One of China’s most treasured art collections, the Longmen Caves were listed as a World Heritage site in 2000. The one kilometer stretch along the west bank of the Yi River in Henan Province is the site of more than 100,000 Buddhist statues, 40 pagodas and 3,600 tablets, all carved out of the limestone cliffs.
Initially founded by the Northern Wei Dynasty (386 to 584 AD), the caves saw sculpturing commence in 492 AD and three sets of the caves date from this period. It was an ongoing project for the next 500 years until reaching a peak during the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 AD), when most of the masterpieces were created.
The carving style clearly progressed throughout this half millennium, with later works following a more complex format and featuring women. The carvings were commissioned by royalty, emperors, generals and wealthy families who hoped their contribution would lead to good fortune.
Most of the statues have endured the test of time; however, human nature has proven to be a far more destructive force than Mother Nature, and many statues have been subjected to brutal damage. The vandalism began during the anti-
Buddhist era of the 9th century when statues were beheaded and faces smashed.
The savage continued in the 19th and 20th centuries when Westerners snatched relics as souvenirs, and concluded with the Red Guards defacing the site during the Cultural Revolution. Now, a metal fence protects the caves and visitors can only view the site from a distance.
Getting There & Away
Daily flights serve Luoyang from Dalian (1 hour, 50 minutes), Chendu and Guangzhou (1 hour, 55 minutes). Luoyang airport is located 10kms outside of the city and there is a shuttle bus service to the city every hour. Public buses and tourist minibuses depart frequently from outside the city’s train station.