As evening falls over the Yi River, the ancient stone carvings of the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, Henan province, begin to glow softly under the light of hidden lamps. These grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have offered night tours since 2007, with improvements made over the years. A major increase in international visitors came after China introduced a 240-hour visa-free policy, helping Luoyang become a popular destination for global travelers. Among the many highlights of the grottoes, the Fengxian Temple stands out, featuring nine towering statues of Buddhist deities carved directly into a cliff face. The scale and realism of these carvings are remarkable. UNESCO has praised the grottoes as a testament to the high cultural level of the Tang Dynasty and described the sculptures as an outstanding example of human artistic creativity. These carvings represent the refinement of an art form that played a crucial role in the region's cultural development. The most prominent figure, the Vairocana Buddha, looks out over the river with a calm expression that has endured nearly 1,300 years of weather and history. Russian visitors Ilya Demurin and Aleksandr Savchenko were deeply impressed. "Every small cave and statue makes this place so wonderful," said Savchenko. For those on the night tour, the experience feels more like exploring a slowly unfolding scroll painting than a typical tourist route. Each niche, carved over 1,500 years ago, is softly illuminated—just enough to show the ancient chisel marks. Ma Jialun, a docent at the Longmen Grottoes Academy, explained that nighttime sightseeing is "an exercise in subtraction," allowing visitors to feel a deep spiritual connection with the ancients. He noted that people from all over the world share a common appreciation for the beauty of the grottoes. With more international visitors, the site has assembled a team of multilingual guides to help bridge cultural differences. The Longmen Grottoes consist of over 100,000 Buddhist statues carved into 2,345 caves and niches over 400 years. Zhang Zhimin, deputy director of the academy, said the grottoes' artistic beauty transcends borders and deeply resonates with people from various backgrounds. On social media platforms like Xiaohongshu and TikTok, global creators share videos of the carvings, marveling at the craftsmanship. Some visitors come in the late afternoon to see the carvings in daylight before returning for the evening display, while others dress in traditional Chinese clothing, adding to the historical ambiance. As the river reflects the fading light, cameras capture the moment. Zhang Zhimin noted that many parents now prioritize in-depth cultural experiences over casual photo opportunities. Wang Linsheng, 39, brought her 8-year-old son at dusk, hoping to inspire a deeper interest in history and cultural heritage. As the night deepened, the last visitors descended the steps, leaving the river to mirror the light in long, wavering lines. The illuminated stone faces, patient and weathered, continued their silent vigil.