China has one of the richest and diverse cultural heritages in the world, a history that is saturated with grand monarchies, magical mysticism and momentous battles. China is also famous for many grand sculptures and architectural work built as testament to various figures ranging from religious to political. An example of ancient China’s notorious craftsmanship, and one that managed to survive not only the test of time, but the horrific acts of vandalism of the cultural revolution, are the Dazu Rock Carvings. These are a series of rock sculptures that were built around the seventh century, and are elaborate as they are numerous.
The Dazu Rock Carvings attract hordes of visitors every year, with the statues and carvings located here having a special meaning for the people of China, having shed light upon the lives of people both past and present. If you are seeking an international visit, the accommodation options are plentiful within close proximity to the esteemed heritage site. An option that is encompasses both luxury and affordability is the Somerset JieFangBei Chongqing, offering serviced apartments for reminiscent of Chongqing Hotels.
The Dazu Carvings were off-limits for visitors for hundreds of years, and were only opened up to the local public in 1961, and foreign visitors in 1980. Initially, visitors could only gain access to the site through a muddy path that was difficult to navigate at times, it was the isolation and remoteness of the site that ensured their survival during the cultural revolution. All of the seventy five sites that collectively create the unified whole are protected, with the area as a whole being listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The numerous sites contain a total of fifty thousand statues and over twice as many inscriptions.
So take a trip to Chongqing and visit the Dazu Rock Carvings to witness a truly enigmatic and mystical modern day wonder.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
