Anyue Grottoes‖A Thousand-Year-Old Hidden Treasure of Stone Carvings

Anyue Grottoes are known as the "Hometown of Stone Carvings." The county has over 100 grottoes with more than 100,000 statues, spanning from the Northern and Southern Dynasties all the way to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, making it a three-dimensional history of Chinese stone carving art📜

It is also an important link connecting Dunhuang, Yungang, Longmen, and Dazu Grottoes, holding a significant position in the history of grotto art. Yet, it remains so low-key that it’s heartbreaking—too few people know about it!​

The stone carving styles here are diverse, and each site has its own unique features. Take the Purple Bamboo Guanyin in Pilu Cave, for example; she is truly stunning beyond belief! She sits sideways with one leg crossed, elegant and charming, known as the "Venus of the East"💃

Looking closely, Guanyin’s robes seem to flutter in the wind, and her gaze is so gentle it could drip water, making one marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient artisans.

🌈 Visiting tips:
📍 Address: Yunju Mountain, 1 km southeast of Anyue County, Ziyang City, Sichuan Province
🚘 Navigation: Take a taxi from Anyue County Bus Station to Yuanjue Cave, about 10 yuan
⌚️ Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM (year-round)
🎟️ Ticket price: 28 yuan/person

Post by JOSIAH HOUSTON | Oct 18, 2025