Built during the Tang and Song dynasties, the Dazu Grottoes are the largest grotto complex in southern China. Just 100 kilometers from downtown Chongqing, it's about a 2-hour drive - perfect for a day trip!
What makes the Dazu carvings so special? They blend Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian ideas, showing how the local people embraced different cultures during the Tang and Song periods.
Unlike other grottoes that feel all about religion, these carvings have a warm, personal touch. You'll see heartwarming sculptures of parents raising their kids and vivid depictions of life's ups and downs.
In addition, the Dazu Grottoes are featured in the game "Black Myth: Wukong!" Many gamers are flocking here to see the stunning images and spots brought to life in the game.
Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or a gamer, the Dazu Grottoes promise an unforgettable experience. This article will give you all the info you need - transport options, ticket prices, routes, and tips - to make your visit smooth and exciting!
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- Choose Between Baoding Mountain and Beishan Mountain
- Itinerary from Chongqing/Chengdu to It
- Is it Suitable for Wheelchair Visitors?
- Best Time to Visit
Choose Between Baoding Mountain and Beishan Mountain
The Dazu Grottoes are divided into Baoding Mountain and Beishan Mountain. If you have limited time and can only choose one to visit, Baoding Mountain is undoubtedly the recommended option.
- Baoding Mountain (2-3 hours): This is the core area of the Dazu Grottoes. It boasts a large number of carvings with diverse themes, ranging from religious stories to everyday life scenes. Here, you can see the renowned Thousand-Hand Avalokiteshvara sculpture, acclaimed as a "national treasure among national treasures."
Rock carvings at Baoding Mountain- Beishan Mountain (1-1.5 hours): Known for its small and exquisite carvings, Beishan attracts fewer visitors. If you have a strong interest in rock art or prefer a quieter experience, Beishan is a great choice.
If you have a full day (about 6-7 hours) and want to gain a comprehensive understanding of the rock carvings, I suggest visiting both Baoding Mountain and Beishan Mountain. You can arrange your itinerary as follows:
- Morning: Explore Baoding Mountain (2.5-3 hours).
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local specialties (depending on your schedule, you could also start your visit to Baoding Mountain after brunch).
- Afternoon: Head to Beishan (1.5-2 hours).
If you enjoy traditional styles, consider wearing suitable attire. The carvings will provide a beautiful backdrop for your photos.
Tickets
- Baoding Mountain: Approximately 115 yuan (peak season), 100 yuan (December-February).
- Beishan Mountain: Approximately 70 yuan (peak season), 50 yuan (off-peak season).
- Combined Ticket for Baoding Mountain and Beishan Mountain: Approximately 140 yuan (peak season), 120 yuan (off-peak season).
- Reservations: It is advisable to book tickets in advance through the official website or travel platforms, especially during holidays and peak tourist seasons.
Book a private guide to unlock hidden stories:
Behind each statue of the Dazu Grottoes lies the wisdom and stories of ancient people.
A superficial visit might leave you thinking, "These carvings are quite beautiful," but with a knowledgeable guide, you'll discover that these carvings "speak," telling tales of beliefs, lives, and philosophies from a thousand years ago.
Many carvings have interesting historical anecdotes, such as how the "Six Paths of Rebirth" depict ancient views on life and death.
Itinerary from Chongqing/Chengdu to Dazu Grottoes
If you plan to depart from Chongqing, it is generally possible to make a round trip in one day. You can also consider starting from Chengdu, taking a high-speed train that takes about an hour to reach Dazu South Station, followed by a 50-minute drive to Baoding Mountain.
Here is a recommended efficient and fulfilling itinerary that covers transportation, sightseeing routes, lunch suggestions, and return arrangements for your reference.
8:00 AM: Departure
Departure time can be adjusted based on your interests. For a deeper exploration, an early start is advisable; around 8:30 AM is a popular departure time. The drive takes about 2 hours, with beautiful scenery along the way, perfect for photos.
10:15 AM: Arrival at Baoding Mountain
First, head to the visitor center to purchase tickets. To save time, it's wise to book tickets online in advance.
After purchasing tickets, you need to take a shuttle bus to enter the Baoding Mountain (about a 10-minute ride). If you take a tour through a travel agency, you may enjoy direct transportation to the scenic area without the need for a transfer.
10:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Visit Baoding Mountain
Recommended highlights:
- Thousand-Hand Avalokiteshvara: As the iconic site of the Dazu Rock Carvings, this sculpture is exquisitely crafted and dazzling.
Thousand-Hand Avalokiteshvara- Six Paths of Rebirth: Understand the Buddhist concept of reincarnation, which are highly educational.
Six Paths of Rebirth- Parents' Love Transformation: Experience the profound essence of ancient filial piety culture, recognizing the hardships and selflessness of parents in raising their children.
Parents' Love Transformation- Hua Yan Three Saints: Admire the towering 7-meter statue and appreciate the craftsmanship of ancient artisans.
Hua Yan Three Saints- Shakyamuni Nirvana: This 31-meter-long reclining Buddha statue showcases the tranquility and solemnity of the Buddha at the moment of nirvana, representing the pinnacle of Buddhist art—definitely worth a visit!
Shakyamuni Nirvana- Dazu Rock Carvings Hell Transformation Shrine, Amitabha Sutra Transformation Shrine, Thousand-Hand Avalokiteshvara Shrine, and Guardian Deity Shrine are also filming locations for "Black Myth: Wukong."
Hell Transformation Shrine1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch:
Recommended restaurants are located near the scenic area, where you can try local specialties such as spicy chicken, sauerkraut fish, and shredded pork with bamboo shoots.
Spicy chicken2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Visit Beishan Mountain
Drive from Baoding Mountain to Beishan (approximately 20 minutes).
Recommended highlights:
- Shuiyue Avalokiteshvara: Known as the "Eastern Venus," this sculpture is delicately carved and gracefully posed.
- Turning Wheel Sutra Cave: Learn about the unique style of Song dynasty stone carving art.
- Peacock King Statue: Admire the exquisite Buddhist sculpture and feel the tranquility and solemnity.
Peacock King Statue- Amitabha Sutra Transformation: Here, you can appreciate how ancient artisans interpreted the grandeur and beauty of the Pure Land through stone carvings, experiencing the depth and impact of Buddhist art.
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Free Time and Return Preparation
Take a moment to relax in the scenic area. Depart from Beishan back to Chongqing, with a driving time of about 2 hours.
6:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Arrival in Chongqing
After returning to the city, you can choose to enjoy dinner, with a recommendation to try Chongqing hot pot to perfectly end your day.
Hot potBeishan also offers a night tour, open from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM. If time allows, I highly recommend this experience. You can return to Chongqing afterward or stay overnight in Dazu.
- At night, with tranquility and fewer visitors, you can almost have the place to yourself, allowing you to feel the solemnity and mystery of the stone carvings in a quiet environment, as if traveling back in time to converse with ancient artisans.
- Using several DLP-3D projectors, special technology helps combine the images and fix any distortions. This makes the carvings look clear and beautiful, even if they have been worn down by the weather. At night, the stone carvings shine and look almost magical.
Is Dazu Grottoes Suitable for Wheelchair Visitors?
Dazu Grottoes are not fully wheelchair accessible. With proper planning and necessary assistance, wheelchair visitors can still appreciate the unique charm of this cultural treasure.
If your group includes wheelchair users, I recommend choosing Baoding Mountain.
Some areas here have flat pathways and ramps, and the route from the Baoding Mountain parking lot to the shuttle bus transfer point is accessible. The shuttle bus can take you directly to the entrance of the Baoding Mountain.
However, to see all the carvings within the site, you will need to navigate around 100 steps.
Baoding Mountain has flat landThe visitor center and main entrance area are equipped with accessible pathways, including accessible restrooms and parking.
If possible, consider bringing a lightweight all-terrain wheelchair to handle more complex terrains.
Many other areas, especially Beishan, have steep slopes, steps, and uneven paths, making it difficult for wheelchair users to navigate.
The Best Time to Visit Dazu Grottoes
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit.
- Spring: The temperatures are moderate, flowers are in bloom, and the air is fresh, making it suitable for outdoor activities. Spring is also the rainy season in Chongqing, so it's advisable to bring rain gear and wear shoes with good grip.
- Autumn: With clear skies and mild sunshine, it is an ideal season for photography and hiking. The lighting in autumn is great for photos, especially in the afternoon when the sunlight casts a warm glow.
Autumn light makes the colors more clearSummer (July to August) and the National Day Golden Week (October 1-7) are peak periods, with a high volume of visitors. It is advisable to avoid these times for a better experience.
- Summer: There are many students and family tourists, leading to crowded conditions, and the heat makes it an extremely undesirable time to visit.
- National Day Golden Week: Visitor numbers peak, and the scenic area may become overcrowded.
Although the Dazu Grottoes generally see fewer crowds compared to other tourist spots in Chongqing, such as Wulong, it is still wise to follow these tips for a more enjoyable visit during peak seasons:
- Visit on weekdays to avoid larger crowds.
- Arrive before 10 AM to avoid peak tourist times.
- Consider visiting in reverse order, starting with Beishan and then heading to Baoding Mountain to avoid the mainstream route.
- Book tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line on-site.
Recommended Dazu Grottoes Tours
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