Reclining Buddha of Malong Mountain

　　Malong Mountain: In Woluo Town along the highway between Tongnan and Dazu, there is the only and largest group of cliff-carved Buddhist statues in China, and also the latest in date. There are 186 niches with 631 carved figures, including 92 freestanding stone statues, totaling 723 statues. The largest niche is over 40 meters long, while the smallest is only 0.57 meters. Built in 1926, the late construction date and large scale make it extremely rare in the history of China’s cave temple architecture.

　　Reclining Buddha of Malong Mountain: Carved into the northern cliff face of the Sun Slope on Malong Mountain, it was commissioned by Xiao Yiqian, head of the Dazu Buddhist Association, and carved by master stonemasons in the spring of 1930 (the 19th year of the Republic of China) and completed in 1931 (the 20th year of the Republic of China). The reclining Buddha is 36 meters long, with a head 9 meters in length and a palm 3.8 meters long. It is 4 meters longer than the Reclining Buddha at Baoding Mountain in Dazu, making it the largest reclining Buddha in China. The Buddha has a spiral topknot, a full cheek, slightly closed eyes, and a serene expression. Its clothing is simply carved, and it lies on its right side. The Buddha’s head rests on a lotus pedestal supported by nine dragons. Springs flow from the dragons’ mouths, never drying up even in severe drought, perpetually bathing the prince. Numerous immortals and deities stand solemnly by, mourning as if for their own parents. The artisans showed remarkable ingenuity by carving only the upper half of the Buddha’s body down to the knees, then depicting clouds and adding color, creating an air of profound mystery. The entire sculpture is ingeniously conceived, exquisitely crafted, proportionally balanced, with smooth and refined lines—not rough or careless. The expressions are solemn yet amiable, kind and serene, giving a sense of broad-minded compassion. It is truly a masterpiece of Chinese stone carving art.

　　Five Hundred Arhats Statues: Located on the northern cliff 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 all kinds of emotions—joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. Their poses are varied and expressions rich, with exquisite carving that makes each figure seem vivid and lifelike. They hold high artistic and aesthetic value.

　　Source: Chongqing Government Website