Dazu

Dazu (大足) is a district of Chongqing Municipality, located about 80 km west of the city center. It is world-famous for the Dazu Rock Carvings (大足石刻), a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring an extraordinary collection of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian rock-cut sculptures dating from the 9th to 13th centuries.

The Dazu carvings are considered one of the finest examples of Chinese cave art, distinguished from earlier grottoes at Dunhuang, Yungang, and Longmen by their integration of the three religions (Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism) and their remarkable state of preservation. The carvings are spread across several sites in the district, with the most famous being Baodingshan (宝顶山) and Beishan (北山).

Dazu has a humid subtropical climate similar to Chongqing. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for visiting.

By Plane

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG IATA) is about 90 km east. A taxi from the airport to Dazu costs ¥200–300; buses run to Dazu from the airport bus station.

By Train

Dazu South Railway Station serves the Chengdu–Chongqing high-speed railway, with trains to Chongqing (30 min) and Chengdu (1 hr). The station is 15 km from the Dazu town center.

By Car / Road

The G5013 Chongqing–Chengdu Expressway connects Dazu to central Chongqing (about 1.5 hr by car). Buses run from Chongqing's Chenjiaping and Caiyuanba bus stations.

Local buses connect Dazu town to the rock carving sites (5–10 km). Taxis within Dazu town cost ¥5–10. The Baodingshan and Beishan sites are close enough to visit in a day.

• Baodingshan (宝顶山): The largest and most spectacular carving site, featuring a horseshoe-shaped cliff face covered in over 10,000 sculptures. Highlights include the 31-m-long Sleeping Buddha, the Thousand-Hand Guanyin, and the terrifying Hell Realm carvings. Entry ¥115.

• Beishan (北山): Carvings from the late Tang and Five Dynasties periods, concentrated in a smaller cliff face. Notable for the Wheel of Life carving and the elegant Guanyin statues. Entry ¥70.

• Nanshan (南山): Taoist carvings from the Song dynasty, less extensive but beautifully preserved.

• Dazu Museum: A museum near Baodingshan covering the history and conservation of the carvings.

• Explore Baodingshan: Allow 2–3 hours to fully appreciate the main site. An audio guide or a local guide will greatly enhance the experience.

• Visit Beishan: Combine with Baodingshan for a full day of carving viewing.

• Photography: Early morning light on the Baodingshan cliff creates the best photographic conditions.

• Dazu Sour Fish: Local fish in a tangy, spicy broth.
• Dazu Roast Duck: A local take on roast duck, cooked with Sichuan peppercorns and chili.
• Chongqing-Style Hotpot: Available in Dazu town.
• Mountain Vegetables: Seasonal wild greens from the surrounding hills.

Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Guesthouses near Baodingshan charge ¥100–200 per night.
• Mid-range: Hotels in Dazu town, such as the Dazu Hotel, offer rooms from ¥200–350 per night.
• Day Trip: Most visitors visit Dazu as a day trip from Chongqing.

Souvenir shops near the carving sites sell miniature replicas of the statues, Buddhist-themed items, and local Dazu tea.

• Chongqing City (80 km east, 1.5 hr) — The massive mountain city with hotpot, Hongyadong, and river views.
• Chengdu (150 km northwest, 1 hr by train) — The capital of Sichuan with pandas and Jinli Ancient Street.
• Tongnan (40 km north) — A district with the Tongnan Grand Buddha scenic area.
• Bishan (30 km southeast) — A district known for its hot springs and the Bishan Temple.