The Longmen Grottoes were carved from limestone hills over many centuries

   The Longmen Grottoes were carved from limestone hills over many centuries, beginning with the reign of the pious Xiaowen emperor (471-499) of the Northern Wei dynasty (386-534) and continuing through the Tang dynasty in 10th century (although some items date from as late as the Qing dynasty). About a third of the carvings are from the Northern Wei period, over half are from the Tang and the rest are from other periods. The grottoes honeycomb the hills for over a kilometer on the west bank of the Yi River (Yihe or Yishui), a northward-flowing tributary of the Luo River. They are about 7.5 mi (13 km) south of Luoyang, one of China�s historic capitals. In addition to the carvings on the west side of the river, there are some grottoes on a lesser scale on the eastern bank with architectural monasteries that served more as the working and living areas for the sizable Buddhist community of monks from various sects. The Northern Wei had created the marvelous Yungang grotto sculptures near their earlier capital at Datong. When they decided to move to Luoyang in the late 5th century, it was perhaps logical that they would continue the genre of creating grottoes. Not only was Luoyang one of China�s historic political capitals (it hosted thirteen dynasties altogether) and therefore had a important symbolic value, it was also one of the earliest centers of Chinese Buddhism. The nearby rocky hills provided a veritable canvas for their creation of imaginative new worship and devotional centers. Doubtless some of the same artisans who labored at Yungang even continued to ply their skills at the new capital.

    Basically, visiting Longmen Grottoes takes about 3-4 hours. If you arrive at Longmen Railway Station from Xian or Zhengzhou before noon, you are highly advised to go directly from Longmen Railway Station to Longmen Grottoes. Longmen Grottoes are located 12km in the south of Luoyang city center and 5km south of Longmen Railway Station. So it saves both time and money to visit Longmen Grottoes directly from Longmen Railway Station. The taxi ride from Longmen Railway Station to Longmen Grottoes costs between RMB20 and 30. Or you may take the public bus No. 67 or 71 within close proximity to Longmen Railway Station (bus fare RMB1).
    South of Fengxian Temple is the tiny Medical Prescription Cave. The entrance to this cave is filled with 6th-century stone steles inscribed with remedies for common ailments.