Anyue Grottoes Free Admission This Autumn, Come and Explore the Millennium Reclining Buddha!

Big move in the Sichuan-Chongqing grotto scene!

While major scenic spots are crowded, Anyue Grottoes quietly offers free admission! From now until December 31, tickets to the Reclining Buddha Courtyard are free for all visitors nationwide, and you can encounter the millennium smile from the flourishing Tang Dynasty～Save this off-peak travel guide to unlock exclusive experiences in the "Hometown of Chinese Stone Carvings"!

✨「Must-See Highlights」
1️⃣ Reclining Buddha Courtyard · Sacred Site of the Great Tang Nirvana
Head straight to Reclining Buddha Town to see the giant 21.3-meter left-lying Buddha! The suspended carving of Shakyamuni Buddha’s nirvana is an ancient stone carving marvel. Standing at the Buddha’s head, you can catch the slight furrow of the Buddha’s brow. Around 3 to 4 PM, when sunlight grazes the cliff, the stone-blue robe glimmers with golden light.

2️⃣ Anyue Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center
Free admission bonus experience! At Sichuan’s first digital grotto museum, travel through the Tang and Song dynasties with technology. Reach out to touch the hologram of Purple Bamboo Guanyin, while the sound of Buddhist chants drifts in your ears (hidden feature: find the Song dynasty medicine boy crouching and pounding herbs in the animation of the Buddhist scriptures).

3️⃣ Pilu Cave · Eastern Venus
Drive 20 minutes to meet the Water Moon Guanyin! Northern Song craftsmen carved the flowing tassels and jewels with a "clothes wet from water" elegance. Walk three steps around the statue and you’ll find the Bodhisattva’s gaze always meets yours.

4️⃣ Yuanjue Cave · Twelve Enlightenments Quest
Explore the Northern Song Zen cave on the edge of the county! The 8-meter tall Lotus Hand Guanyin holds a Bipola flower. Standing at the southeast corner of the cave, you can hear echoes from a thousand years ago (recommended to bring a small flashlight to illuminate the scripture murals on the walls).

🗓「2025 Autumn Limited Itinerary」
Day 1: Morning at Reclining Buddha Courtyard (free admission) → Noon at Wofugou Farmhouse → Afternoon at Digital Exhibition Center (discounted ticket) → Stay in Anyue County Town
Day 2: Morning at Pilu Cave + Huayan Cave → Noon Zhouli Cold Noodles → Afternoon at Yuanjue Cave + Qianfo Village → Return trip

🚗「Travel Tips」
✅ 2-hour self-drive from Chengdu via Yulong Expressway + Yuwang Road, road conditions good
✅ Non-drivers can take a bus from Chengdu/Chongqing to Anyue, then charter a car in the county to visit the sites
✅ Hidden perk: Show a high-speed rail ticket within three days for discounts at some homestays

📸「Photo Hotspots」
▪️ Reclining Buddha Courtyard: Shoot the full panoramic reflection from the Buddha’s left side of the head
▪️ Digital Center: Capture silhouettes in the immersive exhibition hall
▪️ Pilu Cave: Shoot upward at a 45-degree angle from the left front of Guanyin
▪️ Yuanjue Cave: Use the incense burner as foreground in front of the Shakyamuni Buddha niche

🍋「Taste of Anyue」
• Must-try: Zhouli Heartbreaking Cold Noodles with Lemon Ice Jelly
• Hidden gem: Stone carving glutinous rice cakes sold by the old lady at the Reclining Buddha Courtyard exit
• Souvenirs: Anyue lemon cake + stone carving rubbing bookmarks

⚠️「Notes」
① No reservation needed for free admission to Reclining Buddha Courtyard, just scan your ID to enter
② The grottoes are scattered; wear non-slip shoes for walking on rural paths
③ Digital Exhibition Center discount includes choice of cinema or experience hall