The Dazu Rock Carvings

The Dazu Rock Carvings (大足石刻, Da Zu Shi Ke in Chinese), mostly about ancient Buddhist stories, were first built in 650 AD in the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) and to the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) and the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911). They are the best examples in traditional Chinese rock carvings. Located in Beishan Mountain (北山, literally the North Hill), 1.5 kilometers to the north of Dazu County in Chongqing Municipality, the mountain has a 300 meters long line of stone carving images. It is the main part of the Dazu Rock Carvings – listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage and one of China’s key cultural protection units. Today, we can find over 4,600 Buddhist stone statues, among which there are 264 in Buddhist grottos, 1 mural and 8 sutra buildings. Dazu Rock Carvings is as famous as the Dunhuang Mogao Grotto in northwest China.

The Six Realms of Reincarnations in Buddhism

The rock carvings, Chinese characters of inscriptions and epigraphs collection in Beishan, Baodingshan, Nanshan, Shimenshan and Shizhuanshan here in Dazu County are of the highest artistic attainment and demonstrate the most exquisite skills. Taoist and the Confucian stone figures can also be seen. Therefore, the Dazu has been reputed as the “county of rock carving” and it covers a history of 1,230 years since it came into existence in 758 AD during the Tang Dynasty.

Admission: A joint ticket is 120 RMB, 80 RMB and 60 RMB for Baodingshan and Beishan areas respectively, and 5 RMB for either Nanshan or Shimenshan. Free for students during May Day and National Day holidays, half price for any other time of the year.

Buddhist image

Transportation: From Chongqing, you can take bus that as far as Dazu County, fare about 40 RMB. It is cost much higher when you start at Chengdu (about 100 RMB). When you arrive at Dazu County you can walk or take a taxi to Beishan Rock Carvings. In Dazu County, mini-bus is available in downtown Dazu County that as far as Baodingshan, for just 3 RMB.

Food: Pork Pieces with Eggplants and Sichuan Style Stew Pork are best dishes for travelers to taste local cuisine. Strong, spicy flavor may not be suitable for everyone, but you can try a little bit. You just have to spend 2 or 3 RMB only to sample some spicy snacks.