South Rock Grottoes

South Rock Grottoes

The South Rock Grottoes are a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

South Rock Grottoes

Known as the “No. 1 Buddhist Cave of China,” the Yiyang South Rock Grottoes are located on Nanjiang Mountain south of Yiyang County. The grotto is 60.60 meters wide, 29.20 meters deep, and 14.93 meters high, covering an area of 1,770 square meters. Inside the cave, 28 Buddhist niches carved during the Jiading era of the Northern Song Dynasty are still preserved, containing 35 statues. The style is unique, with elegant and graceful colors and structures, holding significant historical, cultural, and aesthetic value. They are also highly valuable for the study of the spread of Buddhism in southern China, Buddhist culture, and stone carving art.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units