Boshiwhei Stone Carving Rock Paintings

Boshiwhei Stone Carving Rock Paintings

The Boshiwhei Stone Carving Rock Paintings are a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Boshiwhei Stone Carving Rock Paintings are located on the southern slope of Boshiwhei in Tuanjie Village, Wan Chang Township, Zhaojue County, bordering Hongmaoyida Township in Puge County. They lie approximately 50 kilometers west of Xichang and 56 kilometers east of Zhaojue County seat. In early April 1982, leaders of the Prefectural Party Committee and Prefectural Government commissioned experts including Liu Yaohan from the Institute of Ethnology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and Song Zhaolin from the National Museum of Chinese History to conduct an appraisal. It was confirmed that the rock paintings are grand in scale and rich in content, representing a Buddhist site from the Nanzhao-Dali period, with significant historical value. Later, a research team composed of personnel from the Liangshan Prefecture Culture Bureau, the Institute of Ethnology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (including Liu Yaohan), the National Museum of Chinese History (including Song Zhaolin, Du Yaoxi, Li Jiafang, Xi Changxi, and Zhang Yanping), carried out 23 days of work including cleaning, archaeological investigation, surveying, photography, and rubbing. The Boshiwhei Stone Carving Rock Paintings were designated as part of the third batch of Provincial-Level Cultural Relics Protection Units by the People's Government of Sichuan Province on April 16, 1991.

In accordance with the "Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Cultural Relics" and the "Sichuan Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Management Measures," the county government organized relevant department heads to conduct an on-site investigation and survey at Boshiwhei on September 13, 1991. Following the principles of benefiting the protection of the natural environmental setting of the relics, ensuring the safety of the relics, and facilitating their development and utilization, a key protected area centered on the Boshiwhei Stone Carving Rock Paintings, covering 44.28 mu, was demarcated. Surrounding this key area, a general protected area was designated with boundaries set at 100 meters east toward Ag’erguyimo, 60 meters west toward Yizinaijie, and 100 meters north toward Gubamo, totaling 95.28 mu of collectively owned forest land within the key and general protected areas and cultural zone. The protection and management of these relics were entrusted to the People’s Government of Wan Chang Township, Jiefanggou (as per Notice No. 81 of Zhao Fu Fa).

The rock paintings are carved in intaglio lines on sixteen massive natural boulders, covering a total area of about 440 square meters, and can be divided into three sections: southern, western, and northern. Southern Section: Located in the middle and lower part of the hillside, adjacent to the northern bank of the Boshiwhei River, this is the main distribution area with eight carved stones. The largest of these, serving as the focal point of the section, has a top surface area of 198 square meters featuring a huge Nirvana image. The lower part depicts images of Sakyamuni and Guanyin, while other stones show major Buddhist figures such as Sakyamuni, Guanyin, the Four Heavenly Kings, Wisdom Kings, and stupas, along with one Chinese inscription. Western Section: Located west of the southern section, it includes five carved stones distributed in two clusters—north and south. The southernmost stone bears a male figure. About 100 meters to the right of this stone are four additional carved stones. Northern Section: Located on the mountaintop, it has three carved stones, two of which are on the western side. These have smaller surfaces with coarse carving techniques depicting small human figures. On the hanging cliff to the southeast, there is a horizontally elongated carved stone with a relatively smooth southern face, featuring a large-scale image of a six-person horseback procession. The content of the Boshiwhei Stone Carving Rock Paintings primarily reflects Buddhist remains. Notably unique are the royal procession scene and the appearance of the Yi ethnic group's Bimo (shaman), which warrant further study. In summary, the Boshiwhei Stone Carving Rock Paintings, created with intaglio line carving, feature numerous images, grand compositions, and exceptionally large panels, making them rare among cliff carvings. Especially in the Liangshan Yi region, the discovery of such a large-scale Esoteric Buddhist cliff sculpture provides new historical material for understanding local history, the spread of Buddhism, and ancient ethnic relations. It also holds significant scientific value for research in local history, ethnic history, religious history, and art history.

Protected Area: Extending 120 meters east, 44 meters south, 60 meters west, and 120 meters north from the perimeter of the Boshiwhei Stone Carving Rock Paintings cluster.

Construction Control Zone: Extending an additional 100 meters east, 100 meters south, 60 meters west, and 120 meters north beyond the protected area.

Wan Chang Township: A township under the jurisdiction of Zhaojue County. Established in 1952 as Wan Chang Township, it was renamed Wanchang Township in 1962, converted to a commune in 1972, renamed Wan Chang Commune in 1981, and reinstated as Wan Chang Township in 1984. Located in the southwestern part of the county, it is 65 kilometers from the county seat, covering an area of 70.3 square kilometers with a population of 2,000. The Hechuan-Muli Highway runs through the township. It administers three village committees: Yideamo, Dashitou, and Luogu. The economy is mainly based on animal husbandry, with agriculture producing potatoes and buckwheat. Boshiwhei features Tang-Song dynasty Buddhist cetiya rock paintings, carved on 16 huge rocks, covering an area of 440 square meters... Detailed information on Wan Chang Township++

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units