Thousand Buddha Cliff in Guangyuan, Sichuan

#sichuanattractions The Thousand Buddha Cliff (Qianfoya) in Guangyuan, Sichuan, is a remarkable site that showcases centuries of Buddhist artistry. Located approximately 4 kilometers north of Guangyuan City on the east bank of the Jialing River, this extensive cliffside complex features over 7,000 statues carved into the rock face, making it the largest grotto group in Sichuan Province. However, not many of them are open during my visit. The carvings span a history of more than 1,500 years, beginning in the Northern Wei Dynasty and continuing through subsequent dynasties, with the majority created during the Tang Dynasty. Notable caves within the complex include Dayun Cave, which houses a standing statue of Maitreya Buddha, and Lotus Cave, named for its central lotus carving. Visitors can explore the site daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, with an admission fee of 50 yuan—if you plan to go to HuangZe temple too, the combo ticket would be 80 yuan.