Reclining Buddha of Malong Mountain

Reclining Buddha of Malong Mountain

Malong Mountain: Located in Wore Town along the highway between Tongnan and Dazu, this is China’s only and largest late-period cliff sculpture complex. It preserves 186 niches with 631 statues, 92 freestanding stone sculptures, totaling 723 figures. The largest niche is over 40 meters long, while the smallest is just 0.57 meters. Constructed in 1926, the late date and grand scale of its creation are extremely rare in the history of China’s cave temple architecture.

Reclining Buddha of Malong Mountain: Carved into the northern rock face of Yangtai Slope on Malong Mountain, it was commissioned by Xiao Yiqian, head of the Dazu Buddhist Association, and created by master stonemasons in the spring of 1930 (the 19th year of the Republic of China) and completed in 1931 (the 20th year). The reclining Buddha is 36 meters long, with a head 9 meters in length and hands 3.8 meters long. It is 4 meters longer than the Reclining Buddha of Baoding Mountain in Dazu, making it the largest reclining Buddha in China. The Buddha features a spiral hair bun, full cheeks, gently closed eyes, and a serene expression. Its drapery is simple, and it lies on its right side. The Buddha's head rests on a lotus base supported by nine dragons. Springs flow from the dragons’ mouths, never drying up even in severe drought, perpetually bathing the prince. Surrounding deities and immortals stand solemnly in mourning. The artisans uniquely sculpted only the upper half of the Buddha’s body down to the knees, with cloud patterns and colored paintings above, creating an aura of profound mystery. The entire sculpture is ingeniously conceived, exquisitely crafted, proportionally balanced, with smooth and refined lines. The expressions are solemn yet amiable, benevolent and serene, giving a sense of magnanimity. It is truly a masterpiece of China’s stone carving art.

Five Hundred Arhats Sculptures: Located on the northern rock face of Muyu Slope on Malong Mountain, 167 niches with 495 statues remain today (2 niches and 5 statues have collapsed). The arhats depicted include men and women, old and young, expressing every facet of emotion — joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. Their poses are varied, expressions rich, and the carvings are exquisitely detailed, making each figure vivid and lifelike. These works hold great artistic and appreciative value.

Source: Chongqing Government Website