Dazu Rock Carvings - UNESCO World Cultural Heritage

Dazu Rock Carvings, about 100km northwest from Chongqing downtown, is the last monument in the history of world grotto art and one of the top eight grottoes globally. With a history of over 1,300 years, it represents the pinnacle of large-scale grotto art groups in late ancient China. This colorful carving complex was listed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1999 and rivals the renowned Mogao, Yungang and Longmen Grottoes in Northern China. Being the filming locations of the popular Black Myth: Wukong, Dazu Rock Carvings have received more travel and culture lovers to visit! If you are fond of culture, art and world heritage wonders, do not miss this masterpiece in China!

Grotto Art Masterpiece with Profound History

Dazu Rock Carvings, a collection of the essence of stone carving art in China, represent the highest level of world grotto art from the 9th to 13th centuries. It showcases remarkable carving skills blending realism and exaggeration. Each character has been intricately carved with an elegant posture, imbued with distinct personalities. Another reason it stands out is that it provides outstanding evidence of the harmonious synthesis of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, which is rarely seen in other grottoes in China. Besides, statues and inscriptions here boast distinctive features of nationalism and secularization. It depicts vivid life scenes in ancient China, thus pushing grotto art to an unprecedented height. Thus, Dazu has great historical, artistic, scientific, and connoisseurship values.

Baodingshan Rock Carvings (宝顶山石刻), the last swan song of Chinese grotto art, is the top tourist attraction of Dazu. Carved in the South Song Dynasty (1179 AD), it boasts artistic ingenuity by blending superb sculptural skills and meticulous natural lighting design. Baodingshan also exudes grandeur and majestic momentum, with over 10,00 statues carved on the 500m-long and 25m-high Dafowan Canyon and 10 other sites. Besides, the carved images offer a remarkable complete narration of religious stories, which is a rarity globally. You're highly suggested not to miss the iconic Sakyamuni Entering Nirvana Niche, Buddhist Wheel of Life, Thousand-Hand Avalokitesvara, etc.

In addition to rock carvings, Shenshou Temple, an outstanding hillside architecture that was renovated in the Qing Dynasty (1174 AD - 1252 AD), is worth visiting. You can also visit Dazu Rock Carvings Museum or watch the 4K digital movie at the Tourist Center to learn about the main development of world cave temple art and the features of Dazu Rock Carvings.

Tick off Black Myth: Wukong Scenes: If you want to visit the Baodingshan in a trendy way, why not follow in the footsteps of the world-famous game Black Myth: Wukong? You can make postures like Wukong to take brag-worthy photos at filming locations like Thousand-Hand Avalokitesvara, Sutra of Amitabha and His Pure Land, Niche of Guardians of Buddhist Law, and Niche of Hell Penalty.

Beishan Rock Carvings (北山石刻), the oldest carving group (892 AD - 1162 AD) in Dazu, is the most valuable historical repository of sculptures in China. The rock carvings here exhibit an array of diverse styles, embodying the simplicity and grace of the late Tang Dynasty (from 892 AD), the exquisite and vibrant artistry of the Five Dynasties (907 AD - 960 AD), and various themes of the two Song Dynasties (to 1162 AD). Beishan is also known for its meticulously crafted and elegant rock statues. Centered around Fowan Canyon, stretching over 500m in length and 7m in height, it includes over 5,000 such sculptures.

You shall not miss highlights here like Circular Grottoes, Illustration to the Sutra of Contemplation on Buddha Amitayus, Thousand-armed and Thousand-eyed Avalokitesvara, etc. Besides, you can also visit Beishan at night to appreciate the colorful lit rock carvings for a wonderful visual experience.

Suggested Visiting Time: about 1 hour

Opening Time: 9:00 -18:00; 19:30 - 21:00

Most travelers prefer to plan a one-day side trip to Dazu Rock Carvings before or after their Chongqing downtown trips, and they would visit the Baodingshan area first in the morning and then the Beishan area in the afternoon. However, for visitors with limited trip time, a half-day essential trip to Baodingshan is better.

Notably, at present, travelers can get from Baodingshan to Beishan only by car for around 20 mins, for there are no public buses available between though they are only 10km away.

Note: If you plan to visit Dazu right after you reach Chongqing by flight or train, it is highly suggested that you opt for an arrival before 9:00.

Taking public transportation will require several transfers, which will significantly waste your time and energy. It's highly recommended to travel with us yangtze-river-cruises.com, which will offer safe, clean, comfortable, non-smoking, and air-conditioned private vehicles with experienced drivers as an important part of our tour packages. Moreover, once you book such service, our English-speaking tour guide will accompany you all the way, giving you introduction of your destinations and sharing some travel tips to help you travel as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Please feel free to send us your group size, traveling date and time for enquiry.

Take a coach (1 hr 40 mins) from Caiyuanba Bus Station in Chongqing downtown → Dazu Bus Station → take a taxi (20 mins) → Baodingshan Tourist Center.

From Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

Take a coach (1 hr 40 mins) from Jiangbei Airport Bus Terminal → Dazu Bus Station → take a taxi (20 mins) → Baodingshan Tourist Center.

From Chongqing Railway Stations

Take a train (30 - 40 mins) from Chongqing North Railway Station / Chongqing West Railway Station / Shapingba Railway Station → Dazu South Railway Station → take a taxi (1 hr) → Baodingshan Tourist Center.

Note: There are some bullet trains from Chengdu, Leshan, and Guilin to Dazu, you can also visit Dazu Rock Carvings from those destinations directly.

1. Best Time: You can visit Dazu all year round, but mid-June to mid-September (22-41°C) can be really hot;

2. Ticket (only for reference):
Single Tickets: Baodingshan Rock Carvings: CNY 115; Beishan Rock Carvings: CNY 70;
Combo Ticket: Baodingshan + Beishan Rock Carvings + Tourist Buses: CNY 150;

3. Walking Tips: There are lots of steps to walk, so you are suggested to wear comfortable and antiskid shoes while visiting;

4. Other Items to Take: water, snacks, an umbrella, sunglasses, etc.

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Our Chongqing tour packages include expert guides, experienced drivers with comfortable private vehicles, carefully selected hotels, and all necessary attraction tickets. Each tour can be fully customized based on your group size, travel dates, fitness level, interests, budget, and any special requirements you may have. Our goal is to ensure you have an unforgettable experience in Chongqing. Browse our tours or contact us directly for assistance or to create a personalized itinerary!