Longmen Grottoes Qianxi Temple (Zhaifu Hall)

Longmen Grottoes Qianxi Temple (Zhaifu Hall)

Longmen Grottoes Qianxi Temple (Zhaifu Hall) is a cultural tourism attraction.

Qianxi Temple, also known as Zhaifu Hall, was built over 1,300 years ago in the early Tang Dynasty and is the first large cave at the northern end of the West Hill of Longmen. The temple is over nine meters high and wide, with a depth of nearly seven meters. Its ceiling features a shallowly carved large lotus medallion. Inside the cave are statues of one Buddha, two disciples, two bodhisattvas, and two heavenly kings. The main Buddha, Amitabha, sits solemnly on a Sumeru pedestal, his face full and round, his chest slightly protruding, his robes draped diagonally in front of the pedestal, with all body proportions well-balanced. His serene and wise expression, along with the fearlessness mudra he makes with his hands, gives an overall impression of quiet dignity and compassion.

To the left of the main Buddha is the elder disciple Kasyapa, and to the right is the younger disciple Ananda. Beside the two disciples are the Bodhisattva Guanyin and the Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta. Notably, the Mahasthamaprapta on the southern wall is sculpted with a full, gentle form and a tranquil demeanor, with a 1:1 replica displayed at the Palace Museum. At the entrance of the cave are carved images of two guardian heavenly kings—high-cheekboned, large-eyed, clad in armor, and standing atop yakshas, exuding power and might. On the southern exterior wall niche of the cave are two line-engraved standing Buddha statues.

Address: Inside the West Hill Grottoes of the Longmen Grottoes Scenic Area, Luolong District, Luoyang City

Type: Historical Site

Recommended Visiting Time: 20–30 minutes

Opening Hours:

(1) February 1 – March 31: 8:00–17:00, closes at 18:00; (2) April 1 – October 7: 8:00–17:30, closes at 18:30; (3) October 8 – October 31: 8:00–17:00, closes at 18:00; (4) November 1 – January 31: 8:00–16:00, closes at 17:00. (5) Night tour opening hours (West Hill Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple): Open daily from April 8 – May 10. From May 11 – October 11, open every Friday and Saturday (open daily during the National Day Golden Week; closed in case of rain): 17:30–21:00 (last entry at 21:30); lighting time: between 18:30–19:30. Night clearance time: 22:40, lights out at 23:00.

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the Longmen Grottoes Grand Scenic Area ticket (¥120), which covers the West Hill Grottoes, East Hill Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, and Bai Garden (unified ticket for all four sites). Night tour ticket: ¥120, includes: West Hill Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple.