Things to do in Ziyang

The stone carvings in Yuanjue Cave are divided into north and south cliffs. The north cliff is characterized by large niches and statues, including three large Buddha statues, each about 7 meters tall, standing separately in their respective niches. The central cave depicts Shakyamuni Buddha with a compassionate expression, holding the teaching mudra. To his lower right is his disciple Kasyapa, depicting the scene of the Buddha smiling and spreading the Dharma, which is very similar to the statues in Banbian Temple. The left cave features Guanyin with a vase, holding a willow branch in her right hand and a vase in her left. The right cave features Guanyin with a lotus hand, holding a lotus flower, which is carved using the typical openwork technique of Anyue. Weighing over 100 kilograms, it appears delicate but has remained intact for thousands of years.

毗卢洞的石刻造像开创于五代后蜀，之后历代都进行过培修、补刻。这里曾经是五代至北宋年间四川佛教密宗的主要道场之一。尤其是观音堂内雕刻的那尊“水月观音”，群众称她“紫竹观音”，英籍华人作家韩素英把她誉为“东方的维纳斯”，是全国少有的北宋石刻艺术珍品。这尊紫竹观音高3米，悬坐于那凸露的峭岩石窟之中。她背倚浮雕的紫竹和柳枝净瓶，头戴富丽华贵的贴金花冠；蛾眉上竖，凤眼下垂，直鼻微隆，朱唇略闭；上身穿短袖薄裟，袒胸裸肘，臂戴膀圈，璎珞象随身而泻的金色瀑布，网坠于胸腹；下身长裙薄如蝉翼，紧贴于腰腿之间，衣裙飘逸，富于动感。她坐在一张3米长的弧形荷叶上，上身稍左侧；左手抚撑叶面，右手放在膝盖，五指自然下垂；一双秀丽的赤脚，左脚悬于莲台，轻轻踏着花蕊，右腿弯曲上翘，脚踏莲叶，故人们又俗称她“翘脚观音”。紫竹观音仿佛就是一位丰姿绰约、温柔潇洒的妙龄女郎。她既具少女的妩媚，又具女神的仪容，世俗风味极浓，人们又爱称她为“风流观音”。看了紫竹观音，令人不得不为宋代雕刻大师们那出神入化、巧夺天工的精堪技艺所折服。而如今，因为建国初期对文物保护的不得当，导致紫竹观音的右手掌遭窃，当再次找到右手掌时，却无论怎么接都不能恢复到原来的匀称，所以，如今的右手不是原来的形态。

The Huayan Cave stone carvings are steeped in history, with exquisite and delicate carvings throughout the grottoes. Each statue is lifelike and expressive, showcasing the astonishing skill of the ancient artisans. The scenic area is uncrowded, offering a tranquil and peaceful environment perfect for leisurely appreciation of the stone carving culture. This less-traveled historical site, untouched by excessive commercialization, is well worth a special trip for those who appreciate historical stone carvings.

Mingshan Temple was founded during the Yuanhe period of the Tang Dynasty and flourished in the Northern Song Dynasty. Most of the existing statues were carved during the Northern Song Dynasty. Most of them are well preserved and magnificent. There are 20 existing caves and niches, with 63 statues. Although they are not as shocking and spectacular as the Dazu Rock Carvings, if you appreciate them carefully, you will find that each statue carries the vicissitudes of history. The stone carvings are carved on the mountain. There are more than 60 Tang and Song Dynasty statues. Although the number is small, the statues are magnificent and the stone carving art is exquisite. The focus and essence are all on the mountainside, which are all extremely valuable cliff stone carvings.

The itinerary was decided temporarily. It took less than an hour to set off from Ziyang City. The scenic area does not charge admission tickets. The battlefield area is also very large. We mainly visited the square, Chen Yi Life Memorial Hall, and Chen Yi's former residence. It took about an hour and a half to visit the red scenic area, which is still very educational.

Baoguo Temple in Lezhi is located in Jingui Mountain, Longmen Township, Caizhi County, Sichuan Province, covering an area of ​​more than 30,000 square meters. It was built in the second year of Kaihuang in the Sui Dynasty, more than 1,400 years ago. The four unique features of Baoguo Temple: The temple is built on the mountain, with a construction area of ​​50,000 square meters. There are five thousand-year-old banyan trees and more than a thousand cypress trees hanging naturally towards the main hall. There are 25 tall jade Buddhas in the temple, all of which are precious and exquisite. There is a thousand-buddha cave in front of the temple, and the ancient trees embrace the thousand-buddha scenery. The stone carvings are exquisite and the thousand-year-old inscriptions are precious cultural relics.

There are not many scenic spots in Ziyang City, and the Half Moon Mountain Buddha is one of them. It takes 3-40 minutes to drive from the city. Just enter the inconspicuous alley of Dafo Town, and suddenly you will see the Buddha. There are almost no traces of artificial construction, and it feels a bit dilapidated. Only the stone tablet of the National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit next to it reminds you of its glorious past. There is a stone staircase next to it. It takes a few minutes to reach the top of the mountain. There is a small temple and you can also overlook the pastoral scenery...

The Two Rivers Ferry is absolutely fantastic! The 15 yuan ticket is incredibly cost-effective! Here's a great route for families with kids: After visiting Jiefangbei and Kuixinglou, see Hongyadong during the day. If you're traveling with a 6-year-old and don't want to brave the crowds at Hongyadong at night, the stilted buildings during the day are just as beautiful. Afterward, take the Two Rivers Ferry to Danzishi, disembark, and explore Danzishi Old Street, Nanbin Road, and Xiahaoli. Then, take the light rail/bus or taxi back. The whole route is smooth and relaxing. The boat ride is novel and fun, and the kids especially loved it, remaining enthusiastic about exploring the shopping streets afterwards. At the pier, there's a large bowl of freshly cut watermelon for 10 yuan – watch it being cut right in front of you! It's sweet and refreshing. I highly recommend this route for families!