Dazu Rock Carvings
By - Posted on 30 March 2008
Dazu Rock Carvings(大足石刻) and statues are scattered over some 70 sites in Chongqing's Dazu County. The statues here are stylistically different from those at Yungang and Dunhuang, both of which are much easier projects. Dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties, the carvings at Dazu are purely Chinese in style, whereas earlier caves at Longmen, Dunhuang and Yungang have very obvious foreign influences. Revealing Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian influences, the Dazu carving range from small, intimate statues dedicated by pious families to massive reclining Buddhas, requiring hundreds of artisans. A welcome break from Chongqing's urban sprawl, the sites unfold over the idyllic scenery of rolling hills, placid farms and the red earth of the Sichuang basin.
Buses leave from Chongqing every hour between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and cost 45 RMB. Don't bother trying to get the train, it takes much longer than the bus in this case. You could also hire a car, but the bus is fast on the new expressway and cheap.
