Tongtianyan Grottoes
Tongtianyan Grottoes is a site featuring major cliff carvings near Ganzhou in Jiangxi province, with over 350 stone statues dating from the Tang and Song periods. The landscape is defined by distinctive red Danxia rock formations, divided into an ancient carving area and a modern leisure zone with temples and walking trails.
The grottoes were created during the Tang Dynasty in the 7th to 9th centuries when Buddhist communities began carving into the limestone cliffs. During the Northern Song Dynasty, the carvings were refined and many new sculptures were added, creating a layered religious and artistic history.
The site takes its name from a natural opening at the mountain's peak that resembles looking up at the sky. Poets and scholars who visited over centuries left their inscriptions on the rocks, creating a record of intellectual and spiritual life that visitors can still read today.
Wear comfortable shoes since the paths are uneven and bring water to stay hydrated throughout your visit. The site is about 15 minutes by car or bus from Ganzhou and offers good infrastructure with hotels and restaurants nearby for a full day of exploration.
The Reclining Buddha here stretches over 23 meters long and is carved directly into the red cliff rock, making it one of the country's largest stone carvings. This giant figure is not immediately visible and requires careful navigation to find, making it a memorable moment for those who discover it.
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