Longmen Grottoes after dark: Discover Luoyang in a different light Updated: 2026-08-28 | China Bound

https://www.chinabound.cn/s/202608/28/WS6a90f1b0498e36855033f83f/longmen-grottoes-after-dark-discover-luoyang-in-a-different-light.html As dusk settles over Luoyang in Central China’s Henan province, the Yihe River catches the last light of day, creating a beautiful backdrop for an evening at the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After sunset, the ancient grottoes take on a magical atmosphere as soft lighting brings centuries-old Buddhist sculptures and intricate carvings gently out of the darkness. Wander along the pathways to Fengxian Temple, where nine monumental statues command attention, including the serene Vairocana Buddha. Carved more than 1,300 years ago during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), this masterpiece seems to gaze calmly across the river, offering a powerful glimpse into the artistry and spirituality of ancient China.