Shizhongshan Grottoes

Shizhongshan Grottoes consist of 17 separate cave sites containing 139 stone statues carved into the red sandstone cliffs of Shibaoshan Mountain. The carvings range in size and scale, revealing the extensive carving work carried out over multiple generations.

These caves date from the Tang Dynasty between 618 and 907 and served as significant Buddhist worship sites during the Nanzhao Kingdom period. The carving of these grotto sites played an important role in establishing Buddhism firmly in the region during this early era.

The stone carvings depict Buddhist figures such as Guanyin and Samantabhadra, reflecting how Esoteric Buddhism spread from Tibet into this region. Visitors walking through the caves today can observe these venerated figures and sense how Buddhist practice became embedded in local life.

The sites are located roughly 25 kilometers southwest of Jianchuan County and around 110 kilometers northwest of Dali, making them relatively accessible by road. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear as the paths connecting the various grotto sites are uneven and sometimes steep.

The surrounding Shibaoshan Mountain contains natural rock formations resembling human figures, flowers, and animals, which inspired the name Stone Treasure Mountain. These natural shapes influenced the artistic work of early carvers and continue to shape the overall character of the site today.