Wolongshan Thousand Buddha Cliff Rock Carvings

CHINA, Sichuan, Mianyang

Located near the peak of Wolongshan, 15 km west of Zitong, these rock carvings were made during the Early Tang period (618–712). There are steles at the site that date its construction to the year 634 and its restoration to 884. Currently, three Tang dynasty (618–907) niches remain in addition to more than 40 small niches constructed by later generations. The caves were listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2006.
The three Tang dynasty niches are designed with two sections. The inner section is circular while the outer section is square. Niches 1 and 2 are similar, both contain a Buddha, two disciples, two Bodhisattvas, two attendants, and two warriors. The main figure in Niche 1 sits on a delicately sculpted lotus throne, while the main figure in Niche 2 sits upon a lotus throne that rests on a hexagonal Sumeru platform. The back wall of Niche 3 is sculpted with an Amitabha Buddha Triad, and the walls are carved with 50 Bodhisattvas listening to the Dharma. A stele on the right wall chronicles a scene of Amitabha Buddha and Fifty-Two Bodhisattvas. The remaining niches are small and unrefined. There were constructed by later generations and have suffered severe weathering.