Longmen Grottoes Postcard

Situated along the cliffs of the Yi River, the Longmen Grottoes are one of the most magnificent examples of Chinese Buddhist cave art. Dating back primarily to the Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties, the site contains over 100,000 statues and 2,300 caves carved into the limestone. The massive Vairocana Buddha in Fengxian Temple, flanked by disciples and guardians, stands nearly 56 feet tall, radiating spiritual power. Walking the path along the west hill, visitors pass an overwhelming sequence of thousands of intricate carvings and inscriptions. The sight of the massive statues illuminated by natural light filtering into the open-air caves is awe-inspiring. Across the river on the east hill, the Xiangshan Temple provides a panoramic view, showcasing the incredible scale of this UNESCO World Heritage Site carved directly into the mountain face.