Dazu 大足区 — UNESCO Stone Carving Masterpieces
Dazu is home to the Dazu Rock Carvings — a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of China's greatest artistic treasures. The carvings span from the 7th to 13th centuries and contain over 50,000 statues across 75 protected sites.
What makes the Dazu carvings unique is their synthesis of Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist imagery, and their remarkable state of preservation. Unlike many Chinese heritage sites, the carvings were largely protected from destruction during the Cultural Revolution.
The most famous site, Baoding Mountain, features a cohesive program of religious art considered the pinnacle of Chinese stone carving. The carvings are both artistically stunning and deeply human — depicting everyday life alongside divine figures.
The crown jewel of the Dazu carvings, created between 1174–1252 under the direction of monk Zhao Zhifeng. The 500-meter cliff face features thousands of figures in 31 groups, depicting Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist stories. The most famous scene — the 31-meter-long reclining Buddha entering nirvana — is one of the most iconic images in Chinese art. The vivid details of everyday Song Dynasty life interwoven with religious themes make this site unique among Buddhist art in Asia.
Hours: 8:30–18:00 (summer) / 9:00–17:00 (winter)
Admission: ¥115 (Baoding + Beishan combo)
Created between 892–1162, these 264 cliff niches contain over 10,000 figures. The carvings are notable for their exquisite craftsmanship, especially the delicate Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) statues. The smaller scale and more intimate setting make Beishan a quieter, contemplative experience compared to Baoding.
Hours: 9:00–17:00
Admission: Included in combo ticket
The Dazu Rock Carving Museum provides context and detailed explanations for the sites. Nearby, the Xiangguo Park and old town area offer local food, teahouses, and a glimpse of daily life in this historic district.
Hours: Museum 9:00–17:00 (closed Mon)
Admission: Museum included in carving ticket