A great excursion on your way between Chongqing and Chengdu, the Dazu Rock Carvings are a collection of Buddhist caves filled with fantastic rock carvings. As one of the four great Buddhist cave sculptures in China, Dazu is a must-see destination. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, Dazu contains rock carvings dating from the 9th-13th century – primarily from the Tang and Song dynasties.
The rock carvings at Dazu are not just Buddhist sculptures; there is also a vast array of non-secular and Taoist artistry which makes for an interesting blend of sculpting, colours and content. The wide collection of religious matter in Dazu is symbolic of the open attitude the Tang and Song dynasties had towards different beliefs and cultures.
One of the most famous sections is Baodingshan with its centre-piece sculpture being the reclining Buddha which is over 30m long. Nearby to this impressive statue stands the mesmerising golden Guanyin. Known as the Goddess of Mercy in East Asia, Guanyin is shown here at Dazu with over 1,000 intricately carved arms; displayed rising from her body like the feathers on a peacock. Some of the region's earliest carvings can be found in Beishan (North Mountain).
A spectacular collection of religious artwork and a great tribute to China's more spiritual side, the Dazu Rock Carvings have played an important role in China's theological lives for over 1,000 years and continue to be a place of prayer and contemplation.
The Wulong Karst is located in the Chongqing Municipality and is part of the South China Karst, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wulong is made up of three sections: the Three Natural Bridges, Qingkou Sink Holes and the Furong Cave.
The Three Natural Bridges are a series of limestone bridges which stretch across part of the Wulong Karst. Each bridge is named after a different dragon: Sky Dragon, Green Dragon and Black Dragon, based on their shape and colour. The Tianlong Bridge is the longest at a span of 34m. Though not the longest natural bridges in the world, they are the only group of karst structures in the world.
The Qingkou Sink Holes are part of one of the largest group of sinkholes in the world, there being five in total. Beneath them run a number of streams, tributaries of the Muzong River – these underground areas are said to be some of the most impressive cave scenery in the world.
The Furong Cave is located on the banks of the Furong River, the largest tributary of the Wu River. First discovered in 1993 by local farmers, the cave is home to a number of fascinating formations, formed by mineral deposits left by slow moving water.
Better known as a resident of neighbouring Sichuan province, the Giant Panda has also made a name for itself in Chongqing. The Chongqing Zoo, located just outside the city centre of Chongqing, includes the Panda House, a dwelling for these adorable bears. Designed to resemble the rock caves and bamboo groves of the Sichuan Mountains, the Panda House affords you a great view to watch the pandas, doing what they do - from chomping through great piles of bamboo to romping around with their roommates.
Chongqing Zoo is also home to a number of other animals, including giraffes, gorillas, elephants, kangaroos plus some more unusual additions such as the South China tiger and Yakin.
Ciqikou, also known as 'Little Chongqing', is an ancient town located on the west bank of the Jialing River. The town flourished as an important transportation hub, making use of the Jialing River to facilitiate trade and commerce. It has become a well-known attraction consisting of 12 atmospheric streets that are a delight to wander. The word Ciqikou literally means “Porcelain Port” and this area is the place to buy beautiful fine china and ceramics, as well as delicious sweets and local produce.
Many people choose to visit the traditional area of Ciqikou to experience the authentic atmosphere of the Old Town and catch a glimpse of a Chongqing that once was. The area is bursting with historical buildings, local shops, restaurants and cafes.
Ciqikou is home to a few temples, the most famous being Baolun (treasure wheel), a Buddhist Temple which dates back over 1,000 years and was also the former residence of the Ming Dynasty Jianwen Emperor.
A brief flicker of Chongqing's more modest way of life, Ciqikou is a great contrast to the contemporary rush of the modern Chongqing.
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