Dazu

Dazu is humid and hot in summer, so spring and autumn are more comfortable times to visit.

The Dazu Rock Carvings are an important representative of late-period Chinese grotto art and are often mentioned alongside the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang. If you are planning a short side trip from central Chongqing, Dazu is suitable for a one- to two-day visit covering the main sights.

Transportation Guide

• Getting there: From central Chongqing to Dazu, you can take a long-distance bus from Chenjiaping Bus Station or the North Railway Station South Square Bus Station to Dazu Bus Station. The journey takes about 1.5–2 hours. You can also take a high-speed train to Dazu South Station and then continue to the scenic area, which takes about 40 minutes, though train services are relatively limited.
• Local transport: After arriving at Dazu Bus Station, you can transfer to bus No. 205 to the Baoding Mountain Rock Carvings Visitor Center. To visit the Beishan Rock Carvings, you can take the tourist shuttle from the visitor center. If you are not driving, combining buses with ride-hailing will be more convenient.

Recommended Itineraries

• One-day trip (classic, efficient route):
  • Morning: Depart from central Chongqing. After arriving at the Dazu Rock Carvings Visitor Center, you can first watch the digital film (optional) → visit the Dazu Rock Carvings Museum → tour the Baoding Mountain Rock Carvings. Baoding Mountain is the main highlight, so allow about 3 hours.
  • Afternoon: After lunch, take bus No. 205 or a shuttle to the Beishan Rock Carvings. Allow 1–2 hours. The carvings here are more intricate, and there are relatively fewer visitors.
  • Evening: Return to downtown Dazu and eat at Dingjiapo Food Street. You can try local dishes such as Youting crucian carp and potatoes, then head back.
• Two-day trip (more relaxed and in-depth):
  • Day 1: Follow the one-day route. Stay overnight in downtown Dazu. Depending on opening hours, you can choose a night visit to Beishan or stroll around the city’s night market.
  • Day 2: Visit the Shimenshan Rock Carvings, with a focus on the Peacock Wisdom King Cave; alternatively, you can choose the Nanshan Rock Carvings. In the afternoon, go to Zhuxi Town to see Qing-dynasty ancient bridges and take a bamboo raft on the Laixi River, experiencing the slower pace of town life before returning.

Main Sights

The Dazu Rock Carvings consist of several relatively scattered groups of carvings. For a first visit, prioritize the following areas:

• Baoding Mountain Rock Carvings: This is the most representative part of the Dazu Rock Carvings, with a large scale and concentrated content. The Thousand-Armed Guanyin, the 31-meter Reclining Buddha, the Wheel of Rebirth, Yuanjue Cave, and the Parental Love Sutra tableaux are all worth a close look. It is recommended to scan the codes and listen to the audio guide throughout, as many of the images are hard to understand without explanation.
• Beishan Rock Carvings: These were carved earlier and are known for their exquisite, delicate figures. Many niches and caves have protective eaves. The Peacock Wisdom King in Cave 155 is especially representative. If you have the energy, you can continue upward to see the Duobao Pagoda and the Two Buddhas Seated Together.
• Shimenshan Rock Carvings: This area is relatively quiet and has fewer visitors. The main highlights are the Peacock Wisdom King Sutra Tableau Cave and the Ten Sacred Guanyin Cave. It suits travelers who prefer a quieter atmosphere and want to explore the carvings in greater depth.
• Xiaotan Bridge in Zhuxi Town: This is a good add-on outside the rock carvings. The 300-year-old Qing-dynasty bridge spans the Laixi River, and you can take a bamboo raft nearby. The atmosphere is close to that of a Jiangnan water town, making it suitable for a slow weekend outing.

Food Recommendations

Dining options are concentrated around Dingjiapo in downtown Dazu, and prices are generally fairly reasonable:

Accommodation and Travel Tips

• Where to stay: It is recommended to stay in downtown Dazu, such as near Xiangguo Park or the pedestrian street. Dining is convenient at night, and it is also on the way to the scenic areas the next day. Dazu South Station is far from both the city center and the scenic areas, so it is not very convenient if you arrive in the evening.
• Ticket discounts: An adult combo ticket is about 145 yuan and includes Baoding Mountain, Beishan, and transport. Holders of Sichuan or Chongqing ID cards can usually enjoy a half-price discount, and there are also relevant policies for students and seniors.
• Visiting tips: It is not recommended to buy the 22-yuan scenic-area shuttle ticket, as you still need to walk and climb after getting off. Visitors with average fitness can do the whole route on foot. Food in the old street inside the scenic area is not very cost-effective; you can take a bus to the city center to eat. If visiting in summer, bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen.