Dazu Rock Carvings
» Chongqing, Si Chuan

大足石刻 神奇的东方艺术明珠

The steep hillsides of the Dazu area contain an exceptional series of rock carvings dating from the 9th to the 13th century. They provide outstanding evidence of the harmonious synthesis of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

Something about Dazu County

Dazu County, reputed as "the county of rock carving," is located at the southeast of Sichuan Province. The whole county has an area of 1,400 square kilometers (about 540.5 square miles), and it covers a history of 1,230 years since it came into existence in 758 during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907).

Dazu County hosts 40 sites of stone carvings with over 50,000 statues of Buddha. Because of the highest artistic attainment and demonstrate the most exquisite skills, the Dazu Rock Carvings entered the World Cultural Heritage List in 1999.

The rock carvings

The collection is composed of the rock carvings in Beishan, Baodingshan, Nanshan, Shimenshan as well as Shizhuanshan, all of which are of the highest artistic attainment and demonstrate the most exquisite skills.

The rock carvings on the Beishan Hill and Baoding Hill are the largest in scale, richest in content and most refined in artistic skills.

Beishan Rock Carving

It is 2 kilometers (about 1.24 miles) away from the northwest of Dazu County. Figures in this part are something like 'an Assembly of Oriental Beauty', since it enjoys good preservation and elaborate craftsmanship. Tourists can see the graceful statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, crowned as 'The Oriental Venus'. Rock carvings in this part reveal the common Buddhist faith. Standing here for a while, one may feel that it is really a Buddhist palace.

Baodingshan Rock Carving

It is 15 kilometers (about 9.32 miles) from the northeast of Dazu County. It is made up of 13 groups of stone carving figures, totaling nearly 10 thousand Cliffside figures. In this part, magnificent rock figures in different shapes compose a story. One will see some original and ethnic Buddhist rock features.

Nanshan Rock Carving

Standing at the southeast of Dazu County, the Taoism doctrine is the main theme in this part. Taoist gods' figures are carved vividly .The cave of Sanqing demonstrates the Taoist gods' ranking in the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279). Therefore, tourists will be impressed by these colorful clay creations.

Shizhuanshan Rock Carving

This section is 25 kilometers (about 15.5 miles) far from the southwest of Dazu County. The niche of Confucius and that of Lao Tzu can be seen here .Buddhist, Taoist and Confucius statues are integrated in this part which is quite rare in Chinese grotto art.

Shimenshan Rock Carving

Apart 20 kilometers (about 12.4miles) from the eastern part of Dazu County, the Shimenshan Rock Carving combines Buddhist and Taoist statues, but the later one predominates. In addition to these stone figures, there are also some inscriptions and remarks beside the figures. Representations of some gods' figures are lifelike and vivid. For example, outside the niche of the Great Jade Emperor stands the statuary of Shun Feng Er meaning 'Favorable Wind Ears' which looks as if he is looking into the distance and the figure of Chien Li Yen meaning 'Thousand League Eyes' which looks as if he is listening to attentively.

When to visit

Opening Hours: 8:40a.m. - 5:00p.m.

Attractions around » Chongqing, Si Chuan

Natural Scene

Natural Scene

Historical Site

Historical Site

Cultural Site

Cultural Site

Historical Relic

Historical Relic

  Weather

  1. Is Chongqing's weather very hot? What to notice?

  Shopping

  1. What sourvenirs should I buy and where?

  Travel

  1. Can I tour around Chonqing by bike?

  Customs

  1. Could I get to know something about minority cultures in Chongqing?

  Other Hints

  1. Notice this if you tend to drink beer in a bar
  2. Emergency numbers
  3. Mind this customs rule

  • Is Chongqing's weather very hot? What to notice?

    Chongqing is located in the transition area between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Middle-lower Yangtze Plain. Which is famous for its hot summers and it is known as one of 'the three furnace cities'. The other two are Nanjing and Wuhan. Bring light clothing such as T-shirts, shorts and sandals if you come in summer. Also, remember to bring your umbrella, sunglasses, and suntan lotion to avoid the heat of the 'burning furnace'. The best season to visit Chongqing is in spring, autumn and winter.


  • Could i get to know something about minority cultures in Chongqing?

    Chongqing is a multi-cultural city, with about 23 distinct minority cultures. The Tujia and the Miao are the largest two minorities in Chongqing and mainly inhabit the Qianjiang Development District and the Fuling District. Every January 3 to 15 of the lunar calendar, Tujia people hold grand activities of worship, praying and dancing. The Miao people express themselves through singing.


  • Can i tour around Chonqing by bike?

    The bike is the worst choice for people who understand the structure of the mountain city. First timers to Chongqing should be warned it is very easy to get lost. The bus system and monorail are advised as the best forms of transportation.


  • What sourvenirs should I buy and where?

    The local "Tan Mu Jiang" (Carpenter Tan) carpentry shop is worth a visit for its fine wood artwares


  • Notice this if you tend to drink beer in a bar

    There are many bars in Chongqing, but most are underpopulated. Several branches of the Newcastle Arms offer the closest thing to proper beer, but be sure they get your beer from the pump and not the slop tray.


  • Emergency numbers

    • Ambulance: 120
    • Emergencies: 110
    • Fire: 119
    • Tel No. Enquiry: 114
    • Police: 110



  • Mind this customs rule

    Customs rules require an accounting of all valuables including watches, jewellery, cameras and currency that you are taking in. A copy of this is surrendered on departure and anything missing may well be treated as imported and duty required accordingly. Therefore make sure you obtain a police report for any goods stolen during your stay.
    Recorded video-tapes must be declared and may be viewed by the Authorities on arrival.


Being as famous as the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, Gansu Province, Dazu Rock Carvings are very distinguished both at home and abroad. They are remarkable for their aesthetic quality, their rich diversity of subject matter, both secular and religious, and the light that they shed on everyday life in China during this period.

Tour Highlights

» 2 toursCity Tours

»»For exploration of Dazu Rock Carvings, check out 2 tours ...

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