Must-Visit Spot in Chongqing from May to June!

If you think Chongqing is only about Hongya Cave and hotpot, you're seriously underestimating this city. This time, I recommend an underrated UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Dazu Rock Carvings. A day trip with no fatigue, plus a dose of traditional culture. 📚 What makes Dazu Rock Carvings special? Located in Dazu District, Chongqing, the carvings began in the late Tang Dynasty and flourished during the Song Dynasty. They represent one of the largest and best-preserved grotto complexes in southern China. Far from just a few Buddha statues, the carvings use entire mountains as canvases to depict a complete system of religious, philosophical, and historical narratives. They include Buddhist scriptures, Confucian filial piety, Taoist elements, and numerous ancient "life allegories." The most awe-inspiring is the Thousand-Hand Guanyin, standing about two stories tall, with each hand in a unique pose and gilded in gold—truly breathtaking. Compared to Dunhuang and Luoyang, this site is less crowded, quieter, and rich in details perfect for slow appreciation. 🚉 Transportation & Tickets Ticket: Peak season ¥135 (includes Baodingshan Scenic Area), discounts available for students/seniors Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Recommended routes: High-speed train to Dazu South Station → ~30-minute taxi ride ~2-hour drive from downtown Chongqing, suitable for a day trip 🗺️ Recommended Itinerary 🔹 Baodingshan Rock Carvings (main area) – A must-see! Allocate at least 2-3 hours. Don’t miss the Thousand-Hand Guanyin and Dafowan, which are highly narrative. Rent an audio guide or use the official mini-program. 🔹 Dazu Rock Carvings Art Museum A lesser-known but high-quality exhibition hall within Baodingshan, featuring rubbings, miniatures, and background info on the carvings. Perfect for a midday break. 🔹 Baoding Ancient Town A 5-minute walk from the site, this well-preserved Qing Dynasty town offers a non-commercial, tranquil vibe—ideal for a leisurely stroll and photos. 📸 Photography Tips ⭐️ Shoot the Thousand-Hand Guanyin from a low angle to emphasize its grandeur. ⭐️ After 3 PM, the soft light is perfect for portraits. ⭐️ Focus on details: hands, faces, and expressions of the statues for dramatic shots. 🌿 Nearby Activities (if time allows) ✅ Tieshanping Forest Park: ~40-minute drive, with easy hiking trails and scenic nature views. ✅ Longshui Lake: ~30-minute drive, featuring lakeside walks and relaxing boat rides—a great way to unwind. ✅ Beishan Rock Carvings: More "rugged and primitive" than Baodingshan, with fewer crowds and equally impressive carvings. 🧭 Final Thoughts: If you’ve already explored Chongqing’s popular spots, spare a day for Dazu Rock Carvings. It might not be the "liveliest" attraction, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most rewarding. For more Chongqing travel tips, search "Chongqing Local Guide"~