Guanyin Rock Carvings

Guanyin Rock Carvings

The Guanyin Rock Carvings are a cultural tourism attraction.

The Guanyin Rock Carvings cover a total area of 33,000 square meters. They were initiated by Liao, the magistrate of Luojiang County during the 32nd year of the Qianlong reign in the Qing Dynasty, and later restored by Li Diaoyuan. However, after suffering damage during the 0 period, it was not until 1992 that the local government resumed development and reconstruction efforts. The cliffs feature cliff carvings such as the Thousand-Armed Guanyin, White-Robed Guanyin, Child-Giving Guanyin, Rescue from Seven Calamities, Guanyin's Universal Gate Manifestation, and Maitreya Buddha, all with compassionate expressions. The statue of Skanda is majestic, while the reliefs depicting the Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars and the Thirteen Acts of Filial Impiety deliver striking moral lessons. The world-renowned Hundred-Meter Reclining Lotus Guanyin is taking shape, and the magnificent artistic carvings blend harmoniously with the natural landscape and newly developed scenic spots. The carving area boasts pleasant scenery and captivating natural views. Three festival periods each year (in the second, sixth, and ninth lunar months) mark significant turning points in Guanyin’s life story, forming the three major gatherings at Guanyin Rock today—among which the one in the second lunar month is the most bustling, attracting throngs of worshippers and tourists. The rustic front and rear mountain gates, the newly built White-Robed Guanyin Hall, the statue of Skanda, and the Qing Dynasty street newly constructed outside the front mountain gate further enliven the site.

Guanyin Rock was originally called White Stone Cliff, named after the local topography. Here, continuous rocky outcrops form numerous rock alcoves, complemented by lush trees, perennial dripping water, abundant sunshine, and a mild climate that is warm in winter and cool in summer. It was once even a hideout for a branch of the Beggars’ Sect. Legend has it that during the Hongzhi era of the Ming Dynasty, a scholar named Wu Baiya from the foot of the mountain, frustrated by repeated failures in the imperial examinations and unwilling to give up on his official dreams, often wandered in despair. One day, while seeking solace, he came upon White Stone Cliff and was instantly captivated by its beautiful scenery. Facing the sprawling mountain range and the serene villages and rivers below, he realized this place was perfect for diligent study. He settled at the mountain’s base and began studying diligently every day, sitting on the rocks in the mountains. Eventually, he achieved his dream of becoming an official.

There are many folk tales about the origin of Guanyin Rock, but the most common one comes from Li Diaoyuan’s book “Reconstruction of the Great Hall of Guanyin Rock”: In the autumn of the Xinyou year during the Qianlong reign, amidst collapsing mountains, thunder, and lightning, people claimed to see the figure of Guanyin emerging faintly on the mountaintop through the flashes. Everyone insisted that Guanyin had descended to earth on a trail of celestial dew. That very month, Li Diaoyuan’s father, Li Huanan, ranked 36th in the provincial imperial examination. Nearby villagers became even more convinced that divine forces were at work, blessing them with Guanyin’s manifestation. Thus, they began referring to the mountain as Guanyin Rock. Since then, visitors seeking blessings have flocked here, and the belief that all prayers are answered has reinforced the idea that the mountain is enveloped in an aura of good fortune and prosperity.

Since the 1970s, superstition ran rampant here, and social order was chaotic. To improve the situation and develop the scenic sites associated with Li Diaoyuan’s hometown while promoting tourism, the local government, with strong support from relevant departments, launched a project from 1993 to carve cliff statues of Guanyin—showcasing a grand collection of Guanyin images in a large-scale cliff carving display.

Three stone arch bridges are said to be the three rainbows stepped upon by Guanyin herself, connecting the human realm with the Western Pure Land of Mount Potalaka. The gently flowing stream beneath the bridges originates from the nearby Ningshui River. The pond on the right is called Wash-Kindness Pond. Legend has it that releasing fish or shrimp here or tossing in symbolic coins while silently praying means you have a heart open to Buddhist fate and self-redemption. If the little fish swim calmly through the three bridges, it symbolizes spiritual cleansing and rebirth, ensuring your wishes come true and harmony in all things.

Opposite, you can clearly see the 3.6-meter-tall White-Robed Guanyin carved from white marble. Holding a pure vase and wearing a serene expression, she stands gracefully in a pavilion niche, transcendent and gazing over all sentient beings. Now, please take a deep breath, stay still, and listen carefully. Can you hear a harmonious melody? It is the rhythm of nature—the gentle breeze carrying Guanyin’s compassion and care for the world.

A stone carving corridor stretching over sixty meters features bas-reliefs of the well-known Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars and the Thirteen Acts of Filial Impiety, carved vividly into the cliff face. Though partially weathered, the reliefs remain lifelike, embodying the style of traditional Chinese fine brushwork painting and conveying deep cultural and educational meaning. As we all know, filial piety is the foremost virtue in traditional Chinese culture, and each relief represents a model of ancient Chinese humanistic spirit. Along the way, you may have noticed the rows of red incense sticks inserted into the rocks below the reliefs. It is believed that bending and placing incense along the rocks can relieve ailments and prolong life.

Ahead lies a massive relief of flying apsaras, three phoenixes, and Guanyin ferrying souls across the sea, with a stone dragon bursting forth from beneath. Beneath the dragon’s head, the water in the hexagonal Dragon Spring Well is full yet never overflows—clear and sweet. It is said that this water “has great power to cure diseases and prolong life,” so feel free to splash some on your face and see if it washes away the fatigue of the mortal world, leaving you feeling refreshed and relaxed.

This building built into the mountain is the Guanyin Hall. The stone tablets on your right record the acts of kindness and donations made by visitors and locals since the government began restoring Guanyin Rock in 1992. Before entering the Guanyin Hall, please pay attention to the four large characters “Baiya Xianhe” carved into the left side of the cliff. What do these words mean? Historical records indicate that this is the very rock where Wu Baiya, the aforementioned scholar from Luojiang, used to sit and read. Legend says that one day, while napping here, he dreamed of a deity riding a tile dragon who told him, “You will rank among the top examinees and have a bright future!” As 3 times 9 equals 27, Wu Baiya indeed ranked 27th in the imperial examinations that year, later serving as county magistrate in Chunhua and then Jingyang, eventually earning recognition as an exemplary official in Shaanxi. Hence the tale of “Baiya’s Dream Dragon.” Later, people named the rock “Baiya Xianhe,” giving Guanyin Rock its Baiya name, adding to its legendary mystique and spiritual allure.

Standing at the center of the Guanyin Hall, you can see a Guanyin statue in a cliffside cave. This is the “Spirit Stone” said to have appeared suddenly during that stormy night in the Xinyou year of Qianlong, standing silently here for over two hundred years. It has witnessed the vicissitudes of life, cleansed worldly vanity, and provided solace, wisdom, wealth, joy, happiness, success, and peace to countless people. On either side of the statue are couplets inscribed in 1770 by Liao, the magistrate of Luojiang County: “The ancient Buddha from the West descends to the East; the high monk from the snowy mountains recognizes enlightenment,” with elegant yet powerful calligraphy adding depth to the Spirit Stone.

At the main cliff section, the highlight of the cliff carvings, hundreds of meters of sheer rock face feature carvings of the Thousand-Armed Guanyin, South Sea Guanyin, “Rescue from Seven Calamities,” and the “Thirty-Two Manifestations.” These include both round sculptures and reliefs, characterized by realism, richness, vitality, and clarity. This section extends gradually from the “Baiya Xianhe” we just passed. Among the most artistically remarkable is the 5.7-meter-tall semi-round Thousand-Armed Guanyin, appearing as if descending from the heavens, ready to answer prayers. The sculpture borrows techniques from the Dunhuang caves, blending traditional Buddhist artistry with modern aesthetics. The “Rescue from Seven Calamities” and “Thirty-Two Manifestations” carvings are relatively small-scale among the cliff works, yet the details—such as headscarves, folds in clothing, and decorative tassels—are exquisitely rendered, making them treasures of traditional art.

On the rock surface stand three slender stones side by side, resembling three fish swimming together. Local legend says: “Guanyin resides in the South Sea, brings three fish here, and reveals her presence uniquely in our western land of Shu.” This is the origin of the “Three Fish Stone,” adding new mystery to Guanyin Rock.

Ascending the cliff, you’ll see a pavilion perched like a wind chime, seemingly floating on a protruding rock at the top of a sky ladder. On clear days, wisps of mist often linger here, hence its name “Yinyun Pavilion” (Mist Pavilion). Legend says that whenever Guanyin descends to the human realm, she meditates here. During these times, the heavenly attendants light incense, allowing the joys and sorrows of the human world to rise with the fragrant smoke, enabling Guanyin to observe worldly suffering, attain enlightenment, and bless humanity.

Passing through Yinyun Pavilion, you reach the summit of Guanyin Rock. A temple appears before you, with a sign reading “Prosperity in a Wealth of Treasures” hung prominently on the door. You’ve likely guessed it’s the God of Wealth Temple. We often hear the saying, “When the God of Wealth enters, prosperity follows all year round.” But here’s a question: Who exactly is the God of Wealth in Chinese folklore? The answer varies. Throughout China’s long history, different dynasties have had different representations of the deity. While many assume it’s Zhao Gongming, the God of Wealth also includes both literary and martial versions. Popular figures like Bi Gan of the Shang Dynasty, Goujian of the Warring States, and Guan Yu of the Three Kingdoms are also widely regarded as deities of wealth. Whether literary or martial, these figures have left indelible impressions on the public, revered as symbols of inspiration and courage. It’s no surprise they are elevated to divine status.

View from Guanlong Platform: Adjacent to Jilin Ancient Town, the winding river below is called Ningshui. From afar, it resembles a giant dragon resting here, with Moon Island—a vast area of over ten thousand square meters—in the dragon’s belly, like an eye embedded in crystal-clear waters, hence the name Guanlong (Dragon-Watching) Platform. Across Ningshui lies the ancestral hall of the Li family on Yunlong Mountain and the former site of Xingyuan Garden, both facing Guanyin Rock. Li Diaoyuan’s poetry describes this scene: “Its tail brushes Jilin Temple, its body leans on Guanyin Rock, its head lifts toward the Li family shrine.” Further along the bend in Ningshui, you might spot a stone weir restraining the rushing river, gathering it into a lake spanning dozens of acres. Li Diaoyuan once wrote poetic lines capturing nature’s splendor: “Riding home at dusk, hearing flutes from distant villages” and “Water buffalo moo on the island, white geese waddle; shimmering waves on the lake, ducks quack.”

On the right side of Guanlong Platform stands a bronze bell, and on the left, a large drum. Guanyin Rock has long upheld the tradition of “morning bells and evening drums.” It is said that the resonant morning bell heralds a fresh start, rejuvenating all life, while the mellow evening drum signals the end of the day, as all beings await renewal in silence.

Skanda Hall houses a solemn statue of Skanda, with an ancient bronze bell beside it. On auspicious days, monks perform bell-ringing ceremonies here to honor the spirits of the revered, channel the spiritual energy of the mountains, bless bountiful harvests, and pray for national prosperity.

Ascending from Skanda Hall, you’ll reach the “Three Phoenix Pavilion.” Though compact, it is elegantly nestled within a shaded grove. After the appearance of the “Spirit Stone,” it was said that “from then on, literary fortune flourished, and three phoenixes soared together.” Following Li Huanan, Li Diaoyuan, Li Dingyuan, and Li Jiyuan successively passed the imperial exams and were appointed as Hanlin scholars. The “Three Phoenixes” soaring together brought great renown to Guanyin Rock, attracting visitors from all over. Among the many scenic spots here, the Three Phoenix Pavilion is a favorite, where many tourists gather to enjoy the breeze, reflect, and soak in the refined atmosphere. Try it yourself—close your eyes, breathe deeply, and see if you can still sense the lingering fragrance of literature in the air.

In the cliff cave beneath the broken rock stands the benevolent and serene Child-Giving Guanyin cradling a baby. Vines hang from the rock above, exuding a refreshing scent and creating an ethereal atmosphere. The Lotus Sutra states: “If a woman wishes to bear a son, she should worship and make offerings to Guanyin, and she will give birth to a blessed and wise son; if she desires a daughter, she will bear a beautiful and graceful girl.” In other words, sincere prayers to the Child-Giving Guanyin can fulfill your wish for a handsome or beautiful child. It is said this particular statue is especially efficacious—interested visitors might want to give it a try.

Between the Child-Giving Guanyin and the White-Robed Guanyin lies the world’s longest Reclining Lotus Guanyin, stretching 109 meters. Notice how the chest area of the statue uses refined techniques of detailing, enhancement, and gradual fading, creating a profound, graceful, and flowing aesthetic—like silk gently rippling on water. From afar, its form is visible; up close, its spirit shines through. With so many unique Guanyin statues here, plus the spectacular Reclining Lotus Guanyin, locals have dubbed this place the “Eastern City of Guanyin.”

Source: Public Information Network of Luojiang County People’s Government