Yunnan | Shibaoshan Grottoes, the largest Buddhist grottoes in Yunnan

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In the mountainous area not far from Shaxi Ancient Town, there is a Marble Treasure Mountain Scenic Area. Because the local area belongs to Danxia landform, the cracks of the red sandstone on the mountain are like tortoise shells. From different angles, it looks like a lion, an elephant or a bell, hence the name "Shibao Mountain". It is the largest and relatively well-preserved group of caves in Yunnan.

There are 16 caves with reliefs and 139 statues in the Shibao Mountain and Shizhong Mountain areas. This is a sculpture art handed down from the Nanzhao Kingdom and Dali Kingdom periods, with a history of more than 1,000 years, and has a strong local flavor and Bai ethnic style.

There are eight grottoes in Shibaoshan:
Cave 1: Picture of Yi Mouxun, the sixth king of Nanzhao, discussing state affairs.
Cave 2: A picture of the fifth king of Nanzhao, Geluofeng, going on tour.
Cave 3: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva dressed as a monk.
Cave 4: The Three Holy Ones of Avatamsaka Sutra, namely Vairocana Buddha, Samantabhadra and Manjusri.
Cave 5: Statue of Vimalakirti - Sad-faced Avalokitesvara.
Cave 6: Hall of Vimalakirti - statues of the Eight Vimalakirti.
Cave 7: Nectar Avalokitesvara - Statue of Avalokitesvara with abdomen cut open.
Cave 8: Relics of female fertility worship - Ayangbai.

The remaining eight caves are located in Shiziguan and Shadengqing respectively, and are also part of the Shibaoshan Grottoes. Not far from the Shibaoshan Scenic Area, there is a Hanging Baoxiang Temple, a Taoist temple built on a towering cliff, which is quite high, steep and strange.

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Post by Moutain | May 17, 2025