Dazu

The Dazu Rock Carvings are a representative example of late-period Chinese grotto art, often mentioned alongside the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang. They are definitely a seriously underrated World Heritage Site near Chongqing! Here is a detailed Dazu travel guide, arranged so you can follow it without backtracking.

Transportation Guide

• Long-distance transport: From central Chongqing, you can take a direct coach from Chenjiaping Bus Station or the North Railway Station South Square Bus Station to Dazu Bus Station (about 1.5-2 hours); alternatively, take a high-speed train to Dazu South Station (about 40 minutes by car to the scenic area, though services are limited).
• Local transport: After arriving at Dazu Bus Station, take Bus 205 directly to the Baoding Mountain Rock Carvings Visitor Center; to visit the Beishan Rock Carvings, take the tourist shuttle from the visitor center. If you are not driving, it is best to combine buses with ride-hailing.

Recommended Itineraries

• One-Day Trip (Classic Route Without Backtracking):
  • Morning: Depart from the main urban area, arrive at the Dazu Rock Carvings Visitor Center, watch the digital film (optional) → visit the Dazu Rock Carvings Museum → tour the Baoding Mountain Rock Carvings (the core highlights; allow about 3 hours).
  • Afternoon: After lunch, take Bus 205 or the shuttle to the Beishan Rock Carvings (allow 1-2 hours). The statues are more refined, and there are fewer visitors.
  • Evening: Return to Dazu town, stroll along Dingjiapo Food Street, try local dishes such as Youting crucian carp and potatoes, then head back.
• Two-Day Trip (In-Depth and Relaxed):
  • Day 1: Same as above. Stay overnight in Dazu town, and experience a night tour of Beishan (if open) or the town night market.
  • Day 2: Head to the Shimenshan Rock Carvings (check in at the Peacock Wisdom King Cave) or the Nanshan Rock Carvings. In the afternoon, visit Zhuxi Town to see Qing-dynasty ancient bridges and take a bamboo raft on the Laixi River, enjoying a slower, off-the-beaten-path pace before returning.

Key Attractions

The Dazu Rock Carvings consist of several scattered groups of carvings. The following two core scenic areas are the most recommended:

• Baoding Mountain Rock Carvings: The flagship of the Dazu Rock Carvings, and the largest and most spectacular group. Must-sees include the Thousand-Armed Guanyin, the 31-meter Reclining Buddha, the Wheel of Six Realms, Yuanjue Cave, and the Parental Love Sutra tableau. It is recommended to scan the QR codes and listen to the audio guide throughout, otherwise the carvings can be hard to understand.
• Beishan Rock Carvings: The earliest group to be carved, with the most delicate and refined statues, most of them protected by eaves. Recommended highlights include Cave 155, the Peacock Wisdom King. If you have enough stamina, you can also climb up to see Duobao Pagoda and the Two Buddhas Seated Together.
• Shimenshan Rock Carvings: Quiet and less visited, centered on the Peacock Wisdom King Sutra Tableau Cave and the Ten Sacred Guanyin Cave. It suits travelers who enjoy peaceful settings and deeper cultural experiences.
• Xiaotan Bridge in Zhuxi Town: A niche recommendation beyond the rock carvings. This 300-year-old Qing-dynasty bridge spans the Laixi River, where you can drift along on a bamboo raft. It feels like unexpectedly stepping into Jiangnan and is ideal for a relaxed weekend escape.

Food Recommendations

Dazu’s food offers excellent value for money and is mostly concentrated around the Dingjiapo area in town:

Accommodation and Pitfall Tips

• Where to stay: It is best to stay directly in Dazu town (such as near Xiangguo Park or the pedestrian street), where it is convenient to get late-night snacks and also close to the scenic areas the next day. Dazu South Station is far from both the town and the scenic areas, so arriving there at night is inconvenient.
• Ticket discounts: The adult combo ticket is about 145 yuan (including Baoding Mountain + Beishan + transportation). Sichuan and Chongqing ID holders usually receive a half-price discount, and there are also corresponding policies for students and seniors.
• Pitfall guide: Do not buy the 22-yuan scenic-area shuttle ticket, as you will still need to hike uphill after getting off; walking the whole route is enough. Food on the scenic-area old street is poor value for money, so it is better to take a bus into town to eat. In summer, be sure to bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen.