A Stunning Stone Carving Exploration Tour at Dazu Rock Carvings

✅ World Heritage + 5A Scenic Spot: The pinnacle of late Chinese grottoes, a more vivid secular Buddhist kingdom than Dunhuang!
✅ See the essence of three mountains in one day: Beishan (Guanyin), Shimenshan (Taoism), Shizhuanshan (Three Teachings in One), condensing a millennium of artistic secrets!
✅ Fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, no queues: Avoid the crowds at Baodingshan and unlock a hidden gem!
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🌅 Itinerary｜Compact without rushing
Self-driving/car hire or take the high-speed train, or join a tour.
⏰ 9:00-12:00 Beishan Rock Carvings
🔥 Must-see:
• Wheel Sutra Grotto (Song Dynasty): Beads-holding Guanyin with a charming expression, fluttering ribbons, and clothing folds so detailed you can see every crease!
• Ancient Filial Piety Classic Stele: A rare Confucian classic, a delight for calligraphy lovers!
📸 Photo spot: Plaza in front of the grotto, shoot upward at the Guanyin group statues, dappled light creating a super sacred atmosphere!
⏰ 12:30-13:30 Lunch + Rest
✔️ Recommended in Dazu town:
• Youting Crucian Carp: Sour, spicy, fresh, and tender, only about 50 RMB per person to eat until full!
⏰ 14:00-16:30 Shimenshan + Shizhuanshan
🔥 Shimenshan Highlights:
• Jade Emperor Shrine: Muscular Thousand-Mile Eye and Wind-Heaven Ear, eyes wide open in anger, super shocking!
• Ten Saints Guanyin Cave: Fairy ribbons swirling around, the Song Dynasty’s ultimate “pure and alluring” style!
🔥 Shizhuanshan Easter Eggs:
• Confucius’ Ten Disciples Shrine: The world’s only stone carving of Confucius’ disciples, Yan Hui is elegant, Zilu is brave!
• Laojun Grotto: Three-headed, six-armed Supreme Lord Lao, the top-tier Taoist deity statue!
📸 Photo spot: Overhead shot of the Jade Emperor Shrine at Shimenshan, maximizing details of the dragon throne and cloud patterns!
💡 Tested Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
1️⃣ Tickets: Beishan 70 + Shimenshan 30 + Shizhuanshan 30 = 130 RMB, combo tickets are more cost-effective!
2️⃣ Dress: Wear sneakers! Many steps in the carving areas, bring a sun hat and mosquito repellent in summer.
3️⃣ Guide: A small group guide for 100 RMB per group is great value! Otherwise, you might miss historical insights.
4️⃣ Off-peak: Arrive at Beishan before 9 AM on weekends, Shimenshan is least crowded at noon!
📸 Popular Photo Tips
✔️ Atmosphere: Shoot the carvings in early morning mist or backlit at dusk for maximum ethereal vibes!
✔️ Interaction: Reach out and pose a “peace” sign with Guanyin’s fingertip in the frame for a mystical buff!
✔️ Detail lovers: Focus on the fluttering ribbons’ folds and lotus patterns, sharing original photos will get tons of praise!