Dazu Rock Carvings

Among the mountainous County of Dazu in the southwest of Chongqing, the Dazu Rock Carvings represent the essence of grottoes in later imperial China. The Dazu Rock Carvings are well-preserved and famous for their aesthetic quality and variety of subject matters. They were listed as World Heritage by UNESCO in 1999. 

There are more than 70 locations of carvings in the county of Dazu and its surrounding areas. The five most fabulous locations are the Beishan, Baodingshan, Nanshan, Shizhuanshan and Shimenshan. The total number of statues adds up to 50,000 pieces and numerous inscriptions with more than 10,000 characters. Carvings of the pieces began in the year of 649, and stayed prosperous in the Song Dynasty (960 - 1276). The Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing Dynasties (1644 - 1911) also contributed some carvings. 

The subjects of the carvings are usually concentrated on the religious stories which include Buddhism and Taoism, as well as Confucianism. Some have two of the religions blended and some have three integrated. These sculptures and inscriptions vividly reflect the development of the rock carvings and the changes of people's beliefs from the early Tang Dynasty (618 - 970) till the Song Dynasty. Refined workmanship created lifelike characters which are very impressive. 

The Dazu Rock Carvings are as well regarded as the Yungang Caves and Dunhuang Caves, which all represent the essence of Chinese civilization. All of them are very popular both at home and abroad.

 Tickets:
Baodingshan Rock Carving: CNY 120 (Mar. to Nov.); CNY 90 (Dec. to Feb.)
Beishan Rock Carving: CNY 90 (Mar. to Nov.); CNY 70 (Dec. to Feb.)
Shengshou Temple: CNY 20
Through Tickets for Baoding Shan and Shengzhou Temple: CNY 130 (Mar. to Nov.); CNY 100 (Dec. to Feb.)
Through Tickets for Baodingshan and Beishan (valid for two days): CNY 170 (Mar. to Nov.); CNY 120 (Dec. to Feb.)
Through Tickets for Baodingshan, Beishan and Shengshou Temple: CNY 180 (Mar. to Nov.); CNY 130 (Dec. to Feb.)

 Opening Hours: 08:30 - 18:00 (the ticket counter closes at 17:30)

 Transportation:
A. From Chongqing: Go to the Caiyuanba Long-distance Bus Station and take the long-distanc bus from Chongqing to Dazu County.
B. From Chengdu: Go to Hehuachi Long-distance Bus Station and take the long-distance bus from Chengdu to Dazu County.
C. When you arrive at Dazu County, you can take a taxi or a minu bus to the scenic spot.

 More Tourist Attractions in Chongqing:
 Ciqikou         Jiefangbei         China Three Gorges Museum       People's Assembly Hall