Prajna Valley

Prajna Valley

Prajna Valley was built in February 2001 on the site of a quarry dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The layout of the scenic area is ingeniously designed with profound symbolism, making it a model of contemporary new attractions. It is acclaimed as the “Dunhuang of the South” and the “Underground Buddhist Kingdom.”

Prajna (bo

re), transliterated from Sanskrit, means great wisdom, and the name of the scenic spot, “Prajna Valley,” was inscribed by He Jingzhi.

A 9-meter-high white marble pagoda pillar is engraved with the Heart Sutra of the Prajna Paramita. Right in front, a waterfall cascades down from the sky, with a total drop of about 50 meters divided into seven levels. The number “seven” corresponds to the Buddhist term “seven-tiered pagoda” (七级浮屠).

Inside the scenic area is a statue depicting the birth of Siddhartha Gautama (释迦牟尼), the founder of Buddhism. Standing on a lotus, he points one finger to the sky and one to the earth, symbolizing “among heaven and earth, I alone am to be honored.” The birth statue symbolizes the origin of Buddhism. On the right is a bas-relief showing Siddhartha attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, symbolizing the development of Buddhism in India.

Walking up the steps, the steep cliffs and rock formations symbolize the hardships faced by those who brought Buddhist culture to China, overcoming mountains and rivers. After the second waterfall, descending the steps, you will see a 12-meter-long and 25-meter-wide cliff relief depicting a gathering of numerous eminent monks and scholars in the Shanyang region (now Xinchang) during the Southern Dynasties, who studied the Prajna teachings of Buddhism. The scenes also include stories such as Tan Guang founding the mountain, the legacy of Zhu and Zhu, the establishment of the Prajna school, the sacred traces of the three lives, and the passing of the Wise One, as well as the 18 literati of Xinchang mentioned by Bai Juyi in his “Record of the Chan Monastery on Wozhou Mountain,” including Wang Xizhi and Sun Chuo. This massive historical relief depicts the sinicization of Buddhism, symbolizing its establishment in China and reflecting Xinchang’s status in Buddhist history.

The cascading waterfalls create a thunderous roar, symbolizing how traditional Chinese culture and Indian Buddhism embraced and absorbed one another amid clash, ultimately forming a deeply influential aspect of Chinese culture.

In the middle of the tunnel is a stone chamber called the “World of Radiance,” featuring two Vairocana Buddha statues surrounded by mirrors, creating a magnificent golden brilliance. The “World of Radiance” symbolizes the flourishing of Buddhism in China.

Exiting the tunnel, you are greeted by a 20-meter-high statue of Guanyin riding an Ao fish, along with Manjushri Bodhisattva. It is said that statues of Samantabhadra and Ksitigarbha will be carved nearby in the future. The Four Great Bodhisattvas symbolize the widespread presence of Buddhism in China.

Address: Right side of the entrance to Dafo Temple Scenic Area, Xinchang County, Shaoxing City

Type: Waterfall

Opening Hours:

Dafo Temple Scenic Area opening hours: 6:00–17:00

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the Dafo Temple scenic area ticket.