Louyang Longmen Grottoes
Never a dull moment around here. Three other teachers and Kim and I caught the fast train on Saturday and took the 1 1/2 hour ride to the Longmen Grottoes or "Dragon's Gates Grottoes" along the Yi River. Here carved into the side of the mountain in the limestone are thousands of caves of every size. Inside the caves are carvings of Buddha and his disciples. The Buddhas range from 1 inch to 57 feet. There are also many pagodas carved into the mountain rock as well. They were carved from about 490 AD to 1120 AD. During the Japanese War between the years of 1937-45, the caves were looted and many destroyed. Many of the statues were taken back to Japan where they remain still in Japanese Museums. It is sad to me to see the art work that was destroyed. There are many that are still intact but even more that have at least their faces chiseled away. The sad effects of war. Here are some pictures of the day....