Book Longmen Grottoes Tickets Online

Initially built in 493 AD, the construction of the Longmen Grottoes continued for nearly 400 years. Today, the site contains more than 100,000 Buddhist statues carved into 2,345 niches and caves. Some statues and artworks show influences from outside China, reflecting the cultural exchanges along the ancient Silk Road. The Longmen Grottoes were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000.

Open Hours

• March 1–October 31: 08:00–20:00. Visitors must leave the scenic area before 21:00. After 18:00, only the West Hill Grottoes and Xiangshan Temple remain open.
• November 1–February 28: To be confirmed.

What to See in the Longmen Grottoes

The main area of the Longmen Grottoes is divided into four major sightseeing areas: the West Hill Grottoes, the East Hill Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, and Bai Garden. We recommend visiting the West Hill Grottoes → Ford Bridge → East Hill Grottoes → Xiangshan Temple → Bai Garden. The route takes around two hours to complete.

Highlights of the West Hill Grottoes

Lushena Giant Buddha – The Oriental Mona Lisa

The construction of the Lushena Giant Buddha began during the reign of Wu Zetian (690–705 AD), the only woman in Chinese history to rule as emperor. Standing 17.14 meters tall, the Buddha is often said to have been modeled after Wu Zetian’s own face, although this theory is not historically confirmed. With its serene smile and gentle expression, the statue is sometimes called the "Oriental Mona Lisa."

Binyang Three Caves – Three Statues in Three Shapes

To honor his parents, Emperor Xuanwu of the Northern Wei Dynasty began constructing the Binyang Three Caves in 500 AD. The project took 24 years and involved around 800,000 workers. The three main Buddha statues are notable for their different body shapes: the Buddha in the middle cave has a slimmer figure, while those in the northern and southern caves appear more plump.

Ten-Thousand Buddha Cave – More Than Ten Thousand

The Ten-Thousand Buddha Cave contains around 15,000 Buddhist statues, ranging from large figures to tiny carvings. The smallest statue is only about 2 centimeters tall. At the center of the cave is Amitabha Buddha, who is associated with the Pure Land and the aspiration to bring peace and happiness to all beings according to Buddhist teachings.

Lotus Cave – An Elegant High-Relief Lotus

The Lotus Cave is famous for the magnificent lotus carved in high relief on its ceiling. Measuring 3.6 meters in diameter, the lotus features graceful, elegant petals and is considered one of the highlights of the Longmen Grottoes. Its beautiful design has even inspired decorative motifs used in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Highlights of East Grottoes Hill

Kanjing Temple – Monks Seem to Be Talking

Unlike most other temples, Kanjing Temple is not famous for its main Buddha statue. Instead, visitors are drawn to the 29 lifelike statues of monks carved into the cave. They appear to be talking with one another, deep in thought, or teaching Buddhist teachings. Their vivid expressions and poses make the cave one of the most fascinating and entertaining sights at the Longmen Grottoes.

Ten-Thousand Buddha Valley – A Perfect Blend of Scenery and Buddhism

Hundreds of thousands of Buddhist statues are scattered throughout this scenic valley, blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. The valley’s peaceful and tranquil atmosphere adds to the spiritual character of the site, making it a wonderful place to appreciate both nature and Buddhist art.

Other Highlights

The Longmen Grottoes area is not only home to magnificent Buddhist sculptures. Visitors can also discover ancient Chinese poetry and the cultural legacy of Bai Juyi, one of China's greatest poets. Xiangshan Temple and Bai Garden are closely associated with his life and work, adding a fascinating literary dimension to the visit.

Xiangshan Temple – Bird's-Eye View of the West Hill

Bai Juyi spent his later years at Xiangshan Temple. He even contributed to the temple’s renovation and maintenance and wrote an article about the project. For visitors, the temple’s top floor offers an excellent terrace for enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the West Hill Grottoes, especially the magnificent Lushena Giant Buddha.

Bai Garden – A Peaceful Place to Rest

Bai Garden is also the final resting place of Bai Juyi. One of its most famous attractions is the Corridor of Poems, where his masterpieces are displayed in the calligraphy of modern Chinese calligraphers. The peaceful garden is a pleasant place to take a break while appreciating these beautiful works of art.

How to Get and Use Tickets

• Please scan your passports and QR codes at the entrance for admission.

Cancellation Policy

• Free cancellation is available before the tickets are booked.
• Once the tickets are booked, the service fee will not be refunded.
• A refund of 85% of the ticket price will be issued for cancellations made more than 24 hours before departure.
• No cancellations are allowed within 24 hours of the departure time.

Price Includes

• Entrance fee USD 14 per ticket
• service fee USD 6 per ticket

Good to Know

• Recommended Sightseeing Route – We recommend visiting the West Hill Grottoes → Ford Bridge → East Hill Grottoes → Xiangshan Temple → Bai Garden. The route takes around two hours to complete.
• Sunset Viewing – The observation terrace on the East Hill is one of the best places to enjoy and photograph the sunset over the grottoes.
• Entry Time Slots – Four entry time slots are available each day. Please enter during the time slot selected when booking, as each ticket is valid only for its designated entry time.
• Ticket Checks – Tickets are checked separately at the West Hill Grottoes, East Hill Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, and Bai Garden. Keep your ticket with you throughout your visit.