Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Chongqing



This morning we drove about two and a half hours from Chongqing to the Dazu District to see the Baodingshan Rock Carvings. These carvings of Buddha and Buddhist teachings were done almost 800 years ago. At that time, and even up to 20 or 30 years ago, it was a very remote, mountainous area, so it is incredible to think of all of the carvings being done so long ago. Fortunately, the overhanging cliffs have preserved the carvings beautifully over time. Along with a great number of well-preserved carvings, the site boasts the largest sleeping Buddha carving in China and the second largest sitting Buddha in the world. (It was the third largest before the Taliban blew one up many years ago.). It was a long trip but very much worth it!

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