Reclining Buddha Cliff Carvings

Reclining Buddha Cliff Carvings

The Reclining Buddha Cliff Carvings are a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Maoluo Reclining Buddha is among the largest Buddhist statues in China and is a full-body stone carving. The reclining Buddha is exquisitely conceived and uniquely designed, possessing a distinctive beauty. The Maoluo Reclining Buddha measures 10.5 meters in length, with a head that is 2.1 meters long. It features a spiral topknot, a slightly high nose bridge, a round face, slightly closed eyes, lightly shut lips, and a serene and dignified expression, displaying a tranquil and graceful demeanor that portrays the magnanimous and transcendent expression of Shakyamuni at the moment of his parinirvana. The Buddha wears a kasaya, with an exposed chest and bare feet. The left hand rests on the abdomen, and the right hand is slightly bent, with fingers placed near the chest. The clothing lines are smooth and lifelike throughout the statue. Surrounding the reclining Buddha, there are 20 carved disciples in worship, all showing sorrowful expressions that convey sadness and melancholy. Above the niche, two flying apsaras are carved facing each other. Although their facial features have eroded, the youthful grace of the apsaras can still be faintly seen, with flowing scarves, scarves draped over shoulders and arms, and a light, natural, elegant, and graceful charm still evident.

Around the reclining Buddha, there are more than 20 niches of various sizes that support the stone-carved reclining Buddha. On the semi-rock surface to the east, there is an undecorated floral-patterned stele, with a turtle-shaped stone base.

Over the long course of history, the stone-carved Buddha statues have endured countless trials and tribulations. During the Cultural Revolution, they suffered severe damage. Most of the surrounding niches were destroyed. However, this exquisite reclining Buddha was spared from destruction, allowing people today to witness its splendor.

In May 2013, the Reclining Buddha Cliff Carvings were listed as part of the seventh batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

On May 3, 2013, the list of the seventh batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units was announced, and the Maoluo Reclining Buddha Cliff Carvings in Huilan Town, Lezhi County were included. This elevated them to the status of national-level key cultural relics, allowing this exquisite reclining Buddha to shine anew before the world. It is also the second National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in Lezhi County following the former residence of Chen Yi. When you have the time and opportunity, bring along your devout heart for a spiritual cleansing and experience the charm of Tang Dynasty stone carvings.

Protected area: The distribution area of the statues extends 150 meters eastward, 100 meters southward, 150 meters westward, and 100 meters northward.

Construction control zone: Extends 100 meters beyond the protected area.

Huilan Town: A town under the jurisdiction of Lezhi County. Originally called Daoliu Town, it was renamed Huilan Township in 1938, changed to a commune in 1958, restored as a township in 1984, and became a town in 1986. Located in the southeast of the county, it is 17 kilometers from the county seat. Covering an area of 85 square kilometers with a population of 42,000, it is traversed by the Lezhi–Anyue Highway. It administers Gusaokan, Niushi, Hongguang, Huzhu, Wutaishan, Lengjia, Wan’an, Weijiawan, Majiagou, Lingguan, Tuqiaopu, Xiajiagou, Niuchangba, Xiongjiaqiao, Yunfeng, Mianhuagou, Zhongduibu, Lanjia, Guanyinqiao, Daniantang, Qingquansi, Youfangwan, Fujiamao, Chuan... More detailed information about Huilan Town++

Further reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units