Lotus Cave in the Longmen Grottoes

Lotus Cave in the Longmen Grottoes

Lotus Cave in the Longmen Grottoes is a cultural tourism attraction.

Lotus Cave is located in the Western Hills Grottoes within the Longmen Grottoes scenic area, and it is named after the large high-relief lotus carved on the ceiling. The cave was excavated around the Northern Wei Dynasty. Although the lotus, as a symbol of Buddhism, is frequently used in grotto ceiling decorations, a large and beautifully crafted high-relief lotus like the one on the ceiling of Lotus Cave is not commonly seen in the Longmen Grottoes. The flying apsaras surrounding the lotus are delicately sculpted, with slender waists and long robes, appearing graceful and at ease.

The main wall of the cave features a central Buddha flanked by two disciples and two bodhisattvas, with the main image being a standing statue of Sakyamuni. Both the central Buddha and the two disciples are depicted standing, representing Sakyamuni teaching with his two disciples. The elder disciple, Kasyapa, is shown holding a khakkhara staff and wearing a thick, flowing robe, as if he has endured a long and arduous journey. Unfortunately, his head was stolen in earlier years and is now housed in the Musée Guimet in France. The bodhisattvas on either side wear lotus crowns and are depicted in elegant poses.

On the upper part of the southern wall, there are tiny Buddha figures only 2 centimeters high, intricately carved and vividly shaped. The lower second niche contains two exquisite scenes from the life of the Buddha, with flying apsaras dancing above. The lintel above the cave entrance is carved with flame patterns and a beast-shaped door knocker, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. In the upper left corner, Ming Dynasty imperial censor of Henan inscribed the characters “Yijue”.

Address: Inside the Western Hills Grottoes of the Longmen Grottoes Scenic Area, Luolong District, Luoyang City

Type: Historical Site

Recommended Visiting Time: About 20–30 minutes

Opening Hours:

February 1 – March 31: 8:00–17:00, closes at 18:00; April 1 – October 7: 8:00–17:30, closes at 18:30; October 8 – October 31: 8:00–17:00, closes at 18:00; November 1 – January 31: 8:00–16:00, closes at 17:00. Night tour opening hours (Western Hills 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 off at 23:00.

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the general Longmen Grottoes site ticket (¥120), which covers the Western Hills Grottoes, Eastern Hills Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, and Bai Garden (unified ticket). Night tour ticket is ¥120, includes: Western Hills Grottoes and Xiangshan Temple.