Longmen Grottoes, nestled in the mountains, is a Buddhist sanctuary carved like a masterpiece. The Yi River flows through it, carrying ancient Buddhist light into the mountain’s landscape. The largest Buddha, Lushan, sits atop the Nine Peaks, with a serene and dignified expression, and is considered a pinnacle of Eastern Buddhist sculpture, famously known as the “Oriental Mona Lisa.” Before Dragon Cave, in front of the Sangshan Temple, thousands of stone carvings shimmer like stars, with countless Buddha statues either seated on lotus platforms or soaring into the air. This blend of Northern Wei’s strength and the Tang Dynasty’s opulence is a testament to the site’s rich history. Longmen Grottoes is a comprehensive encyclopedia of Buddhist art, and a witness to China’s cultural tolerance and harmony. As the setting sun gilds the Yi River with gold, the Buddhist light within the grottoes blends beautifully with the mountain mist, as if hearing the ancient chants of the sage, Damo, echoing through time.
