Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings: A Guide to Visiting the Shuchengyan Statues

Getting to the Shuchengyan Statues I had to ask for directions the entire way… This place is incredibly hidden. Navigation only gets you to the village entrance. The remaining 170 meters, marked as a dotted line on the map, took me over half an hour to find. The villagers are very wary of outsiders. As a non-local, I was watched as soon as I entered the village. When asking for directions, be sure to use local terms. Ask for "Banbian Miao" (Half-Side Temple). If you ask for "Shuchengyan," they'll collectively tell you they've never heard of it. It's quite something. 🗿About Shuchengyan Carved during the Southern Song Dynasty, it's a nationally protected site and a purely Taoist grotto. While less visually stunning than the "Dazu Five Mountains," it's unique. The statues depict rare themes, combining carving, painting, and gilding. To me, it looks more like a Song Dynasty fashion show. 📸Highlights ✅Shuming Empress Niche: The consort of the Eastern Peak Emperor (the Taoist deity of fertility). Judging by the attire of the attendants on either side, they appear to be dressed as Song Dynasty eunuchs. ✅Eastern Peak Emperor Niche: Comparable to the costumes and makeup of the emperor and court ladies in the Song Dynasty imperial palace. ✅Ziwei Niche: The three-headed, six-armed Tianpeng Marshal and Tianyou Marshal. ✅Three Pure Ones Niche: The three "principals" of Taoism. ✅Jade Emperor Niche: A familiar face from Journey to the West. The "Sun and Moon Palace Fans" held by the court ladies are truly beautiful. 🧑🏻‍💻Some Thoughts The clothing of the Song Dynasty is truly stunning. The men are dignified, and the women are elegant. Even the court ladies' attire exudes an air of artistic and intellectual beauty. Every garment and accessory is historically accurate, every expression and smile is worth pondering. 📌Tips: Navigate to "Shuchengyan Cliff Carvings." There's no parking on the roadside or in the village. I'm grateful to the village elder who let me park in his courtyard. The Shuchengyan statues are not open to the public. The cultural relics preservation officer is like a broken record, constantly repeating, "The leaders won't let you see." It's both frustrating and amusing.