Since 1945, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) has been listing sites as "World Heritage". The aim of this programme is to classify, name and conserve cultural or natural properties of importance to the common heritage of humanity. The program was founded by the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted at the UNESCO General Conference on 16th November 1972. In 2019, 1,073 properties in 167 countries are listed.
In 2026, the Longmen Grottoes will be honoured.
The Longmen Grottoes, located near the city of Luoyang in Henan Province, China, are one of the largest collections of Buddhist rock art in the country. Their name, "Longmen", means "Dragon Gate", in reference to the Xiang Shan and Longmen Shan mountains that frame the site. Carved into the cliffs along the Yi River, they comprise more than 2,300 caves and niches, housing approximately 100,000 statues, 2,800 inscriptions and 60 stupas (Buddhist monuments designed to contain relics, commemorate religious events or symbolise Buddhist doctrine). Their construction spanned several centuries, from the 5th to the 10th century, mainly during the Northern Wei, Tang and Song dynasties.
The sculptures illustrate the evolution of Chinese Buddhist style, shifting from a marked Indian influence to a Chinese influence. The most famous representation is that of Vairocana Buddha in Fengxian Cave, commissioned by Empress Wu Zetian in the 7th century. This majestic Buddha, surrounded by bodhisattvas, disciples and celestial guardians, embodies universal light and wisdom. This composition illustrates the spiritual and political power of the Tang dynasty.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, the Longmen Grottoes bear witness to the artistic, religious and political wealth of ancient China. The Longmen Grottoes are not only an artistic masterpiece: they are also a valuable source of information on the history of Buddhism in China, reflecting the evolution of styles, beliefs and cultural influences throughout the dynasties. Their iconographic richness and spiritual dimension make them a major world heritage site, both religious and historical as well as aesthetic.
On the obverse, in the foreground, we can see a representation of Buddha Vairocana, one of the main statues in the Longmen Grottoes. He embodies universal cosmic wisdom. In the background are the Longmen Grottoes: a series of niches and sculptures symbolising the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Two celestial guardians are also engraved: on the left, General Vajrapāṇi, carrying the vajra, a symbol of spiritual power and protection against evil forces. On the right is the celestial king Vaiśravaṇa, in armour, holding a pagoda, symbolising vigilance and prosperity. They are protectors of Buddhist laws and embody military power in the service of Dharma. A peony flower in full bloom is also depicted on the left, evoking nobility, peace and spiritual awakening.
The reverse is common to all the coins in the UNESCO series for 2020. It depicts the globe with parallels and meridians on the left-hand side and inscriptions of major UNESCO World Heritage sites on the right-hand side. The inscriptions are engraved in stone, echoing the Rosetta Stone. The left-hand side of the globe is surrounded by the UNESCO logo and the words "World Heritage". The face value is inscribed on the left-hand side of the globe, blending in perfectly with the parallels and meridians.
