|
Why the
Dazu Rock Carvings
are special
The Dazu figures project a greater sense of humanity
than the statuary found in China's three other
great Buddhist cave and cliff art sites (Longmen,
Mogao and Yungang).
Interesting insights about
the Dazu Rock Carvings
 The
Dazu area has more than 50,000 carvings.
Unlike
the sculptures in the other major Buddha cave and
cliff art sites, those in the Dazu region are
spread over a large geographical area. There are
75 distinct major sites.
Fortunately
for the tourist in a hurry,
the two best Dazu sites are situated near Dazu
town, making it easy to see both in the same
morning or afternoon. Those sites are Baodingshan
(top choice) and Beishan (the runner-up).
The stone carvings were begun in the 9th century
(late Tang Dynasty) and
continued into the 13th Century (Song Dynasty).
Most
of the artwork is Buddhist related, though the Confucian
and Taoist persuasions are represented. In some
cases, there is an obvious convergence of the three themes.
The
secular life is also embodied in the Dazu Rock
Carvings. Even the images of ordinary people doing
everyday chores were sculpted in stone.
The
Dazu Rock Carvings are also known as the Dazu Stone Sculptures.
Tips for your
vacation tour or trip
Must see carvings in the Baodingshan site:
Reclining
Buddha - A 30 meter (100 foot) long carving of the
elderly Buddha at the final stage of attaining
nirvana. He's flanked by statuary of his disciples (see photo).
Great
Buddhist Crescent - A thousand sculptures are
carved on a long, continuous amphitheatre-shaped cliff. Impressive.
Wheel of the
Universe - Anicca (representing the Buddhist
belief in the impermanence of existence) holds a
large disc-shaped stone wheel carved with animals.
Thousand
Arms - The 1007 arms of the Buddhist deity Avalokitesvara are broadly spread out, peacock style.
Location
The Dazu Rock Carvings are in Dazu county, a
political unit of the Chongqing municipality.
Pronunciation guide
Dazu: dah-zoo
View my other gold,
silver & bronze medal
winners in China
 
My Chinese
phrase guide
for travelers
What every visitor should know.
View my Chinese
cuisine guide
|
 
|
