Longman Grottoes is located 13 Km to the south of Luoyang. Longmen Grottoes, Yungang Caves and Mogao Caves are regarded as the three most famous treasure houses of stone inscriptions in China. The carving works dates back to the time when the northern Wei Dynasty moved it's capitol to Luoyang (493AD) . There are 2345 niches, over a hundred thousand sculptures and some 2800 pieces stones bearing inscriptions on both of the East Hill and West Hill. Which still enjoy great historical value and strong artistic charm.

ID：001-1006 Longmen Grottoes        Picture Sources：ccnpic.com

ID：001-4353 Longmen Grottoes        Picture Sources：ccnpic.com

The grottoes were started around the year 493 when Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) moved the capital to Luoyang and were continuously built during the 400 years until the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). The scenery measures 1,000 metres (about 1,094 yards) from north to south where there are over 2,300 holes and niches, 2,800 steles, 40 dagobas, 1,300 caves and 100,000 statues. Most of them are the works of the Northern Wei Dynasty and the flourishing age of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Lots of historical materials concerning art, music, religion, calligraphy, medicine, costume and architecture are kept in Longmen Grottoes.

Fengxian Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty and it is the largest grotto in Longmen Temple with a width of 36 metres  and a length of 41 metres. There are nine major figures of various facial appearances and temperaments in the temple that were built in accordance with the Buddhist rite and their relationships by the artists.

ID：001-4357 Longmen Grottoes        Picture Sources：ccnpic.com

The most impressive figure is the statue of Vairocana Buddha sitting cross-legged on the eight-square lotus throne. It is 17.14 metres in total height with the head four metres in height and the ears 1.9 metres in length. Vairocana means illuminating all things in the sutra. The Buddha has a well-filled figure, a sacred and kindly expression and an elegant smile.

ID：001-4356 Longmen Grottoes       Picture Sources：ccnpic.com

ID：001-4355 Longmen Grottoes      Picture Sources：ccnpic.com

  (CCNPIC Nancy Wu)