International journalists from Latin America and the Caribbean recently embarked on a cultural exploration of Henan Province, a cradle of Chinese civilization, as part of the "Journey to Chinese Civilization: Henan" program. Their visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang left a lasting impression, offering a window into China’s artistic and spiritual heritage.
Spanning over 1,500 years of history, the grottoes—carved into limestone cliffs beginning in 493 AD—host 110,000 intricately crafted Buddhist statues, 2,300 caves, and thousands of inscriptions. The site’s fusion of religious devotion and artistic mastery captivated the group, highlighting its significance as a testament to ancient China’s cultural exchange along the Silk Road.
"You can sense the eyes of history watching you here," said Quinn St. Juste, a journalist with Barbados Today, reflecting on the profound connection visitors feel with the past. The journalists’ journey underscored the grottoes’ role in bridging global audiences with China’s historical narratives, fostering cross-cultural appreciation.
