Our guide, Elephant Travel, said Xiao Jiang was absolutely amazing! We booked a 2.5-hour tour, but the actual tour lasted nearly 3 hours. 👍 Longmen Grottoes is even more impressive, memorable, and brilliant because of Xiao Jiang's explanations!
First, let's talk about the scenery. I've been to Mogao Grottoes and Longgang Grottoes before, but the Buddha statues at Longmen Grottoes are more royal and political. Each statue carries a moving story from thousands of years ago, and each stolen Buddha head speaks silently of the nation's suffering. After walking nearly a kilometer and climbing 98 steps, I looked up and saw the enormous Vairocana Buddha. The awe I felt was beyond words. Under the light, I recalled that Li Bai, Du Fu, Bai Juyi, and others had once gazed at this same Buddha, and my blood surged. This is more than just a sight; it's a memory shared by every Chinese person.
And finally, Xiao Jiang, the tour guide, is the best and most responsible guide I've encountered in recent years. Perhaps it's because of his passion for Longmen Grottoes that I can sense his dedication to showcasing every aspect of its splendor and richness. My iPad was like a treasure trove, adding countless details to the overall explanation. His voice, sometimes high-pitched and sometimes low, combined grand narratives with gentle riffs on the small inscriptions on the door lintel. Most importantly, he was incredibly photo-savvy, capturing many perfect photos for us. A huge thank you to Xiao Jiang for creating such wonderful memories for our Luoyang trip!