Luoyang Longmen Railway Station
- Distance: About 4 km from Longmen Grottoes
- By taxi ,Didi, or private transfer: Around 10 minutes by car
- By bus: Bus 71 connects the railway station with Longmen
How to Get to Longmen Grottoes from Xi’an
- Train: High-speed trains from Xi’an North Railway Station to Luoyang Longmen Railway Station take about 1.5 hours
- After arriving: Continue from Luoyang Longmen Station to the grottoes by taxi, Didi, private transfer, or bus
Tip: A private transfer can be more convenient if you have luggage or plan to visit other Luoyang attractions on the same day.
Best Time to Visit Luoyang Longmen Grottoes
Longmen Grottoes are outdoor, so you need to consider the weather and time of day for your visit. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, while early morning and late afternoon are good times to explore. For a wider trip, check the best time to visit Luoyang to plan your visit.
Best Seasons to Visit
Spring: March to May
Spring is a good time to visit the grottoes and walk along the Yi River because of the mild weather and greener scenery. Average daytime temperatures range from about 9°C to 28°C.
Autumn: September to November
With cooler temperatures around 11–25°C, autumn is comfortable for longer walks, including routes that cover both sides of the river.
Best Times of Day to Visit
Early Morning: 8:00–10:00
Early morning offers cooler temperatures, softer light for photography, and more time to explore. Arrive around 8:00–9:00 if you plan to visit other attractions in Luoyang later.
Late Afternoon: 15:00–17:00
Late afternoon can be more comfortable for walking, with softer light and a different atmosphere around the Yi River and grottoes. However, allow enough time to finish your visit.
Tip: Avoid Chinese public holidays and weekends if possible, as Longmen Grottoes can be more crowded.
Accessibility at Luoyang Longmen Grottoes
Longmen Grottoes is not fully wheelchair accessible, mainly because of its uneven paths, slopes, and many steps to the caves.
The West Hill has most of the famous grottoes, but reaching some caves requires climbing stairs. Travelers who use a wheelchair or have difficulty walking can stay on the riverside paths and view the grottoes from across the Yi River on the East Hill.
A sightseeing boat along the Yi River can also reduce the amount of walking and provide views of the grottoes from the water.
Wheelchair and stroller rentals are listed among the scenic area’s visitor services, but availability should be confirmed before your visit.
What to Visit After Longmen Grottoes
If you have extra time after visiting Luoyang Longmen Grottoes, you can visit the nearby attractions. The approximate travel times below are by private transfer and can be longer during busy periods.
- White Horse Temple — around 40–60 minutes: A historic Buddhist temple that is suitable for travelers who are interested in Buddhist culture and history.
- Luoyang Old Town — around 25–35 minutes: A good place to go after Longmen for traditional streets, local food, and a more relaxed evening.
- Luoyang Museum — around 20–30 minutes: You can learn more about Luoyang’s history and its importance as an ancient capital.
- Luoyang Peony Gardens — around 30–45 minutes: A seasonal choice for spring, when Luoyang’s peonies are in bloom. Check the flowering period before planning your visit.
Local Food to Try in Luoyang
After several hours at Longmen Grottoes, take some time to try Luoyang’s local food. You can find several traditional dishes and snacks in Luoyang Old Town.
- Luoyang Water Banquet: A traditional multi-course meal featuring soups and hot dishes. Look for restaurants around Old Town and Xigong District.
- Luoyang Beef Soup: A popular local breakfast, usually served with beef and bread. Small local soup shops can be found throughout Luoyang.
- Bu Fan Tang: A local soup made with ingredients such as tofu, pepper, and vinegar. It is easy to find at local eateries and snack shops.
- Old Town Snacks: For a casual evening meal, walk around Luoyang Old Town and try local noodles, dumplings, soups, and other street snacks.
Practical Tips for Visiting Longmen Grottoes
- Wear comfortable shoes: You will do a lot of walking, especially if you visit both sides of the Yi River.
- Bring water and sun protection: Bring drinking water, sunscreen, and a hat, particularly during summer.
- Allow extra time: Keep your schedule flexible for walking, photography, and exploring the areas you are most interested in.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I spend at Longmen Grottoes?
Around 3–4 hours. Two hours is enough for the main West Hill sights, while four hours or more gives you time to explore both sides of the Yi River.
Which entrance is best for Longmen Grottoes?
The Northwest Entrance and Service Area is a better choice for most first-time visitors because it is close to the West Hill and its major grottoes.
Is Luoyang Longmen Grottoes suitable for senior travelers?
Yes, with a suitable route. Seniors can focus on the main West Hill sights and take a sightseeing boat or a shuttle bus to reduce walking.
Can I visit Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Temple on the same day?
It is possible, but the travel time between Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Temple is long. If you want to visit both in one day, allow plenty of time for transportation and focus on the highlights of Longmen.