The Longmen Grottoes were first constructed in the 17th year of the Taihe era of the Northern Wei dynasty (AD 493) and underwent continuous construction for more than 400 years, spanning the Northern Wei, Eastern and Western Wei, Northern Qi, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, and Song dynasties. The Northern Wei period (AD 493–528) and the Tang dynasty (AD 636–746) marked the two major peaks of sculptural production. From the Jin dynasty until the eve of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Longmen Grottoes suffered repeated damage and looting. Following the establishment of the PRC, the site was placed under protection and restoration, and it officially opened to the public in 1982.