Yuanjue Cave in the Stone Carving Garden | Have you been to this artistic attraction?

Here is a travel guide to Yuanjue Cave in Ziyang Stone Carving Garden: Overview Yuanjue Cave is located on Yunju Mountain, 1.5 km southeast of Anyue County, Ziyang City, Sichuan Province. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and a national key cultural relic protection unit. There are 103 caves and niches and 1,933 statues, most of which were created during the Tang, Five Dynasties, and Song periods. Opening Hours 08:30–18:00, last entry at 17:30. Free entry for all visitors from November 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. Transportation The attraction is located in Anyue County, with convenient transportation. You can take a taxi or bus to get there. Tour Route After entering the attraction, you can first visit the main hall of Jiaozhong Temple to learn about the history and culture of Anyue stone carvings. Then, visit the statues on the north cliff, focusing on the exquisite statues of Yuanjue Cave and the Three Saints of the West. Finally, admire the statues on the south cliff and feel the unique charm of the statues from the Five Dynasties. Main Attractions - Yuanjue Cave: Carved in the Northern Song Dynasty, it is 4.5 meters high, 4.75 meters wide, and 10 meters deep. There are altars on three sides. The "Three Buddhas" sit cross-legged on the altar on the main wall, and the "Twelve Yuanjue Bodhisattvas" sit cross-legged on the left and right walls. - Three Saints of the West: Composed of Amitabha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, the three statues are about 7 meters high, with different expressions, achieving an artistic effect of both form and spirit. They are representative works of the stone carvings on the north cliff. - Statues on the South Cliff: The statues from the Five Dynasties have rich themes, with as many as 27 types, including the "Sixteen Arhats," "Vaisravana," and "Hell Transformation Niche." Although they are severely weathered, they are still one of the most concentrated Five Dynasties statues in China. Visiting Tips - You can rent an audio guide at the entrance or hire a tour guide to learn more about the stone carving culture and historical background. - Be careful to protect the cultural relics during your visit. Do not touch or climb the stone carvings. - It is best to visit on a sunny day to better appreciate the details and artistic charm of the stone carvings.