Dazu Rock Carvings

The Dazu Rock Carvings are located 167 kilometers west of Chongqing city. These rock carvings are a series of Chinese religious sculptures and carvings that mainly concern on Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism beliefs. The earliest carvings can be dated back to the 7th century A.D., during the Tang Dynasty. The remained number of the rock statues amounts to 4600, scattered in 75 places in the whole Dazu County.

It is not until 1961 that the sites were open to Chinese travelers and 1980 to foreign visitors, due to inconvenient traffic. However, the isolation did help keep the art unharmed during the massive vandalism of the Chinese Cultural Revolution during 1970s.

The Dazu Rock Carvings enjoy a position of influence in China's grotto art. Listed as a world cultural heritage, the Carving got such highly comment by the UNESCO as "They are remarkable for their aesthetic quality, their rich diversity of subject matte. They provide outstanding evidence of the harmonious synthesis of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism."

The most worth visiting scenic spots in Dazu are Beishan and Baodingshan, where the carvings are the most collected and well protected. The carvings here are not only tall and glorious with various subjects, but also engraved with brilliant techniques that skillfully combine some scientific principles such as optics, and mechanics.

Some people suggest that Mogao Grottes are the most impressive in rock carving in China. But you are only limited to a small number of caves. If you are in Sichuan or Chongqing, Dazu will also be impressive and worthwhile.