The Dazu Rock Carvings (大足石刻) are a remarkable collection of cliffside sculptures located in Dazu District, Chongqing, primarily showcasing Buddhist themes. Among the most famous are the carvings at Beishan and Baoding Mountain, making these rock carvings one of China’s renowned ancient stone carving arts.
The origins of the Dazu Rock Carvings date back to the Tang Dynasty, specifically in the year 650 AD, and reached their peak during the Song Dynasty, continuing through the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The most significant sites include Beishan, Baoding Mountain, Nanshan, Shimen Mountain, and Shizhuan Mountain, which are characterized by their impressive scale, artistic value, and exquisite craftsmanship.
Artistically, the carvings embody the Buddhist aesthetic of “the divine humanized and the human deified.” The sculptures from the Tang Dynasty feature dignified and full figures with a robust aura, while those from the Five Dynasties exhibit delicate craftsmanship and lively expressions. In contrast, the Song Dynasty works are noted for their graceful postures, proportional harmony, and vibrant attire.
Visiting the Dazu Rock Carvings allows for an intimate experience of artistic beauty and cultural heritage, providing insights into ancient Chinese artistry and Buddhist iconography.
Travel Information about Dazu Rock Carvings
Admission and Opening Hours
Ticket Prices: The ticket for the Dazu Rock Carvings (Baoding Mountain and Beishan Scenic Area) is 140 yuan. The Baoding Mountain Scenic Area ticket costs 115 yuan, while the Beishan Scenic Area ticket is 70 yuan.
Opening Hours: The general opening hours for both scenic areas are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Additionally, the night tours for the Beishan Rock Carvings run from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM in summer and from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM in winter.
How to Get to Dazu Rock Carvings
1. By Bus: Affordable and Convenient
- Chongqing North Station South Square (重庆北站南广场): The fare ranges from 40 to 44 RMB, and the journey takes about 90 minutes.
- Chenjiaping Bus Station (陈家坪汽车站): Tickets cost 40 to 44 RMB.
- Chongqing Bus Station (重庆汽车站): The fare is 40 to 44 RMB, with a similar travel time.
- Upon arriving at Dazu Bus Station, transfer to Bus 205, which will take you to the Dazu Tourist Center (大足游客中心), located just across from the bus station. From here, it’s only a short walk to the main rock carving sites.
2. By High-Speed Train: Quick and Efficient
- Taking the high-speed train is another excellent option. Trains run frequently from Chongqing North Station and Chongqing West Station between 7:21 AM and 5:45 PM, with the fastest service taking just 26 minutes to reach Dazu South Station. The fare starts at 40 RMB.
- Once at Dazu South Station, you can take a bus or a taxi to the scenic spots. A taxi ride will cost around 50 to 70 RMB, but keep in mind that the station is approximately 40 kilometers away from the rock carvings, and the bus ride can take over an hour.
- Tip: While the high-speed train ride is quick, the travel time from the station to the carvings is relatively long. If you’re pressed for time, a taxi might be your best bet.
3. By Car: Flexible and Scenic
- For those who prefer to travel on their own schedule, driving to the rock carvings is an excellent option. Simply use a GPS or navigation app and enter Baoding Mountain Scenic Area (宝顶山景区), where you’ll find parking available for visitors.
- Self-driving provides flexibility, allowing you to enjoy the scenic drive at your own pace. The roads are generally well-marked, but it’s a good idea to check the local traffic conditions during peak tourist seasons.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural Value: ★★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★
- Romantic Appeal: ★
- Excitement: ★
Highlights of Dazu Rock Carvings
Shengshou Temple
Shengshou Temple is located at the site of the Baoding Giant Buddha and was originally built during the Southern Song Dynasty. It was destroyed during the Yuan Dynasty but was reconstructed in the Ming Dynasty and underwent further renovations in the Qing Dynasty. This ancient Zen temple features elegant flying eaves and is built into the mountainside, creating a majestic and solemn atmosphere.
As you ascend the temple, the first structure you encounter is the Yuhuang Hall (Jade Emperor Hall), followed by the Daxiong Hall (Hall of Great Heroes), the Sanshi Transformation Hall, the Randeng Hall (Hall of the Burning Lamp), and the Vimalakirti Hall.
Beishan Rock Carvings
Beishan Rock Carvings, located about 1.5 kilometers north of Longgang Town in Dazu District, were originally known as Longgang Mountain. These carvings were created between the Tang Dynasty’s Jingfu Era (around 666 AD) and the Southern Song Dynasty’s Shaoxing Era (around the 12th century).
The carvings stretch approximately 300 meters along the cliff face and rise to a height of 7 to 10 meters. The numerous niches resemble a beehive and are divided into two sections: the southern and northern segments, collectively numbered from 1 to 290 (with numbers 1 to 100 assigned to the southern section and 101 to 290 to the northern section). Among these, there are 264 niches and 1 engraved image, along with 8 steles.
The Beishan Rock Carvings feature nearly ten thousand figures, primarily commissioned by secular patrons seeking blessings. Renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, these carvings reflect the artistic mastery and elegance of the period. They showcase the development and transformation of folk Buddhist beliefs and rock carving art styles in China from the late Tang Dynasty through the Five Dynasties and into the Southern Song Dynasty.
Highlights of Beishan Rock Carvings
The “Wheel of Dharma Cave” within the Beishan Rock Carvings is acclaimed by many artists as the pinnacle and representative of Song Dynasty stone carvings. This cave features beautifully crafted figures with exquisite detailing, a harmonious overall layout, and well-preserved conditions, making it a remarkable collection of Eastern beauty.
Additionally, the “Twenty-Two Chapters of the Classic of Filial Piety Stele” is often referred to as “the only carving of its kind in the world.” This inscription highlights the cultural significance of filial piety in Chinese society and showcases the exceptional artistry of the era.
Nanshan Rock Carvings
Nanshan, formerly known as Guanghua Mountain, is located about 2 kilometers south of Longgang Town in the Dazu District. It was carved during the Southern Song Dynasty, particularly in the Shaoxing period. The site features various significant sculptures, including the Ancient Cave of the Three Pure Ones, the Shrine of the Earth Mother, Long Cave, and the Shrine of Zhenwu the Great.
The carvings at Nanshan are exceptionally exquisite and represent one of the most comprehensive and systematic reflections of the Taoist pantheon during the Song Dynasty. This site holds immense religious, historical, and artistic value.
Nanshan also contains 28 inscriptions, including the notable memorial stele from the 10th year of the Chunyu period (1250 AD), which recounts the socio-political history following the Mongol invasions in eastern Sichuan during the mid-13th century. This stele preserves many valuable firsthand historical materials and is regarded for its significance in “using inscriptions to confirm history,” “using inscriptions to supplement history,” and “using inscriptions to date events.”
Baoding Mountain Rock Carvings
Baoding Mountain Rock Carvings are among the most concentrated and finely crafted sculptures in the Dazu Rock Carvings, representing the pinnacle of stone carving art during the Tang and Song Dynasties, and are considered outstanding works of late Chinese grotto art.
Located in Baoding Town, about 15 kilometers northeast of Longgang Town in the Dazu District, the Baoding Mountain Rock Carvings include the Great Buddha Bay and Little Buddha Bay, with Shengshou Temple at its center. This area showcases the essence of Dazu carvings and elevates Chinese grotto art to its highest peak. The rock carvings on Baoding Mountain create a magnificent panorama, resembling a continuous narrative etched onto a 500-meter cliff, with each statue uniquely crafted.
Highlights of Baoding Mountain Rock Carvings
The Guanyin with a Thousand Hands statue, carved during the Southern Song period, features a stone niche that stands 7.7 meters high and 12.5 meters wide. The statue is intricately carved into the cliff face, between 15 to 30 meters high, with a staggering 1,007 arms that fan out like a peacock’s tail. Recent restoration efforts uncovered valuable artifacts hidden within the statue’s abdomen.
The Reclining Buddha, located in the Great Buddha Bay, is the largest statue in the Dazu Rock Carvings, measuring 31 meters in length. This statue depicts a reclining figure, leading to its name. The lower half of the statue is embedded in the stone, creating an artistic effect that evokes boundless imagination through the clever use of negative space.
Shimen Mountain Rock Carvings
Shimen Mountain Rock Carvings are located in Xinxing Village, Shima Town, approximately 20 kilometers east of Longgang Town in the Dazu District. These sculptures were carved from the early Northern Song period (around 1094) to the 21st year of the Southern Song era (around 1151).
The site features a total of 12 niches, housing 20 remaining statues, along with 8 inscriptions and stone tablets, all crafted by renowned artisans of the time. The Shimen Mountain Rock Carvings exemplify the intricate artistry and religious significance characteristic of the Song Dynasty, offering insight into the era’s sculptural techniques and Buddhist iconography.
Duobao Pagoda
The Duobao Pagoda, located at the top of Longgang Mountain in the northern part of Dazu City, is often referred to as the Northern Tower or the White Tower due to its striking white color. Constructed during the Southern Song period (Shaoxing era), this octagonal brick pagoda features an inner structure with eight stories and an outer layer with thirteen eaves, reaching a total height of 33 meters. It stands as a symbol of Dazu and is recognized as a national key cultural relic.
Numerous legends surround the Duobao Pagoda, attributing its construction to various figures, including the legendary carpenter Lu Ban, the official Zhao Qiao, or even celestial beings. A popular tale suggests that it was built by Wei Junjing, the governor of Changzhou during the late Tang dynasty. However, historical evidence confirms that the pagoda was indeed funded by Feng Ji, who had 127 niches embedded within its walls, showcasing a diverse range of vivid and lively sculptures.
Visitors to the pagoda can ascend its winding staircase to enjoy breathtaking views of the Dazu area and the surrounding lakes, creating a serene and uplifting experience.
Shizhuan Mountain Rock Carvings
The Shizhuan Mountain Rock Carvings, located in Fo Hui Village, San Qu Town, about 25 kilometers southwest of Longgang Town in Dazu District, date back to the Northern Song Dynasty, specifically from the fifth year of the Yuanfeng era to the third year of the Shaosheng era.
Among the notable features of these carvings is the sixth niche dedicated to Confucius, which prominently displays a seated statue of the founder of Confucianism on its main wall. Flanking this statue are intricate carvings of Confucius’s ten most famous disciples. This representation is exceptionally rare in rock carvings, making it a highly valuable and significant example of historical and artistic heritage.
Longshui Lake
Longshui Lake, located in Longshui Town – known as the “Home of Hardware” – sits southeast of the town and at the northwestern foot of Yulong Mountain, approximately 20 kilometers from the city center of Dazu. The lake is characterized by its impressive western mountains and scattered islands, resembling a brilliant mirror that reflects the surrounding beauty. The sunlight dances on the surface, creating a shimmering effect, which has earned Longshui Lake the nickname “Dazu West Lake.”
Colorful boats glide across the water, harmoniously interacting with flocks of water birds that frolic nearby. When mist and rain shroud the area, the mountains appear ethereal, and the islands seem almost dreamlike. Phrases like “the long smoke fills the sky, and the water blends seamlessly with the heavens” capture the enchanting atmosphere. At such moments, the scenery of Longshui Lake transcends reality, evoking a sense of wonder akin to that of a fairyland.
Dazu Rock Carvings Museum
The Dazu Rock Carvings Museum spans nearly 5,000 square meters and features several exhibition halls, including those dedicated to Chinese Buddhist art, Dazu rock carving art, and the preservation of stone cultural relics. It also includes supporting display facilities and a center for the protection of stone artifacts.
The museum’s main exhibition, titled “Art Rebirth: The Dazu Rock Carvings Exhibition,” is divided into seven sections: Charm, Heritage, Harmony, Echo, Protection, Rebirth, and Treasure. This exhibition utilizes a wealth of artifacts, documents, images, and videos to comprehensively showcase the development of grotto art, the exemplary beauty of the Dazu Rock Carvings in the process of integrating grotto art with Chinese culture, and the history of research and preservation efforts related to the rock carvings.
One of the museum’s highlights is a state-of-the-art, 360-degree dome cinema, the largest of its kind in the world, which features laser projection for the first time. The cinema has a diameter of 30 meters and covers an area of 700 square meters, accommodating up to 600 viewers at a time. The screen has a circumference of 94 meters and a height of 5.6 meters. The film shown, titled “The Millennium of Buddha’s Foot,” uses the resonant sound of chiseling to narrate the journey of Indian grotto art along the Silk Road to Dazu, creating a powerful and immersive experience. This 17-minute film took five years to produce and is the world’s first 360-degree dome film focused on grotto art.
Why the museum was built?
The Dazu Rock Carvings Museum was established to address the scattered distribution of the Dazu Rock Carvings, which are designated as cultural heritage sites at various levels across 75 locations. Most of these carvings are concentrated in areas such as North Mountain, Baoding Mountain, South Mountain, Shimen Mountain, and Shizhuan Mountain. However, the majority of visitors to the Dazu area primarily come to see the carvings at Baoding Mountain, with only about 5% venturing to North Mountain. The carvings at South Mountain, Shimen Mountain, and Shizhuan Mountain attract little attention except from specialized scholars.
This situation led to a recognition that the lofty value and educational potential of the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site, were not being fully realized. To allow for the concentrated exhibition of stone artifacts that reside deep in the mountains or within temples, the museum was constructed. Since its completion, nearly a thousand pieces of the long-silent Dazu Rock Carvings have been showcased, offering significant artistic and educational value to the public.
Recommended One-Day Itinerary
Route A: Classic Tour of the Main Sites
- 10:30 AM: Arrive at North Mountain Rock Carvings (北山石刻) – Explore this iconic site.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch break at a local restaurant.
- 1:30 PM: Head to Baoding Mountain Rock Carvings (宝顶山石刻) – This site is famous for its grand sculptures and intricate details.
- 4:00 PM: Visit the Dazu Rock Carvings Museum (closed on Mondays) to learn more about the history of the carvings.
- 5:00 PM: Return to Chongqing.
Route B: Extended Day with Night Tour
- 2:00 PM: Visit the Dazu Rock Carvings Museum for an insightful introduction to the site’s history and significance.
- 4:00 PM: Explore Baoding Mountain Scenic Area.
- 6:00 PM: Enjoy a delicious dinner.
- 7:30 PM: Embark on a night tour of North Mountain Rock Carvings.
Important Visitor Tips
- The most notable rock carving sites in Dazu are Baoding Mountain, North Mountain, South Mountain, Shimen Mountain, and Shizhu Mountain. Most visitors focus on Baoding Mountain and North Mountain.
- When you visit Baoding Mountain, it’s recommended to watch the 4D film at the entrance to gain a better understanding of the rock carvings.
- North Mountain carvings are closed to tourists after 6:00 PM, with night tours available starting at 7:00 PM.
- There is a free admission policy for children under 18 and seniors over 65 with valid identification.
- Pets are not allowed in the scenic areas.
- For more information, contact the scenic area at 023-43766699.