Longmen Grottoes (Luoyang)

#chinatravel The Longmen Grottoes are simply mind-blowing. Stretching along both sides of the Yi River, these caves contain thousands of Buddha statues carved into limestone cliffs. The central Binyang Cave and the majestic Vairocana Buddha are especially unforgettable. The scale, detail, and preservation are remarkable. I visited just before sunset and the golden light on the stone made everything glow. The riverside path and nearby gardens make the visit peaceful and scenic, even aside from the carvings. Luoyang is one of China’s ancient capitals, and Longmen is its crown jewel. If you love history or Buddhist art, this place is pure magic.