Dazu Rock Carvings

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Spot Introduction

The Dazu Rock Carvings represent the pinnacle of late Chinese grotto art. Renowned as the “Pearl of Oriental Art,” they are admired for their exquisite craftsmanship, diverse subject matter, and the large number of preserved artifacts. The carvings are primarily located in scenic areas such as Baoding Mountain, Beishan, and Nanshan.

The creation of the Dazu Rock Carvings began in the early Tang Dynasty, spanned the Five Dynasties, Song, Ming, and Qing periods, encompassing over a thousand years of history. Recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site, they exhibit a harmonious fusion of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, reflecting the diverse religious and cultural amalgamation of ancient China. The carvings feature over 50,000 statues and 100,000 inscriptions, showcasing their grandeur and richness.

The carvings at Baoding Mountain, the core area of the Dazu Rock Carvings, are renowned for the “Thousand-handed Guanyin” and the “Reclining Buddha.” The Thousand-handed Guanyin statue stands 7.7 meters high and 12.5 meters wide, adorned with 1007 hands, each palm bearing an eye, exhibiting exquisite craftsmanship unmatched in the world. The 31-meter-long Reclining Buddha, the largest half-length reclining Buddha statue in China, portrays the solemn scene of Sakyamuni’s Nirvana.

The carvings at Beishan are famous for their exquisite depictions of Guanyin, among which the “Counting Beads Guanyin” is hailed as the “Oriental Venus.” The Nanshan carvings, on the other hand, focus on Taoist themes, reflecting the development of Taoism during the Song Dynasty. These carvings not only possess exceptional artistic value but also provide invaluable physical evidence for studying ancient society, religion, and folklore.

The Dazu Rock Carvings exhibit exquisite carving techniques, vivid character portrayals, and smooth, natural drapery folds, showcasing the superior craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans. Their unique artistic style and profound cultural connotations mark them as the final glorious chapter in the history of Chinese grotto art, occupying a significant position in world art history.

Must-visit Attractions

  1. Baodingshan Stone Carvings

    • Thousand-hand Guan Yin
    • Da Fo Wan (Great Buddha Cove)
    • Suggested visiting time: 180 minutes

  2. Beishan Stone Carvings

    • Hua Yan Three Saints
    • Shakyamuni Buddha Statue
    • Suggested visiting time: 120 minutes

  3. Nanshan Stone Carvings

    • Reclining Buddha
    • Perfect Enlightenment Cave
    • Suggested visiting time: 90 minutes

  4. Museum of Stone Carving Art

    • Cultural relics exhibition
    • Historical introduction
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Touring Route

    • Baoding Mountain → Beishan → Nanshan
    • Suggested to visit in order of importance

  2. Visiting Schedule

    • Depart in the morning
    • Visit during off-peak hours
    • Take reasonable breaks

  3. Practical Tips

    • Wear comfortable shoes
    • Bring a good camera
    • Do not touch the artifacts

Transportation Guide

  • Airplane: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
  • High-speed train: Dazu Railway Station
  • Public transportation: Dazu Stone Carvings Shuttle Bus
  • Self-drive: Approximately 2 hours from downtown Chongqing
  1. Dazu Broad Noodles
  2. Tofu Pudding over Rice
  3. Stone Carving Feast
  4. Chongqing Small Noodles

Special Reminders

  1. Protect cultural relics
  2. No touching allowed
  3. Mind the steps
  4. Sunscreen is essential
  5. Bring a camera
  6. Respect the culture
  7. Ideal for photography
  8. Book tickets ahead of time.