Beishan Rock Carvings
Beishan Stone Carvings, located in Dazu District, Chongqing, are a pinnacle of Tang-Song dynasty cave art. Carved from 892–1162 CE, this UNESCO-inscribed site spans 7.62 hectares with nearly 10,000 sculptures. Unlike Baodingshan’s cliff-face carvings, Beishan’s art is housed in hive-like caves, blending Tantric Buddhist, Pure Land Sect, and folk beliefs. It symbolizes the secularization of Buddhism in medieval China and remains a vital cultural treasure.
Historical Overview
- 892 CE: Carvings initiated during the late Tang Dynasty, led by secular artisans.
- 10th–12th Century: Expanded under Song Dynasty patronage, with over 50 carving themes.
- 1999: Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside other Dazu carvings.
- 2020s: Ongoing preservation projects to protect erosion-prone sandstone carvings.
Structural Layout
The site is divided into two zones:
- Five Dynasties Statues (10th Century):
- Over one-third of Beishan’s carvings, showcasing Tang-Song stylistic transitions.
- Themes include Tantric Buddhism and folk narratives.
- Song Dynasty Caves:
- Zhulun Jiangzang Cave (1142–1146 CE): Represents Song-era craftsmanship with intricate Guanyin statues.
- Peacock Ming King Cave: Features a 3-meter-tall Buddha flanked by peacocks.
- Thirteen Guanyin Transfiguration Cave: Depicts 13 forms of the goddess of mercy.
Major Attractions
- Statues of the Five Dynasties: Tang-Song transitional art with 18 themes, including the "Thousand-Armed Guanyin."
- Zhulun Jiangzang Cave: A 12th-century masterpiece with flowing drapery and serene expressions.
- Duobao Pagoda: A 10-meter-tall stone pagoda near the cliff edge.
- Two Giant Buddhas: 8-meter-tall seated Buddhas carved into the cliff face.
- Beita Temple: A Song Dynasty temple with inscriptions by Confucian scholars.
Suggested Itineraries
-
Classic Route (2 hours):
Entrance → Five Dynasties Statues → Zhulun Jiangzang Cave → Peacock Ming King Cave → Duobao Pagoda → Exit.
Highlights: Core Tang-Song carvings and pagoda. -
Extended Route (3–4 hours):
Entrance → Five Dynasties Statues → Thirteen Guanyin Cave → Beita Temple → Two Giant Buddhas → Song Dynasty Caves → Exit.
Highlights: Religious symbolism and scholarly inscriptions. -
Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Entrance → Morning exploration of all caves → Lunch at local restaurant → Afternoon visit to Dazu Museum → Evening cultural performance.
Highlights: In-depth art study and local cuisine.
Ticket Purchase
- On-Site: Peak season (Mar–Nov): ¥90 (adults), ¥45 (students/seniors). Off-season (Dec–Feb): ¥70 (adults), ¥35 (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: ¥150 (guided tour, museum entry).
- Combined Ticket: ¥170 (Beishan + Baodingshan).
Transportation
- By Bus: Daily buses from Chongqing’s Caiyuanba Station (1.5 hours) or Chenjiaping Station (2 hours) to Dazu.
- By Taxi: Direct ride from Chongqing (¥300, 2 hours).
- By Car: Self-drive via G85 Highway (130 km from Chongqing).
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Season: March–November (mild weather, clear carving views).
- Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays or early mornings.
- Essentials:
- Wear sturdy shoes for uneven cave floors.
- Carry a flashlight to examine detailed carvings.
- Respect cultural rules: no flash photography on statues.
- Prohibited Items: Drones, tripods, and large bags.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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):
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Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
