Free ticket benefits are here! Anyue Grottoes 2-day deep tour: Unlock the millennium Buddhist kingdom hidden in the mountains

I rarely use the word "shocking" to describe a place, but I was repeatedly moved in Anyue — this small city, known as the "Buddhist Capital of China," is filled with ancient Buddhist statues from the Tang and Song dynasties. It is the county with the highest concentration of ancient Buddhist sculpture sites in China and one of the filming locations for the popular game "Black Wukong." Compared to the Shanxi relics that gained fame through the game, the Anyue stone carvings have always been low-key, yet they hold the brilliant charm of a thousand years of religious culture with rich themes and superb artistic standards. With exclusive free ticket offers now available, it’s the perfect time to explore!

1. Core Free Ticket & Discount Activities (2025)

- Reclining Buddha Courtyard Free Admission: October 1 to December 31, open free to all visitors nationwide (originally about 10 RMB per person).

- Digital Exhibition Center Discount: October 9 to December 31, discounted ticket prices; during the "Chuan Chao" league, participating athletes and ticket holders can enjoy a 40% discount on tickets for either the grotto digital cinema or digital experience hall.

2. 2-Day Highlight Route (connecting core attractions, can be linked with Dazu)

Day 1: Reclining Buddha Courtyard → Qianfo Temple → Yuanjue Cave → Stay in Anyue County Town
Day 2: Pilu Cave → Huayan Cave → Mingshan Temple → Peacock Cave
(Tips: After the itinerary, you can go directly to Dazu Rock Carvings, which is very close, suitable for a combined deep tour)

3. Must-Visit Attraction Highlights

- Reclining Buddha Courtyard: The largest full-body Tang Dynasty stone reclining Buddha statue in China, and the earliest and most complete full-body reclining Buddha statue in the country, showcasing the majestic spirit of Tang Dynasty sculpture (now free to visit).

- Yuanjue Cave: The closest attraction to the county town, famous for the spectacular Pure Water Bottle Guanyin, Lotus Hand Guanyin, and the three great Buddhas of Shakyamuni, making it an easy and effortless visit.

- Pilu Cave: Home to the "Venus of the East," the Water Moon Guanyin (also called Purple Bamboo Guanyin), with graceful lines and highly expressive details.

- Mingshan Temple: An ancient temple deep in the mountains, the Buddha statues on the cliff are naturally awe-inspiring and it is also one of the filming locations for "Black Wukong"; the weathered statues add a touch of natural artistic charm.

- Peacock Cave: Survived because it was once used as a kitchen by later generations, the existing Peacock Wisdom King statue is somewhat darkened; behind the cave is an abandoned Qing Dynasty temple containing a late Tang Dynasty scripture stone pagoda, worth exploring.

4. Practical Travel Guide

1. Ticket Policy: Currently, all attractions are free (Reclining Buddha Courtyard free admission until December 31, other attractions are normally free, originally about 10 RMB per person).

2. Transportation Suggestions: Stone carvings are spread throughout the county, self-driving is recommended (starting from north to south of Anyue County is smoother); if no car, you can buy bus tickets via "Anyue Travel": Anyue to Wofo Town (9 RMB, to Reclining Buddha Courtyard), Anyue to Shiyang Town (12 RMB, to Pilu Cave, Huayan Cave, etc.).

3. Notes: Peacock Cave is located by the roadside, parking is inconvenient and requires finding a spot in advance; usually locked, you need to ask the elderly neighbor next door to open the door for free visits.

5. Local Must-Try Foods

- Anyue Lemon: The signature product of the "Lemon Capital of China," high quality and low price, available as fresh fruit or related products.

- Anyue Rice Rolls: Crystal-clear rice rolls wrapped in red oil, with an enticing color and a sour-spicy flavor, a local specialty snack.