Baodingshan Rock Carvings
Baodingshan Stone Carvings, located in Dazu District, Chongqing, are the pinnacle of China’s Tang-Song dynasty rock art. Carved from 892–1252 CE under the patronage of the Zhao clan, this UNESCO-inscribed site spans 500 meters of cliff faces, housing 10,000+ statues. It merges Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian philosophies through intricate carvings, earning recognition as a “museum of stone scriptures.”
Historical Overview
- 892 CE: Initiated by monk Zhi Zhen, marking the start of Buddhist carvings.
- 11th–13th Century: Expanded by the Zhao family, integrating Taoist and Confucian figures during the Southern Song Dynasty.
- 1961: Designated a national cultural relic protection unit.
- 1999: Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside other Dazu carvings.
- 2010s: Launched 3D scanning projects to preserve eroding sculptures.
Structural Layout
The carvings are divided into two zones along a cliff-lined valley:
- Great Buddha Bay (Dafowan):
- Vairocana Buddha: A 7.5-meter-tall seated Buddha flanked by bodhisattvas and disciples.
- Six-Armed Avalokiteshvara: Depicts the goddess of mercy with 1,000 eyes and arms.
- Taoist Trinity: Carvings of Laozi, Confucius, and Buddha sharing a stage, symbolizing harmony.
- Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara Bay (Qiānshǒu Guānyīn Wān):
- Main Statue: A 3.7-meter-tall 11-headed, 1,002-armed Avalokiteshvara.
- Wheel of Life: A 2-meter-diameter mandala depicting samsara (cycle of rebirth).
Major Attractions
- Vairocana Buddha: The largest statue, with detailed robes and a serene expression.
- Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara: Intricate carvings of 250 small Buddhas within its arms.
- Zhao Zhiyun Tomb: A Song Dynasty tomb with reliefs of musicians and guardians.
- Six-Armed Avalokiteshvara: A Tang Dynasty masterpiece with flowing drapery.
- Taoist-Confucian-Buddhist Trinity: A rare depiction of three religions coexisting.
Suggested Itineraries
-
Classic Route (2 hours):
Entrance → Great Buddha Bay → Vairocana Buddha → Six-Armed Avalokiteshvara → Taoist Trinity → Exit.
Highlights: Core carvings and philosophical symbolism. -
Extended Route (3–4 hours):
Entrance → Great Buddha Bay → Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara Bay → Zhao Zhiyun Tomb → Wheel of Life → Exit.
Highlights: Artistic details and historical context. -
Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Entrance → Morning carving exploration → Lunch at local restaurant → Afternoon museum visit → Evening cultural performance.
Highlights: In-depth art study and local cuisine.
Ticket Purchase
- On-Site: CNY115 (adults), CNY55 (students/seniors). Free for children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
- Online: Book via Ctrip or Dazu Rock Carvings official website (up to 7 days in advance).
- Packages:
- Art Bundle: CNY180 (guided tour, museum entry).
- Photography Pass: CNY80 (access to restricted carving areas).
Transportation
- By Bus: Daily buses from Chongqing’s Chenjiaping Station (08:00, 10:00) to Dazu (CNY50, 2 hours). Transfer to a local bus (CNY5, 30 mins).
- By Taxi: Direct ride from Chongqing (CNY300, 2.5 hours).
- By Car: Self-drive via G85 Highway (130 km from Chongqing).
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Season: April–October (mild weather, clear carving views).
- Avoid Crowds: Visit in May or September for quieter exploration.
- Essentials:
- Wear sturdy shoes for uneven cliff paths.
- Carry a flashlight to examine detailed carvings.
- Respect cultural rules: no flash photography on statues.
- Prohibited Items: Drones, tripods, and large bags.
Contact Us
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
