[2025 Anyue Attraction] Travel Guide for Mingshan Temple (Updated Apr)

Friends, I can't believe more people don't know about Anyue in Sichuan! I thought it was just a place famous for lemons🍋, but I had no idea it held so many exquisite Buddhist statues. It's a seriously underrated treasure! The Dazu Rock Carvings are renowned, like meticulously crafted pieces from an imperial kiln. Anyue's stone carvings, however, are like hidden gems from a folk kiln. They represent the aesthetics of the Song Dynasty, with an untouched, raw, and "wild" nature, scattered throughout the region, waiting to be discovered. Don't want to deal with crowds during the May Day holiday? Anyue is the perfect choice! There aren't many tourists, the atmosphere is serene, and it's especially suitable for bringing children to experience the rich history and culture. 📍 Pilu Cave Stone Carvings Pilu Cave is actually a collective term for Pilu Cave, Youju Cave, Thousand Buddha Cave, and Guanyin Hall. Currently, there are 465 cliffside stone carvings and 32 inscriptions preserved. Each statue is a masterpiece of Song Dynasty Buddhist art, possessing extremely high value for both historical research and tourism. 🚗 Transportation is super convenient, it only takes about 2 hours to drive from Chengdu to Anyue. ✅ Other must-see stone carvings in Anyue: 1. Mingshan Temple: The cliff carvings boast smooth lines, showing a simple and elegant charm after years of weathering. 2. Anyue Stone Carvings Yuangjue Cave Scenic Area: It integrates stone carving art and natural scenery, creating a breathtaking spectacle. 3. Huayan Cave Stone Carvings: The carvings inside the cave are magnificent, and the story scenes depicted on the cave walls are incredibly lifelike. 4. Peacock Cave: Its unique carving style stands out among the numerous stone carvings. 5. Anyue Tapo Carvings: Niche and exquisite, it offers a unique and tranquil beauty. 6. Thousand Buddha Temple: The sheer number and scale of the Buddha statues are awe-inspiring. 7. Reclining Buddha Monastery: The spectacular reclining Buddha statue showcases a profound Buddhist cultural heritage. 8. Dazu Rock Carvings: About an hour's drive from Anyue, it's also world-famous and worth a visit!

Anyue Grottoes are beyond words! As early as the Eastern Han Dynasty, cliff tombs and wall carvings appeared in the territory. Since the Sui, Tang and Song dynasties, large-scale stone carvings have emerged in Anyue. The Anyue Grottoes inherit the Yungang and Longmen Grottoes and are connected to the Dazu Grottoes. Perhaps because it is located in the inland and the people of Anyue devoutly believe in Amitabha Buddha, many exquisite statues have been preserved after the changes of dynasties and wars. However, the Anyue stone carvings are still little known, which has a lot to do with the fact that it missed the "Architectural Society". In 1940, Liang Sicheng and his colleagues from the Architectural Society, including Liu Dunzhen, conducted diligent investigations in Bashu. In January, they came to Tongnan County, where they heard that there were many cliff carvings in the nearby Dazu County, as well as the Thousand-Armed Guanyin from the Tang Dynasty (later confirmed to be from the Song Dynasty). So Mr. Liang and others happily went there and took a lot of photos at Beishan and Baoding Mountain. From then on, the Dazu Rock Carvings gradually became known to the outside world. Unfortunately, they missed the source of Dazu Rock Carvings - Anyue Rock Carvings; even more unfortunately, Anyue missed Liang Sicheng and also missed the opportunity for future development. To this day, Dazu Rock Carvings have been successfully listed as a World Heritage Site, but Anyue Rock Carvings are still little known! I visited the Dazu Rock Carvings last year. This time I came to Anyue Grottoes. After three days of sightseeing, I can say that it is in no way inferior to the Dazu Rock Carvings. Not only are there more of them, but they are also extremely well preserved! Anyue Grottoes are distributed throughout the county. The highlights include Yuanjue Cave, Thousand Buddha Village, Pilu Cave, Huayan Cave, Mingshan Temple, Reclining Buddha Courtyard, Mumen City, as well as Gaosheng Buddha, Tapo, Peacock Cave, Xuanmiao Temple, etc. However, many places are not open, and you need to contact cultural relics protection officers, and it all depends on luck. Anyue Grottoes are extremely scattered, most of them are located in remote mountains, and you need to drive yourself or charter a car to get there. The mountain roads are narrow and steep, which is a big test for inexperienced drivers! Picture 1 is the most tranquil Purple Bamboo Guanyin outside Pilu Cave, Picture 2 is the most beautiful Guanyin in Huayan Cave, Picture 3 is the Lotus Guanyin in Yuanjue Cave, Picture 4 is the Pure Bottle Guanyin in Yuanjue Cave. Unlike other Pure Bottle Guanyins holding bottles, this one is the Guanyin holding bottles, Picture 5 is the Sakyamuni holding a flower in Yuanjue Cave, looking at his disciples tenderly; Picture 6 is the Ten Refining Diagrams of Liu Benzun, who preached by self-mutilation; Pictures 7, 8, 9, Figure ten is the Huayan Three Saints Vairocana Buddha and Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva in the Huayan Cave, with five Bodhisattvas on each side; Figures 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 are the Guanyin statues in Mingshan Temple. Although they are well preserved, they still cannot escape the years of wind erosion; Figure 16 is the Tapo statue; Figure 17 is the big reclining Buddha in the Reclining Buddha Courtyard, and Figure 18 is one of the countless backgrounds behind the many main statues in the caves, and they are lifelike! Anyue Grottoes can be visited in two to three days. On the first day, we visited Yuanjue Cave, Qianfo Village, Reclining Buddha Courtyard, and Mumen Temple; On the second day, we visited Pilu Cave, Huayan Cave and Mingshan Temple. These two days of itinerary are the highlight. If you have time, you can try your luck at Tapo, Xuanmiao Temple, Peacock Cave, Banbian Temple, Bodhisattva Bay and Lingyouyuan to see if these places are open. Personally, I think these two days of highlights are enough!

A collection of stone carvings in Zizhong, Sichuan, so wild that it can’t be any wilder! From the explosion of popularity in Shanxi to the gradual recognition of Anyue stone carvings by the public, Sichuan's cliff carving art is finally attracting more and more attention. Cliff carvings originated in India and flourished with the introduction of Buddhism into China. China's earliest cliff carvings appeared in the Southern and Northern Dynasties, reached their peak in the Sui and Tang Dynasties, and were carved in the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. These Buddha statues have experienced the baptism of time and have stood in the wind and rain for thousands of years. I spent a day with my friends. Visited the "wild" stone carving art in Zizhong, Sichuan. If there is anything else not mentioned, please feel free to add it. ⭐️: Figure 2-5 📍 Chonglong Mountain The two most outstanding stone carvings of Chonglongshan are Figures 2 and 3. The face of the Thousand-armed Buddha statue has been weathered, but its shape is still shocking. There are also weathered stone carvings of Anyue Mingshan Temple here. Tour route 1. From Zizhong County, take a bus or taxi to Chonglongshan Scenic Area. 2. After entering the ticket collection point, walk up the mountain along the mountain road. You can see the stone carvings about 150 meters away. 3. The Chonglongshan Stone Carvings are under maintenance and protection. It is recommended that you call and ask if they are open before visiting. ⭐️: Figure 6-10 📍Qinjiayan The thousand-year-old art hidden in the countryside is represented by the Buddha statue in the first picture, which is located behind a farmer's house. It has different expressions when viewed from different angles. In addition, the small Buddhist shrine is also very exquisite. Tour route 1. Start from Zizhong County and arrive at Qinjiayan in Qiuxi Town. Because it is very wild, it is recommended to ask more local villagers when you arrive at Qinjiayan. ⭐️: Figure 6-10 📍Yuhegou This is also a group of stone carvings hidden in the countryside, but the difference is that there are villagers guarding them. You can see relatively complete stone carvings of flying statues. Unfortunately, some of the carvings have been damaged by human painting. Tour route: It is located on the mountainside of Yuhegou, Group 2, Shihe Village, Jinlijing Town, Zizhong County, Neijiang City, Sichuan Province. You need to walk to get there and ask the villagers where to see the Buddha statue to get route instructions.

Anyue is known as the Buddhist Capital of China. Ancient Buddha statues are scattered throughout the county. It is the county with the highest concentration of ancient Chinese Buddhist statue sites and is also one of the filming locations for the recently popular Black Wukong game. ▫️ Unfortunately, Shanxi's ancient monuments became popular because of the Black Wukong game, but Anyue stone carvings have remained unknown. Anyue stone carvings have rich themes, including flying apsaras, celestial musicians, Buddha statues, etc., showing the ancient high artistic level and religious and cultural charm. Anyue ancient Buddha statues are scattered throughout the county, and it takes at least two days to visit them. ▫️ Route planning: Day 1: Reclining Buddha Temple - Thousand Buddha Temple - Yuanjue Cave - Stay in Anyue County Day 2: Pilu Cave - Huayan Cave - Mingshan Temple - Peacock Cave ▫️ Recommended attractions: [RedHeart] Reclining Buddha Temple: China's largest full-body stone reclining Buddha statue from the Tang Dynasty. It is the earliest and most complete full-body reclining Buddha statue in the country. [RedHeart] Yuanjue Cave: The closest attraction to the county seat, with the three most spectacular Buddha statues of Guanyin in the Pure Bottle, Guanyin in the Lotus Hand, and Sakyamuni. [RedHeart] Pilu Cave: Water Moon Guanyin (also known as Purple Bamboo Guanyin), known as the "Venus of the East". [RedHeart] Mingshan Temple: An ancient temple hidden deep in the mountains. The Buddha statues on the cliffs are particularly stunning and have become one of the filming locations for Black Wukong. Among them, the weathered Buddha statues have a more natural and artistic feel. [RedHeart] Peacock Cave: A small cave with a very exquisite statue of Peacock King Buddha. Because it has survived to this day as a kitchen for later generations, the existing Buddha statue looks dark. Behind the Peacock Cave there is an abandoned temple from the Qing Dynasty that is worth a visit. Inside the abandoned temple is a stone pagoda from the late Tang Dynasty. ▫️ [Airplane]Play suggestions: [One] Currently, all Anyue Stone Carvings attractions are free to visit. Among them, the Reclining Buddha Temple, Yuanjue Cave, Pilu Cave, and Huayan Cave are free of charge until March 31, 2025, and the admission fee is also cheap, about 10 yuan per person. [Two] Anyue stone carvings are scattered throughout the county. If you have enough time, it is recommended to travel slowly by car. If you follow this route to visit Anyue Rock Carvings, you can go directly to the more famous Dazu Rock Carvings, which is very close. [Three] Peacock Cave is on the side of the road and it is difficult to park. You need to find a parking space in advance. The door is usually locked for protection. If you want to visit, you need to ask the uncle who lives next door to help open the door for free. ▫️ 🚗Transportation strategy: [Car] Self-driving: Self-driving is the quickest way to travel. It is recommended to start from the north to the south of Anyue County. [Bus] You can take the bus. You can buy bus tickets on the Princess "Anyue Travel" to go to various attractions. Anyue-Wofo Town bus (visit the Reclining Buddha Temple), fare is 9 yuan. Anyue-Shiyang Town bus (visit Pilu Cave, Huayan Cave, Mingshan Temple, Peacock Cave), fare 12. To visit the Thousand Buddha Temple and Yuanjue Cave in Anyue County, you can take Anyue Bus No. 6 and Bus No. 5 respectively, and the fare is 1 yuan. Note: Except for the Thousand Buddha Temple and Yuanjue Cave, you need to take a taxi to the other attractions instead of taking the bus to the town. ▫️ [IceCream] Food recommendation: ✅Anyue lemon: As the hometown of lemons in China, how can we miss this? Not only is the quality good, but it is also very cheap. There are many street vendors selling goods at 2 yuan per pound. ✅Anyue Rice Rolls: The rice rolls are crystal clear, lightly wrapped in red oil, and have a bright and attractive color.

🌸Explore the Ancient Temple🌼 A Tranquil Journey to Ming Mountain Temple in Ziyang, Sichuan✨ Introduction: In the fast-paced modern life, we often overlook the peace and tranquility deep in our hearts. Today, let's go to the mysterious Ming Mountain Temple and find the home of our hearts~😊 📍Location and Transportation: Ming Mountain Temple is located in Baishu Village, Linjiang Town, Yanjiang District, Ziyang City, Sichuan Province. It is about 50 km from the city center and can be reached by car or bus.🚗🚌 🌳Scenery: Entering the scenic area is like being in a paradise. Surrounded by mountains, a pool of green spring water flows quietly, surrounded by green trees and birds chirping. Here, you can breathe fresh air and feel the gift of nature.🐲🍃 Architecture and Culture: Ming Mountain Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty and has a long history and culture. The buildings in the temple are simple and elegant, with exquisite carvings, showing the superb skills of ancient craftsmen. Each hall carries a legendary story, which is fascinating and unforgettable.🌹📖 Special Activities and Challenges: When you come to Ming Mountain Temple, you can't miss the special blessing ceremony here. On major festivals such as the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month, believers gather here to pray for peace and good fortune. In addition, you can also challenge yourself by climbing the steep mountain road, overlooking the beautiful scenery at the foot of the mountain, and experiencing a different kind of adventure!🔥👍 Summary and Suggestions: This visit made me deeply feel the profound Buddhist culture and the mysterious charm of Ming Mountain Temple. If you also want to find peace and harmony in this noisy world, then don't miss this great place!😘 Tips: It is recommended to book accommodation in advance to avoid the peak season; wear comfortable shoes and clothes for walking in the mountains.💕

🌿Explore a fairyland | The stunning scenery of Mingshan Temple in Ziyang, Sichuan👣🐲🏞️ ❶. Tested and approved! Drive two hours from Chongqing to reach the secret land—Mingshan Temple in Chapin Town, Yanjiang District, Ziyang City, Sichuan Province. The natural scenery here is unparalleled, as if you have traveled back in time to the ancient, tranquil temple complex. 🚙🕰️🎋✅ ❷. 📍Address: Mingshan Temple, Lotus Mountain Scenic Area, Chapin Town, Yanjiang District, Ziyang City, Sichuan Province ❸. ⏱Opening hours: 8:00 am–6:00 pm ⚠️Note: Self-driving travelers should check the route and plan the itinerary in advance; it is recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes and take precautions against sun and insects. 🍃🤧🙆‍♀️🌄 ❹. 🌸Recommended attractions: 1️⃣ Stroll through the ancient buildings😌🏛️: Ancient trees tower over the stone-paved paths, and every step is like walking into a landscape painting by an ancient poet, feeling the weight of history and the charm of culture. 2️⃣ Find coolness in the waterfalls and springs☀️🎉: Countless small waterfalls pour down from the rocks along the way, and the spring water is crystal clear. If you come in midsummer, be sure to bring water and snacks to replenish your energy! 3️⃣ Enjoy the view from the mountain top🔭🌈: After reaching the top of Mingshan Temple, there is a viewing platform with a great view. No matter which direction you look, you can see the rolling mountains and the peaceful pastoral scenery, which is breathtaking and refreshing. 🖼️🥳👀💕 4️⃣ Pray for blessings in the temple🙏🏻☘️: There are several temples in the temple where visitors can burn incense, worship Buddha, make wishes, and pray for blessings. It is said to be very effective, so why not try your luck and maybe you will have good luck? 🔥❤️ ❺. Tips: As the scenic area is located in the mountains, transportation is inconvenient and dining conditions are relatively simple. It is recommended to prepare simple food and water to avoid affecting your travel experience. 😎👍

Thousands of years ago, someone must have stood in the same place as me and paid homage. My heart is full of emotions Thousands of years of wind and rain have exposed the layers of texture on the rocks. Water wavy texture lines are left on the Buddha statue Time and wind are both materialized It's a moment is eternity It's impermanent 【One】Tickets: None 【Two】Tour time: about 1 hour [Three] There is no tour guide in Mingshan Temple, where Black Myth and Wukong was filmed. If you don’t understand the history of stone carvings, you can learn about it on other platforms first, and you will be able to feel its vitality and appeal better. It can also be seen that the craftsmen at that time were attentive and exquisite in craftsmanship. Even if I stand quietly below and look up, I feel extremely lucky and have the illusion of intersecting with time and space.

Mingshan Temple - Beauty Carved by a Thousand Years of Northern Song Dynasty Mingshan Temple, also known as Hutou Temple, is located on the top of Hutou Mountain in Minle Village, Dingxin Township, Anyue County, Ziyang City, Sichuan Province. The Buddha statues are lined up and surrounded by cliffs. The statues are works of the Northern Song Dynasty, most of which are well preserved. There are 63 existing cliff statues here. The stone statues are tall, 8 of which are 5-7 meters high, and 50 of which are 1-4 meters high. All are carved with statues, either Buddha, Bodhisattva, Vajra, or Hercules. Most of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are kind and kind, with a calm expression, and the crowns are different. The cliff statues of Mingshan Temple are shockingly beautiful Time seems to stand still here The Buddha statue has been sitting quietly in the wind for a thousand years I stood silently in front of the Buddha with my hands folded Years are like wind blowing through the Northern Song Dynasty I saw the shape of the wind in Mingshan Temple Felt the power of the wind The wind of a thousand years is like gauze, mist and dream It gently stroked every inch of the Buddha statue Leaving a hazy trace like water ripples Under the gauze is a beautiful poem of the Northern Song Dynasty Buddha has no phase The beauty of a thousand years of time leaves a worn and broken beauty It will disappear with the wind as time goes by Note: Mingshan Temple is mostly made of sandstone, and the statues have no protective measures. After a thousand years of wind and rain on the edge of the cliff, the traces of wind erosion are now formed. Some can no longer see the original appearance, some can only vaguely see a contour. You can see its shape, and some seem to be covered with a layer of gauze, adding a bit of mystery under the solemnity.

📍Mingshan Temple is located between the mountains and rivers of Sichuan. When you approach it, it's like stepping into a mysterious art world. 🌳As soon as you enter Mingshan Temple, the first thing that comes into view is the ancient and spectacular cliff carvings. These carvings have been baptized by the years, but they still exude a unique charm. Each Buddha statue is lifelike, with different expressions, some solemn and solemn, some kind and gentle, as if telling an old story. 🖼️ 💫The carving craftsmanship of the Buddha statue is superb, the lines are smooth and natural, and the details are even more amazing. You can imagine how the craftsmen of the year were in awe, and carefully carved out these art treasures 📜In addition to the Buddha statues, the natural scenery around Mingshan Temple is also beautiful. The green mountains and green waters are surrounded by birds and flowers, which is refreshing. Here, you can enjoy the gifts of nature to your heart's content, relax your body and mind, and make you forget all your worries.

Autumn secret realm unlocked! Ziyang Mingshan Temple, a Zen journey that you can go on at any time🧳 🌟【Transportation Tips】Starting from Chengdu, take the high-speed rail directly to Ziyang North Station🚅, then transfer to the bus or call a taxi🚗, and you can reach this pure land in about 1 hour. Self-driving is even more convenient. Navigate to Mingshan Temple, and the scenery along the way is enough to make you intoxicated~ 🏯【Introduction】Mingshan Temple, hidden in the hills of Sichuan, is a thousand-year-old temple and a treasure of stone carving art✨. In autumn, ancient trees stand tall, red leaves cover the paths, and every brick and tile tells the whispers of history. 💰【Cost Guide】Tickets are affordable, and you can enjoy a spiritual baptism with only a few dozen yuan. The incense burning in the temple is free, not forced, everything is up to fate. 🍁【Autumn Viewing Route】It is recommended to enter from the mountain gate, go up the stone steps, and pass through the Arhat Hall, where the stone Arhats are lifelike and show more ancient charm under the autumn sun. Climb to the top and look out, you can see the autumn colors all over the mountain. Remember to bring your camera 📷 to capture this tranquility and beauty. 🎒【Travel Essentials】Light clothing, sunscreen🌞, and a heart that respects nature and culture. A pair of comfortable hiking shoes will make every step you take easy and comfortable. 📸【Photography and Check-in】In front of the Arhat Hall, every stone carving is a perfect background; the observation deck on the top of the mountain is a check-in spot that cannot be missed. When you are in the same frame with the autumn colors, you will be the most beautiful duo in your circle of friends! 🍽️【Food Recommendation】After going down the mountain, you may want to go to Ziyang to try the authentic Linjiang Temple Douban Fish🐟, which is fresh, spicy and refreshing, and puts a perfect end to this trip. 🏨【Accommodation recommendation】Choose a characteristic homestay in Ziyang City, such as "Zen Courtyard", where you can experience the local customs and enjoy a good night's sleep. 💡【Tips】The temperature difference between morning and night in Mingshan Temple is large, so remember to bring a jacket🧥. Keep quiet, respect religious culture, and let your mind truly relax. --- Don’t wait any longer. This autumn, let’s meet at Mingshan Temple and start a Zen journey at your own pace! 🍂🧘‍♀️

A seriously underestimated treasure💕 The Dazu to Anyue line is really underestimated too much. Such a treasure trove is not well known. 🌟Due to the lack of publicity and promotion, many people do not know how to watch the Dazu to Anyue line stone carvings, what are the main scenes, and what period of time. This time I went there in person and gave a brief introduction to the specific gameplay of Dazu to Anyue stone carvings. 🌟Dazu area 🌟Baoding Mountain Stone Carvings: The largest stone carving statue area in the Dazu area, the scenic area is relatively complete, the stone carvings are almost all outdoors, and it is particularly easy to take pictures. The statue was mainly made in the Southern Song Dynasty. Many scenes of the recent Black Wukong are taken from here. The scenic spot is a few kilometers outside Dazu City, and you can buy tickets on site. 🌟Beishan Stone Carvings: On Beishan in Dazu City, the scale is not as large as Baoding Mountain, but most of them are from the late Tang Dynasty. There is a sign to the Duobao Pagoda at the exit of the scenic spot. Follow the sign and walk for 10 minutes to the Duobao Pagoda Erfo. Don't miss this point. 🌟There are also Nanshan and Shimenshan stone carvings in the Dazu area, which are relatively small in scale. 🌟Anyue area The stone carvings in the Anyue area are relatively small and scattered, mostly on small hills in the countryside, and it is more convenient to drive by yourself. Many of these stone carvings in Anyue are statues from the Five Dynasties to the Northern Song Dynasty. 🌟Pilu Cave: Anyue must see stone carvings, the statue of Shuiyue Guanyin is particularly exquisite. 🌟Mingshan Temple: Due to the terrain and address, the statues have weathering and erosion, but they also have unique beauty. There are still many stone carving areas, even larger than Pilu Cave, which is worth a visit. 🌟There are also many scattered stone carvings in the Anyue area, but they are generally 1-2 caves, and the scale is not too large.

|Arrive at the filming location of Black Myth: Wukong!! After playing the recently popular domestic 3A masterpiece Black Myth: Wukong, I found out that Anyue Stone Carvings in Chengdu is one of its filming locations! - Anyue, a small county known for its lemons, is actually full of many Buddha statues with Song Dynasty aesthetics, and it is also the hometown of Chinese stone carvings. If Dazu Stone Carvings in Chongqing are compared to official kilns, then Anyue Stone Carvings are the fine products in folk kilns. They are all aesthetics left by the Song people. They have been around for a thousand years and are scattered among the people, with a unique "wild" nature. 📍Mingshan Temple My favorite place in Anyue Stone Carvings, the aesthetics of the Song Dynasty stand tall in the wind and frost of the years, making future generations stop and admire, the weathering on the surface of the Buddha statues does not affect their solemnity and sacredness 📍Pilu Cave Pilu Cave is the general term for Pilu Cave, Youju Cave, Thousand Buddha Cave and Guanyin Hall. There are 465 existing cliff stone carvings, 32 inscriptions, among which the purple bamboo Guanyin, wearing a carved flower gilded Buddha high crown, wearing a short-sleeved thin cassock, is known as the "Oriental Venus" 📍Yuanjue Cave "Three Saints in the West", twelve Yuanjue, they have different shapes, but their expressions are kind and affinity, the colors of classical ore pigments are full of their bodies, and the years have not taken away their delicacy When Chinese culture is integrated into every corner of the game world. One word: absolute!

This time it should be 🔥, Black Myth: Wukong is so 🔥🤭 Hey guys👋, today I will take you to a super beautiful attraction-Mingshan Temple. The environment here is not only beautiful, but the transportation is also super convenient! 👀 👉First of all, about transportation, you can take a bus or subway to get there, which is very convenient. 🚗 👉Then, the ticket price is also very affordable, only 20 yuan, you can play all day. 💰 👉Next, the business hours are from 8 am to 5 pm, remember to plan your itinerary in advance! ⏰ 👉In addition, the food here is also a highlight, all kinds of snacks are mouth-watering. 😋 👉Also, don't forget to bring a camera, because the scenery here is so beautiful, it's a blockbuster with a casual shot. 📷 In general, Mingshan Temple is really a good place worth visiting. I can't wait to go again! Do you have any recommended attractions? Come and share it! 📍🏞️🍜📷🎒

In Anyue, Sichuan, there is an artistic sanctuary forgotten by time—Mingshan Temple. Here, ancient grottoes stand quietly, witnessing the passage of time. When you step into Mingshan Temple, it feels as if you have traveled through a time tunnel. The exquisite Buddha statues are lifelike, each embodying the wisdom and dedication of the ancients. Some are solemn and majestic, while others are kind and gentle, inspiring awe in those who behold them. Here, you can closely appreciate the superb craftsmanship of ancient artisans and feel their devotion and pursuit of faith. The natural scenery of Mingshan Temple is equally enchanting. Surrounded by green mountains and shaded by lush trees, the air is fresh. Walking along the mountain paths, listening to the birds singing, and feeling the gentle caress of the breeze, you will find complete relaxation for your body and mind.

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.

Mainly carved during the Song Dynasty, it is 60 kilometers away from Anyue County. It is my favorite Anyue stone carving because the wind here has a shape. At this time, the mountain flowers are in full bloom, hanging over the stone carvings. The breeze carries the fragrance of flowers, and as you walk on the stone steps in the mountains, you can see time weathering everything, returning it all to nature. The entrance is free, but you need to drive yourself or hire a car to get there. The road is not easy to navigate, as it consists of small village paths. Experienced drivers will have no problem. This place is not yet a tourist attraction, retaining its ancient and primitive appearance, and there are hardly any tourists.

I've always rarely used 'stunning' to describe a scenic spot! Not until I came to the deep mountains of Sichuan and found this stone carving relic that was rumored to have been sculpted by 'wind and the passage of time'. Thread by thread, the wind has carved out another kind of natural beauty from the once sculptures. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, and Buddha is formless, showing us the shape of the wind! Location: Ming Mountain Temple, Anyue, Sichuan Admission: Free, about 2 hours drive from Chengdu The most surprising part of my trip to ancient buildings in Sichuan was the Ming Mountain Temple in Anyue, Sichuan. Coming from the aesthetics of the Song Dynasty a thousand years ago, after enduring a millennium of wind, rain, and the passage of time, it has achieved another kind of indescribable beauty. This is probably the ultimate aesthetic deeply ingrained in our ancestors' bones! This place is far from the city, hidden in the deep mountains, so it is little known, rarely visited, and still considered a relatively niche treasure spot. It is recommended to drive there yourself, as there is no other transportation in the countryside. In addition to Ming Mountain Temple in Anyue, there are other stone carvings such as Pilu Cave, Qianfo Temple, and Yuanjue Cave. It is suggested to arrange a two-day trip to see them all at once, and you will definitely be stunned by the aesthetics of the Song Dynasty from a thousand years ago!

The legacy of the Zhao and Song dynasties blows through the ages, and the Tiger Head Mountain radiates light--Ming Mountain Temple in Anyue. Although many places are not mentioned, Ming Mountain Temple must be highlighted. Those interested in history must chant the ancient relics, and those who chant the ancient relics must visit the grottoes. Those who visit the grottoes must go to Anyue in Sichuan, because the Pilu Cave and Ming Mountain Temple here are the rare treasures of the highest level in Chinese and even world stone carvings. Location: Near Shiyang Town, the village roads are narrow with many cars, making it difficult to pass each other, reflecting the poverty of Anyue. Even though a large parking lot has been built, the village committee planned to charge parking fees, but this was stopped by the cultural tourism department, and the road can only remain as it is for now. Highlights: Ming Mountain Temple is actually on the small hill of Tiger Head Mountain. The stone carvings are not inside the temple, but surround it, so you can see them without entering the temple. 1. Manjushri Bodhisattva. At the corner of the mountain top, the weathering represents the craftsmanship of the Wen family from Puzhou, with the golden ratio of the figure, the body leaning forward, hardly distinguishable from stepping out of the stone. The left hand holds a sutra, similar to the Great Manjushri holding a treasure pagoda in the Dazu Rock Carvings, a mechanical model of ancient CAD, heavy yet standing for a thousand years. In fact, the sutra broke during the earthquake in 2008, and now it is only half of what it was before, previously heavier, more exaggerated, and more spectacular. The crown, the small round guardian deities on both sides, have been weathered by the wind and sun for a thousand years, completely annual ringed, like kneaded pottery, with infinite Zen meaning without any embellishment. A crack that has been there for a long time was widened by the earthquake, adding to its natural and cultural perfect coupling of beauty. The weathering is caused by a special environment; Tiger Head Mountain is in a gentle valley with strong crosswinds, and Manjushri chose the corner of the mountain top, where the wind blows from both sides, increasing the wind erosion, creating a natural wonder, which is the proof of why Manjushri is the embodiment of wisdom. It is said that it was not so severe in the past, but in the last ten years, the wind's knife has become much sharper. 2. Pilu and the niche of the Eastern Mountain Emperor. This is the colored cave, as it is located in a sheltered spot on the leeward side, the pigments are well preserved, and even the direction of the wind can be seen from Pilu's face. Pilu is plump like a woman, with the legacy of the Tang dynasty, he is one of the three bodies of the Tathagata, and the Lushena of the Longmen Grottoes is another kind. On the left hand sits the Eastern Mountain Emperor, a Qing dynasty Taoist work, with a dull gaze, and the level difference is evident when compared to the face. 3. The locked niche is the standing posture of Manjushri and Samantabhadra, said to be from the Tang dynasty, but the style seems Song. The lock is because in the 90s, the gatekeeper went to eat the 'Nine Big Bowls', a Northern expression for a feast, and when he returned, the head of an arhat was stolen, so the government added a frame and lock. 4. Ming Mountain Temple was formerly called Tiger Head Temple, with a plaque inscribed by Zhao Puchu. Although it is a dilapidated temple, it cannot withstand the amazing stone carvings. The temple is also full of Song dynasty works, each with clear eyebrows and handsome features, extraordinary, but unfortunately, they were smeared by the villagers, greatly reducing their charm. The temple has been repeatedly repaired due to the strong wind, but the tiles have been blown off, turning it into a Mediterranean temple, and now it can only be repaired as a rural building, which does not fit in. It is evening, the golden crow is about to set, and the sky is full of red clouds. The divine soldiers weathered for a thousand years seem to come to life, majestic and powerful, commanding the wind and clouds. Shiyang is a heavy drug town with chaotic management, and Anyue is the number one county of migrant workers in Sichuan, with a weak economy, which adds to the difficulty of protecting such national treasures; during the Cultural Revolution, the Red Guards burned a large wooden Guanyin found in the temple, and then died, spreading the anger of the Buddha, and the stone carvings were preserved. When visiting, please treat the stone carvings, Ming Mountain Temple, and the gatekeeper with kindness. Protection is not easy, and we all have a responsibility. The wind of the Northern Song dynasty can blow away stones but cannot extinguish the long-standing cultural heritage of China. Five stars, highly recommended.