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.
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.
