North Mountain
North Mountain is another significant site within the Dazu Rock Carvings complex, featuring over 6,000 Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian cliff carvings dating from the 9th to 13th centuries. These meticulously crafted stone reliefs depict religious scenes, daily life, and mythological stories, providing valuable insights into the artistic styles, religious beliefs, and social customs of medieval China in a picturesque natural setting.
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Dazu District, Chongqing, China
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North Mountain (Beishan): Delicate Buddhist Carvings of Dazu
North Mountain is another significant site within the Dazu Rock Carvings complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in Dazu District, Chongqing, it features over 6,000 Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian cliff carvings dating from the 9th to 13th centuries. These meticulously crafted stone reliefs depict religious scenes, daily life, and mythological stories, providing valuable insights into the artistic styles, religious beliefs, and social customs of medieval China in a picturesque natural setting. The carvings here are known for their delicate and refined artistry.
What to See and Do
Explore the Cliffside Carvings: Wander along the pathways that wind along the cliff face, admiring the numerous grottoes and niches filled with intricate stone carvings. The carvings are generally smaller and more delicate than those at Baoding Mountain.
Guanyin Statues: North Mountain is particularly famous for its exquisite statues of Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara), the Bodhisattva of Compassion, which are renowned for their graceful forms and serene expressions.
Historical and Religious Significance: Learn about the historical context of the carvings, which reflect the religious beliefs and artistic trends of the late Tang and Song dynasties. Many carvings depict Buddhist sutras and parables.
Photography: The detailed carvings and the natural setting provide excellent opportunities for stunning photographs.
Dazu Museum: Located near the Dazu urban area, the Dazu Museum provides valuable context and information about the history, artistry, and conservation of the Dazu Rock Carvings.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor site. The carvings are visible year-round. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends and public holidays.
How to Get There
North Mountain is located in Dazu District, Chongqing. You can take a bus from Chongqing city center to Dazu, and then a local bus or taxi to North Mountain. Many tour operators in Chongqing offer organized day trips that include North Mountain and Baoding Mountain.
Travel Tips
Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs at the site.
Allow ample time: Plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours to explore North Mountain thoroughly.
Hire a guide or use an audio guide: The stories and symbolism behind the carvings are complex, and a guide can greatly enhance your understanding.
Sun protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for outdoor areas.
Related attractions
Dazu Museum
Dazu Museum is a modern cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of the Dazu Rock Carvings. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, replicas, and interactive exhibits that provide context and detailed information about the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, including archaeological findings, historical documents, and multimedia presentations that enhance visitors' understanding of this remarkable artistic and religious legacy.
North-South Song Street
North-South Song Street is a charming cultural district that recreates the vibrant commercial atmosphere of the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). This pedestrian thoroughfare features traditional architecture, themed shops, craft demonstrations, and cultural performances that transport visitors back to one of China's most prosperous historical periods, offering both entertainment and education about medieval Chinese urban life and commerce.
North Mountain
North Mountain is another significant site within the Dazu Rock Carvings complex, featuring over 6,000 Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian cliff carvings dating from the 9th to 13th centuries. These meticulously crafted stone reliefs depict religious scenes, daily life, and mythological stories, providing valuable insights into the artistic styles, religious beliefs, and social customs of medieval China in a picturesque natural setting.
Baoding Mountain
Baoding Mountain is home to the most spectacular collection of rock carvings in the Dazu Rock Carvings UNESCO World Heritage Site. Created primarily during the 12th century, these remarkable Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian stone sculptures are known for their artistic quality, rich diversity of subject matter, and harmonious integration with the natural landscape, representing the pinnacle of Chinese rock art and religious syncretism.
Changzhou Ancient Town
Changzhou Ancient Town is a well-preserved historical district showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Chongqing's Dazu area. Dating back over 1,300 years, this ancient settlement features traditional architecture, stone-paved streets, ancestral temples, and cultural relics that reflect the area's evolution through the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the region's past.
