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Dazu Rock Carvings

大足石刻
Dàzú Shíkè
OutdoorsFull day (with travel)8:30 AM – 5:30 PM83/100 popularity
Historic stone carvings depicting Buddhist figures, showcasing ancient religious art.
Dazu has the highest concentration of Tang/Song-dynasty rock carvings in China — 50,000+ figures across 75 sites, the most important being Baoding Mountain and North Mountain (Beishan). UNESCO inscribed 1999. Unlike the older Mogao or Longmen, Dazu integrates Buddhist + Confucian + Taoist iconography reflecting China's religious syncretism. The 31m Reclining Buddha at Baoding (1174-1252) is the centerpiece — the entire site is laid out as a Buddhist cosmological cliff face. Entry 115 RMB (Baoding) + 90 RMB (North Mountain). Best to do both on one day. 70 km from Chongqing — 1 hr by high-speed rail (¥40) from Chongqing North or Shapingba Station to Dazu South Station, then 30 min taxi. Allow full day. Wear comfortable shoes — extensive stair climbing.
Address
Baoding Mountain, Dazu District, Chongqing
大足区宝顶镇宝顶石刻

Highlights

  • 31m Reclining BuddhaBaoding Mountain centerpiece; Song dynasty masterpiece
  • Wheel of ReincarnationMost photographed image; Buddhist cosmology in stone
  • North Mountain Bas-reliefsSmaller but finely detailed Tang-Song carvings

For foreign visitors

  • English service: english tour
  • Cards accepted: visa, master
  • Booking / entry: required
  • Best time: Spring/autumn weekday; arrive 9 AM opening
  • Wi-Fi: free
  • Transit access: taxi difficult

Photos

Detailed view of ancient sculptures in Ajanta Caves, showcasing historic artistry.
Detailed view of ancient sculptures in Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra, showcasing historical artistry.
Detailed view of ancient Buddhist stone carvings inside a weathered cave.
Close-up of historical Buddhist stone carvings in a cave.
Historic Buddhist rock carvings showcasing ancient art and craftsmanship.
Intricate stone carving of a Buddha statue at a historic site, showcasing ancient artistry.
Explore the ancient rock-cut sculptures of the Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India.
Dazu rock carvings, including circle of life and giant Buddha. From right to left: Scenes #2 (partial), 3, 4, and 5 (partial).
大足石雕
Dazu rock carvings - Baodingshan, 大足石刻-宝顶山摩崖造像, Chongqing, 2023
Dazu rock carvings - Baodingshan, 大足石刻-宝顶山摩崖造像, Chongqing, 2023
The Dazu Rock Carvings in Baodingshan, located in Chongqing, China, are a magnificent display of religious art dating back to the 7th century AD. These carvings
The Dazu Rock Carvings in Baodingshan, located in Chongqing, China, are a magnificent display of religious art dating back to the 7th century AD. These carvings
The Dazu Rock Carvings in Baodingshan, located in Chongqing, China, are a magnificent display of religious art dating back to the 7th century AD. These carvings

What travelers say (5 reviews)

BuddhistArt·TripAdvisor·5/5

UNESCO. 50,000+ Tang/Song carvings combining Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist iconography. The 31m Reclining Buddha at Baoding is the centerpiece.

2026-04-10
石窟艺术·Xiaohongshu·5/5

大足石刻UNESCO遗产！31米卧佛宋代杰作。宝顶+北山一日游，门票205元。比莫高窟好走多了。

2026-03-22
Helena B.·Google Maps·5/5

70 km from Chongqing via high-speed rail. The Wheel of Reincarnation carving is the most-photographed icon. Full day trip, wear comfy shoes.

2026-04-28
RockArtChina·YouTube·5/5

Most complete Chinese rock-cave art preserved. Tang dynasty masterworks, Buddhist cosmology in stone. Less crowded than Mogao.

2026-02-20
Bao Q.·Ctrip·5/5

重庆北高铁40分钟到大足南¥35，再打车30分钟到宝顶山。建议跟一日团省心。

2026-04-12

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