Deep in the dense forests of Dujiangyan lies Chengdu's most exquisite Tang Dynasty rock carvings

During my last visit to Tianguo Mountain, fellow travelers mentioned the Sanfo Cave Cliff Carvings. Despite being a provincial-level protected site, there's almost no information online—only a vague location near Daguan, making it nearly impossible to find. Recently, after seeing posts from a few experts who visited, I decided to explore it over the weekend. Although many maps now mark Sanfo Cave, the location is inaccurate. We followed the road to its end at Baique Temple but still found no trace of the grottoes. Fortunately, with guidance from an expert, we finally got a lead. Venturing down a narrow path into the bamboo forest, we at last discovered this hidden gem. The Sanfo Cave Cliff Carvings were created during the Tang Dynasty, facing south on a north-facing cliff. Three large niches are clearly visible, likely the origin of the name "Sanfo Cave" (Three Buddhas Cave). Between Niches 1 and 2, there are six smaller, heavily weathered niches. Niche 1 features a double-layered design with an outer arch and inner square. The inner niche houses one Buddha, two disciples, and two bodhisattvas, while the outer layer has two guardian warriors. Due to its innermost position, lighting is dim, making details hard to discern. The main statue is Maitreya, with a flame-patterned halo that strongly reflects Tang style. The disciples and bodhisattvas have circular and pointed-peach-shaped halos, respectively. Among the three large niches, this one is the least well-preserved, with details nearly indistinguishable despite the overall completeness. Niche 2 is a single-arched niche, with a central Buddha flanked by two bodhisattvas on the main wall and seven seated Buddhas on the right wall. It’s the best-preserved of the three. The main Buddha has a round face, drooping ears, and wears a monastic robe covering both shoulders. The seven Buddhas on the right are slightly weathered, with some parts missing—one above and six below in two rows of three. Niche 3 is the most remarkable, also a double-layered arch-and-square design. The inner niche depicts the "Western Three Saints" and 54 disciples, though the latter are severely weathered, requiring close inspection to see faint outlines. The outer niche features two guardian warriors. What makes this niche extraordinary is its overall lotus motif—the bodhisattvas and disciples appear to emerge from the lotus stems and leaves. Sadly, severe weathering has obscured most facial and clothing details. Of the six smaller niches, only the seventh (a bodhisattva with hands in meditation mudra) and the eighth (a bodhisattva with a bird on the platform beside it) stand out. Though small in scale, it’s astonishing to find such well-preserved Tang Dynasty carvings in Dujiangyan’s humid mountains. Despite being covered in moss, these carvings offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the High Tang era, surviving over a thousand years. 🏠 Name | Sanfo Cave Cliff Carvings 🎫 Ticket | Free ⛳ Address | Group 8, Binjiang Village, Binjiang Community, Daguan Town, Dujiangyan City