The Dazu Rock Carvings

The final masterpiece of world grotto art, a colorful epic in stone

5A National Scenic Area

08:30-18:00

Last entry: 17:00

About This Place

The Dazu Rock Carvings represent the pinnacle of world grotto art from the 9th to the 13th centuries, renowned for their exquisite Buddhist statues and vibrant polychrome. The main clusters are at Baoding Mountain and Beishan, featuring thousands of unique sculptures with immense artistic expression. Plan for at least 3 hours and consider hiring a guide or using the official app to fully appreciate the stories behind the carvings.

Highlights

Marvel at the Thousand-Hand Guanyin at Baoding Mountain, China's largest cliff-side statue integrating carving, painting, and gold-gilding

Admire the graceful 'Charming Guanyin' at Beishan, celebrated for its unique artistic expression

Explore carvings like the Hell Scenes and the Herding Oxen, vividly depicting Buddhist tales and ancient daily life

Step into the Enlightened Cave to experience the intricate details and religious ambiance of the sculptures under shifting light

Visit the Dazu Rock Carvings Museum for a systematic overview of the development of Buddhist rock art worldwide

Best Time to Visit

April-May, September-October

Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor exploration. It's best to avoid national holidays and weekend peaks for a more tranquil visit.

Avoid Chinese Holidays

Strongly avoid Golden Week (Oct 1-7), Chinese New Year (late Jan/Feb), and Labor Day (May 1-5). Crowds are extreme and tickets often sell out weeks in advance.

Ticket Information

CNY 95per person

Advance Booking Required

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office or via official online platforms. Admission to Baoding Mountain is 95 RMB, Beishan is 39 RMB, and a combo ticket is 115 RMB. Discounts or free entry apply to minors, students, seniors, and military personnel. The site manages visitor capacity, so booking online in advance is recommended to guarantee entry and avoid crowds. Guide services cost around 120-150 RMB, or you can download the official Dazu Rock Carvings guide app (approx. 10 RMB).