Dazu Rock Carvings
The Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a masterpiece of Chinese Buddhist sculpture spanning the Tang to Song dynasties (650–1250 CE). Located in Dazu District, this vast collection of over 50,000 statues and 100,000 Chinese characters inscribed across 75 sites showcases religious syncretism, daily life, and moral teachings. Notable for their secular themes and lifelike expressions, they rival the Mogao Caves in artistic significance and offer insights into medieval East Asian civilization.
Historical Overview
Carving began in 650 CE under Empress Wu Zetian, with peak activity during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279). The carvings reflect the fusion of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, with themes like the “Wheel of Life” and “Parents’ Cult” promoting filial piety. Key historical moments include the 1179 CE completion of the Baodingshan Grottoes by monk Zhao Zhifeng and the 1999 UNESCO inscription. The site survived the Cultural Revolution due to local protection efforts, emerging as a symbol of cultural resilience.
Structural Layout
The carvings are divided into five major clusters:Baodingshan Grottoes: The largest section, featuring the 31-meter-long “Thousand-Hand Guanyin” and the “Great Mercy Temple” with 830 carved figures.
Beishan Grottoes: Known for their Tang Dynasty elegance, including the “Nirvana Buddha” and “Sakyamuni’s Birth” reliefs.
Baoshanshi Grottoes: Display Song Dynasty realism, like the “Wine-Drinking Monks” and “Farmers’ Harvest” scenes.
Shimenshan Grottoes: Unique Taoist-Buddhist hybrid carvings, such as the “Six Realms of Rebirth” cycle.
Nanshan Grottoes: Dedicated to Taoist deities, including the “Three Pure Ones” and “Eight Immortals.”
Major Attractions
Thousand-Hand Guanyin: A 31-meter-tall Bodhisattva with 1,007 arms, each holding a unique artifact.
Parents’ Cult Mural: A 15-meter-long Song Dynasty carving depicting filial piety through 112 vignettes.
Sleeping Buddha: A 31-meter-long reclining Sakyamuni Buddha, one of China’s largest.
Confucian Temple: A Ming Dynasty structure with carvings of the “Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars.”
Nine Dragons Bathing Sakyamuni: A Tang Dynasty relief showing celestial dragons pouring amrita over the Buddha.
Merchant’s Paradise: A Song Dynasty scene depicting tax collectors, tea sellers, and moneylenders.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (3 hrs): Baodingshan Entrance → Thousand-Hand Guanyin → Parents’ Cult Mural → Great Mercy Temple → Confucian Temple.
Art History Route (5 hrs): Beishan Grottoes → Baodingshan → Baoshanshi Farmers’ Harvest → Shimenshan Six Realms.
Cultural Immersion (Full Day): Combine routes 1–2 with a 2 PM lecture on “Dazu’s Role in the Silk Road of Faith.”
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via official site (dazurockcarvings.com) or Ctrip (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Purchase at Baodingshan or Beishan ticket offices (queues peak 10–11:30 AM).
- Prices:
Peak Season (April–October): ¥115 (adults), ¥55 (students/seniors).
Off-Season (November–March): ¥90 (adults), ¥45 (students/seniors).
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.
Transportation
Bus: Chongqing Chenjiaping Station → Dazu Bus Terminal (1.5 hrs, ¥50) → Shuttle Bus to grottoes (¥10).
Taxi: Direct from Chongqing to Baodingshan (2 hrs, ¥300–¥400; negotiate fare upfront).
Self-Drive: G5001 Chongqing Ring Expressway → Dazu Exit (2 hrs; parking ¥10/day).
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit Monday–Thursday (weekends host 60% more tourists).
Weather: Spring (March–April) and autumn (October–November) for mild temperatures.
- Essentials:
Wear sturdy shoes (uneven stone paths).
Bring binoculars to appreciate intricate carvings.
Photography allowed (no flash; tripods require permit).
Prohibited: Touching carvings, smoking, and religious rituals outside designated areas.
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