Longmen GrottoesViral

Longmen Grottoes

UNESCO site with 100,000+ Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River, from the 5th–8th centurie…

SightsCity & Nightlife

$13

3–4 hours

Overview

Key takeaway

UNESCO site with 100,000+ Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River, from the 5th–8th centuries. The 17m Vairocana Buddha is iconic.

Time & cost

Plan 3–4 hours. Budget: $13. Hours: 08:00–18:00 (night tours available).

Best for

Best for first-time Luoyang visitors who want a clear 3–4 hours stop without guesswork.

Practical

Price$13
Duration3–4 hours
Hours08:00–18:00 (night tours available)
Getting thereBus 81 from Luoyang Railway Station; Didi 20 min

Tips

On site

Hire a guide (¥100–200) — the carvings need context.

Timing

The west hill is the main area.

Also

Night tour (¥120) is magical with lighting.

Also

Allow 3+ hours.

Timing

Leave with hours in mind (08:00–18:00 (night tours available)). Weekends and holidays need extra queue time.

Pay

Nearby stalls usually take Alipay or WeChat. Foreign-card terminals are rare — set up Alipay before you go.

Show to staff

你好,请问入口在哪里?我有预约/门票,谢谢。

Nǐ hǎo, qǐngwèn rùkǒu zài nǎlǐ? Wǒ yǒu yùyuē / ménpiào, xièxie.

Hi — where is the entrance? I have a reservation/ticket. Thank you.

Location & how to go

Longmen Grottoes, Luoyang

MetroBus 81 from Luoyang Railway Station; Didi 20 min
BusBus 81 from Luoyang Railway Station; Didi 20 min
Taxi / DidiDidi or a licensed taxi is the simplest door-to-door. Set destination to “龙门石窟” and pay in-app with Alipay/WeChat.

Reviews

★★★★★4.6· 24 verified reviews

Editor verification notes

Operational notes from the ChinaPie editorial team — not traveler ratings, and not counted toward stars.

  • ChinaPie Editors
    Editor verification note

    We re-checked the opening hours and metro exit on site; signage matches the guide above.

  • ChinaPie Editors
    Editor verification note

    Editor note: the English-friendly entrance is often the south or main visitor gate — confirm on the day. Show any QR from this guide at the ticket booth.

Guide Q&A

How much are tickets for Longmen Grottoes?

$13

What are the opening hours of Longmen Grottoes?

08:00–18:00 (night tours available)

How do I get to Longmen Grottoes?

Bus 81 from Luoyang Railway Station; Didi 20 min

How long should I spend at Longmen Grottoes?

3–4 hours

Any practical tips for Longmen Grottoes?

Hire a guide (¥100–200) — the carvings need context. The west hill is the main area. Night tour (¥120) is magical with lighting. Allow 3+ hours.

Is Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang easy for first-time visitors?

Yes as a typical tourist stop. Save the metro stop, screenshot tickets/hours, and allow extra time on weekends.

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