The Dazu Rock Carvings, located in Dazu District, Chongqing, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most remarkable collections of ancient rock art. Dating from the 7th to 13th centuries, these intricate cliffside sculptures and carvings blend Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian themesF themes, offering a vivid glimpse into ancient Chinese culture. Spread across five main sites—Baodingshan, Beishan, Nanshan, Shimenshan, and Shizhuanshan—the carvings include over 50,000 statues and 100,000 inscriptions, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance. This guide will help you plan a visit to this cultural gem, perfect for history buffs, art lovers, and travelers seeking a unique day trip from Chongqing or Chengdu.
A Travel Guide to Dazu Rock Carvings
Why Visit the Dazu Rock Carvings?
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the Dazu Rock Carvings are celebrated for their aesthetic quality, diverse subject matter, and the insight they provide into everyday life in ancient China. Unlike other famous Chinese grottoes (e.g., Mogao, Yungang, Longmen), Dazu stands out for its harmonious synthesis of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, reflecting a pivotal shift in Chinese spiritual beliefs between the 9th and 13th centuries. Highlights include the Thousand-Hand Avalokitesvara, the Six Paths of Rebirth, and the Shakyamuni Nirvana, a 31-meter-long reclining Buddha. The carvings’ lifelike depictions of gods, bodhisattvas, and ordinary people, combined with their well-preserved state, make them a must-see. Recently, their appearance in the game Black Myth: Wukong has drawn even more visitors, including gamers eager to see the art in person.
How to Get There
The Dazu Rock Carvings are approximately 100 km (1.5 hours) from downtown Chongqing and 220 km (2.5 hours) from Chengdu, making them an ideal day trip. Here are the main transportation options:
By Private Car (Recommended): The fastest and most convenient way is hiring a private car or joining a guided tour. A private car from Chongqing takes about 1.5 hours and costs ¥300–500 round-trip, depending on the vehicle and group size. English-speaking guides can enhance the experience by sharing stories behind the carvings. From Chengdu, a private car takes around 2.5 hours.
By Bus: From Chongqing, buses depart from Caiyuanba, Chenjiaping, or Longtousi Bus Stations to Dazu County (2–2.5 hours, ¥42–50). From Dazu Bus Station, take local bus No. 205 or a taxi (¥30) to Baodingshan or Beishan. From Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, direct buses to Dazu run 7 times daily (9:50 AM–7:30 PM, ~2.5 hours). From Chengdu, buses from Chengdu East Bus Station to Dazu take about 3 hours, followed by bus No. 205 to Baodingshan.
By Train: High-speed trains from Chongqing North, West, or Shapingba Stations to Dazu South Station take 25–45 minutes (¥41.5 one-way). From Dazu South, take bus No. 204 or 206 to Dazu County, then bus No. 205 or a taxi (¥150) to the carvings (1–2.5 hours total). From Chengdu, trains to Dazu South take about 1 hour, followed by a 50-minute taxi ride to Baodingshan.
By Subway and Taxi (Chongqing): Take the subway to Bishan Station, then a taxi to Dazu (1 hour, ¥100–150). Total travel time is about 1 hour 37 minutes.
Tip: Private cars or guided tours save time and offer flexibility, especially if visiting multiple sites. Book through platforms like China Discovery or Yangtze River Cruises for hassle-free transfers.
Best Time to Visit
Seasons: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer pleasant weather (10–25°C) and scenic blooms or foliage. Summer is hot and humid (up to 35°C), while winter (December–February) is cooler but less crowded.
Night Tour at Beishan: Available from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, this magical experience uses 3D projectors to illuminate the carvings, creating a serene, uncrowded visit.
Avoid Peak Times: Skip Chinese holidays like National Day (early October) to avoid crowds.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM).
Ticket Prices (2025): Baodingshan (including Shengshou Temple): ¥115 (March–November), ¥110 (December–February) Beishan: ¥70 (March–November), ¥50 (December–February) Combo Ticket (Baodingshan + Beishan + tourist buses): ¥150 Nanshan, Shimenshan, Shizhuanshan: Free or minimal fees (less visited).
Booking: Purchase tickets on-site or in advance via Trip.com or WeChat, especially during peak seasons. A passport is required for train travel and ticket purchases.
Note: Baodingshan requires a 10-minute shuttle bus ride from the visitor center (included in the ticket).
What to See and Do
The Dazu Rock Carvings are spread across five sites, with Baodingshan and Beishan being the most popular. Plan 3–6 hours to explore, depending on the number of sites visited.
Baodingshan (Baoding Mountain): The most iconic site, 15 km northeast of Dazu, features a U-shaped valley with carvings from the Southern Song Dynasty (1174–1252). Highlights: Thousand-Hand Avalokitesvara, Six Paths of Rebirth, Parents’ Love Transformation, and the 31-meter Shakyamuni Nirvana. Visit the 4K and Dome Theaters for an educational overview of the carvings and their creators, monk Zhao Zhifeng and official Wei Junjing. Explore Shengshou Temple and the Dazu Rock Carving Museum for added context.
Beishan (North Mountain): 2 km northwest of Dazu, this 300-meter cliff face features over 10,000 carvings from the 9th to 12th centuries, known for their delicate craftsmanship. Highlights: Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (“Oriental Venus”) and Tantric Buddhist themes. The night tour is highly recommended for a tranquil experience.
Nanshan (South Mountain): 20 km from Dazu, this smaller site features 15 Taoist-themed caves from the Song Dynasty, including the Sanqing Ancient Grotto and a stele about a Mongol invasion. Best for those interested in Taoist art and fewer crowds.
Shimenshan (Shimen Mountain): 20 km east of Dazu, this 12th-century site blends Buddhist and Taoist statues, including the Jade Emperor. Known for vivid, imaginative figures and inscriptions.
Shizhuanshan (Shizhuan Mountain): 25 km southwest of Dazu, this early 12th-century site uniquely integrates Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian carvings, including Confucius with his disciples. Ideal for those with extra time and interest in Confucian philosophy.
Other Activities: Photography is encouraged, but tripods may require a permit. Visit Changzhou Ancient Town in Dazu for a Northern Song Dynasty-themed experience with pavilions and a 13-meter city wall. Watch cultural performances during holidays, like Sichuan opera and lion dances at Baodingshan.
Tip: Visiting all five sites in one day requires an early start (6–7 AM) from Chongqing. Most visitors focus on Baodingshan and Beishan for a 4–5-hour trip.
Where to Eat
At Baodingshan: Food stalls offer snacks, noodles, and local specialties like spicy hot pot or grilled meat skewers (¥10–30). Options are limited, so bring snacks.
In Dazu County: Restaurants serve Chongqing-style hot pot, noodle dishes, and street food like roasted potatoes. Bubble tea shops are also common.
Nearby: For more variety, dine in Chongqing at Hongya Cave, known for its riverside restaurants.
Where to Stay
Most visitors make a day trip, but staying overnight in Dazu or Chongqing allows for a relaxed visit:
Dazu County: Budget hotels and guesthouses cost ¥100–300/night. Try Dazu Hotel or local inns near the bus station.
Chongqing: Options range from luxury (e.g., Intercontinental Chongqing, ¥500–800/night) to budget hostels (¥80–150/night). Stay near Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave for easy access to bus stations.
Booking: Use Ctrip, Booking.com, or Agoda for deals. Book early during peak seasons.
Tips for a Great Visit
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Expect lots of walking and steps, especially at Baodingshan and Beishan.
Bring Essentials: Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, an umbrella, and sunglasses, as summer is hot and humid.
Accessibility: The sites are not fully wheelchair-accessible due to steps and uneven paths, but Baodingshan’s main areas are manageable with assistance.
Language: English signage is limited. A guide or translation app (e.g., Baidu Translate) is helpful.
Combine Your Trip: Pair with Chongqing attractions like Hongya Cave, Ciqikou Ancient Town, or the Three Gorges Museum, or visit Wulong Karst for natural scenery.
Respect the Site: Avoid touching the carvings to preserve this heritage site.
Final Thoughts
The Dazu Rock Carvings are a breathtaking testament to China’s artistic and spiritual heritage, offering a window into the Tang and Song Dynasties’ cultural richness. Whether you’re captivated by the intricate Thousand-Hand Avalokitesvara, the serene night tour at Beishan, or the rare fusion of three religions at Shizhuanshan, this UNESCO site promises an unforgettable experience. Plan a day trip from Chongqing or Chengdu, focus on Baodingshan and Beishan for a manageable visit, and let the carvings’ stories transport you to ancient China.
Happy travels!
