Shimen Mountain Stone Carvings

Shimen Mountain Stone Carvings

Shimen Mountain is situated in Xinsheng Village, Shimasi Town, roughly 20 kilometers east of Longgang Town in Dazu County, and sits at an altitude of 374.1 meters. The rock carvings were created between 1094 and 1151 AD (from the Shaosheng period of the Northern Song Dynasty to the 21st year of the Shaoxing era of the Southern Song Dynasty). The carved cliff spans approximately 72 meters in length and stands 3 to 5 meters high, comprising 16 caves. The subject matter primarily features stories of figures from Buddhism and Taoism. In addition, the site includes inscriptions, steles, and engraved records. The Shimen Mountain stone carvings represent the largest Buddhist-Taoist combined carving complex among the Dazu Rock Carvings, particularly notable for the artistic excellence of the Taoist-themed caves. The sculptures are richly modeled, with lifelike expressions that artfully blend divine solemnity with human vividness, creating a unique style within China’s stone carving artistry. Moreover, 20 inscribed records of the carvings, 8 steles and engraved texts, 8 renovation records, and the names of artisans such as Wen Wei Yi, Wen Ju Dao, and Jian Zhong Jin are preserved. The key protected area of the Shimen Mountain cliff carvings covers 1.06 hectares, the general protected area spans 1.30 hectares, and the construction control zone encompasses 5.50 hectares.

The Shimen Mountain cliff carvings form a combined Buddhist and Taoist carving area, with the Taoist carvings being especially

The Shimen Mountain Grottoes, carved during the Song Dynasty, are located atop Shimen Mountain in Xinsheng Village, Shima Town, east of Dazu County. The site gets its name from two massive rocks on the mountain that stand facing each other like a gate. The cliffside carvings consist of 13 niches and caves, featuring immortals, Buddhas, and various deities and spirits all housed within one area. Each figure is exquisitely crafted, displaying miraculous artistry and unparalleled refinement. In 1996, the State Council designated the Shimen Mountain Grottoes as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.