Overview:

: Dazu Rock Carvings is a series of intricate sculptures carved into the hillsides in the Dazu area of the Chongqing region of China. They include a range of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian images which date back to as early as the 7th century CE. The carvings also have local legend carvings and even some modern art. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site and visited by millions of tourists and pilgrims every year. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in China
Prominent Features:

The Dazu Rock Carvings near Chongqing in China are a group of statues and Chinese religious sculptures located in Dazu County and Chongqing. They are some of the most impressive and well-preserved artworks from the 11th-13th century and are considered to be a World Heritage Site. The sculptures feature a variety of deities, characters, and stories from Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism and are remarkable for their intricate artistry and vibrant colors. The sculptures also depict traditional Chinese stories, folklore, and fables. The most famous and recognized statues are the “Dazu Rock Carvings” which are made of white marble or white limestone and depict various scenes with figures in relief. The most popular of the figures is the “Flaming Buddha”, a seated figure with flames emerging from his head and hands. Other decorations include reliefs of “The Eighteen Arhat”, and “The Thousand Handed and Eyed Guan Yin”, which are exquisitely carved representations of the Bodhisattva. The sculptures offer an amazing insight into the art, architecture and beliefs of the ancient Chinese and are a testament to the skill and creativity that went into accounting the history and legends of this unique culture. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in China.

History:

The Dazu Rock Carvings are located in Dazu District near Chongqing in China. The carvings were begun in the late 7th century during the Tang Dynasty, but the majority of the works were created under the direction of the monk Zhao Zhifeng who lived in the 11th and 12th centuries during the Song Dynasty. The Dazu Rock Carvings are composed of more than 50,000 sculptures from a variety of Buddhist motifs, including Buddhas, bodhisattvas, pagodas, temples, and guardians. The series of carvings also include various political and social topics in order to disseminate Buddhist values and morality. The sculptures are found on 75 sites across the Dazu District. In total, the sculptures cover almost 200,000 square meters. The carvings are considered to be among the finest examples of Buddhist art in the world, and in 1999, the complex was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visit one of the famous monuments of China with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

: 1. The Dazu Rock Carvings, dating back to the 9th century, are thousands of Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist rock carvings, sculptures, and statues distributed over the entire region around the city of Chongqing in the People's Republic of China. 2. The total number of carvings spread over some 100 sites occupies an area of around 70,000 square metres, and is regarded by UNESCO as one of the largest and most impressive collections of rock art in the world. 3. The carvings, numbering around 50,000, depict Buddhist and Taoist figures, as well as thousands of others reflecting the everyday life and culture of people living in medieval China. 4. The carvings, mostly done in the early 12th century by followers of the Tantric sect of Buddhism, reflect the fusion of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. 5. The most impressive of the sites are Baoding Hill and Beishan Hill. Baoding Hill features a 99-step staircase leading up to the statues, many of which are painted and brightly colored. Beishan Hill features a giant Buddha statue. 6. The carvings were placed on the UNESCO World Heritage register in 1999. One of the historical monuments of China, it tells the story of a bygone era