What is Henan famous for? The Longmen Grottoes are undoubtedly part of the answer. This artistic treasure, carved into the cliffs along the Yi River over centuries, houses over 100,000 Buddhist statues and represents the pinnacle of Chinese stone carving art.

The most spectacular sight is the Vairocana Buddha in the Fengxian Temple, the iconic landmark of Longmen. Standing over 17 meters tall—equivalent to a five- or six-story building—the statue has a full, serene face with a compassionate smile, appearing both majestic and approachable. Legend has it that the carving was modeled after Empress Wu Zetian, making it a visually stunning masterpiece.

Beyond this colossal statue, the grottoes feature a rich variety of Buddha figures that reflect the evolving aesthetics of different eras. Early statues are slender with flowing robes, while those from the Tang Dynasty are more robust and lifelike. From gigantic sculptures to palm-sized carvings, the statues display remarkable diversity.

In addition to the statues, Longmen preserves a wealth of ancient calligraphic inscriptions. The "Twenty Inscriptions from Longmen" are particularly treasured by calligraphy enthusiasts for their vigorous and powerful strokes, showcasing the critical transition from clerical script to regular script in Chinese writing. Many of these carvings were not commissioned by royalty but by merchant guilds, neighbors, and ordinary people. Their inscriptions, often praying for family health or business prosperity, reveal the collective effort of individuals from different social strata and professions, weaving together a grand cultural panorama.

With its immense scale, ancient origins, and extraordinary artistic value, the Longmen Grottoes comprehensively document the development and peak of Chinese Buddhist stone carving art. In 2000, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming a cultural treasure protected by all of humanity.

Today, Henan employs technology to digitally reconstruct fragmented artifacts, allowing works like the Procession of the Emperor and Empress to be virtually reunited across time and space. This commitment to preservation reflects contemporary China's confidence and dedication to cultural heritage.

So, what is Henan famous for? The answer lies on the cliffs along the Yi River—at Longmen.

Web editors: Shen Jianqi, Zhang Rui