Art Comparable to 'Mogao Caves'｜Over 90% of Sichuan People Haven't Heard of It

Today, I recommend a very hidden and niche travel destination 【Anyue Stone Carvings】. Not to mention outsiders, many Sichuan locals haven't heard of it either. But the artistic value and sensory experience here are absolutely outstanding. Spend 1-2 days here over the weekend, and you will be absolutely amazed. I feel it's unfair for Anyue Stone Carvings; it deserves to be seen by more people. Due to the thousand-year exposure to the wind, the carvings bear the marks of the wind. The traces of thousands of years have formed the shape of the wind, which is very impressive. 🚘About Transportation 🚘: It takes about 2 hours to drive from Chongqing/Chengdu, mostly on highways; there are also 🚌 buses from Chengdu/Chongqing to Anyue. Recommended 2-day tour itinerary Day1️⃣: Chongqing - Peacock Cave - Mingshan Temple - Huayan Cave - Pilu Cave - Tapo - Stay in Anyue County Day2️⃣: Yuanjue Cave - Qianfo Village - Mumen Temple - Wofoyuan - Return ⏰If time permits, you can also visit Dazu Rock Carvings along the way. Worth visiting along the way 🔘Mingshan Temple 🎫Ticket: Free🆓 🔴Dozens of cliff carvings are sculpted on the sheer cliffs, mostly starting from the Song Dynasty. The traces of thousands of years of weathering give it a unique 'beauty of erosion'. 🔘Peacock Cave 🎫Ticket: Free🆓 🔴Mainly excavated in the Song Dynasty, the stunning Peacock Mingwang statue, and a rare well-preserved Song Dynasty stone pagoda at the top of the mountain. 🔘Huayan Cave 🎫Ticket: 10💴 🔴The 'Three Saints of Huayan' inside are meticulously arranged, and the carvings are incredibly exquisite. 🔘Pilu Cave 🎫Ticket: 18💴 🔴Featuring the Zizhu Guanyin, known as the Oriental Venus, and the Ten Practices of Liu Benzun, all are rare masterpieces of Song Dynasty stone carving art. 🔘Tapo 🎫Ticket: Free🆓 🔴The Three Saints of Huayan inside are considered the most beautiful Buddha statues of the Northern Song Dynasty. Just a glance through the door crack can heal you with the power of human and Buddhist compassion. 🔘Yuanjue Cave 🎫Ticket: 28💴 🔴Originating from the Tang and Song Dynasties, named after the Twelve Yuanjue Stone Caves, it is probably the most developed and well-protected site in Anyue. 🔘Qianfo Village 🎫Ticket: Free🆓 🔴Named after the more than 3,000 Buddha statues on the cliff walls. Unfortunately, it was under renovation and not open for visits when we went. 🔘Wofoyuan 🎫Ticket: 10💴 🔴Originating from the flourishing Tang Dynasty, the cliff walls hold a large number of stone carvings and Buddhist scriptures. The 'Left Reclining Buddha' suspended between giant rocks is novel and exquisite. 🔘Mumen Temple 🎫Ticket: Free🆓 🔘Located on the way to Wofoyuan, unlike other scattered rural grottoes, it houses the True Body Relic Pagoda hidden deep in the mountains. Travel🧳TIPS ✔️Most of the Anyue Stone Carvings are scattered in the countryside, so it's better to drive. ✔️For non-driving tourists, it's recommended to hire a vehicle; one person can hire a motorcycle. ✔️There are many narrow paths along the way, so be sure to honk in advance while driving.