Cameron Highlands Tea Plantation, Malaysia

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Wordless Wednesday - Dazu Stone Carvings, China

While I was in Chongqing for work last year, I had the opportunity to visit the Dazu Stone Carvings. Unfortunately, the bus ride from Chongqing to Dazu was rather bumpy and dusty with miles and miles of potholes, single lanes along the way to this countryside place. :( There were times when I thought the bus was going to tear apart in the middle of the crazy winding road. Thank goodness, I did not get dizzy and puke.

The Dazu Stone Carvings are generally depictions of scenes and figures, philosophies of Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist beliefs. "Dazu" literally means "harvest and abundance." There are a collection of more than 50,000 Buddhist stone carvings dated back from the 9th to 13th centuries and are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. With the rich sculptures as well as detailed inscriptions, the Dazu Grottoes are regarded as house treasures. It is unimaginable how these massive and intricate structures were carved with such simple tools ages ago.

It wasn't something we had look forward to visiting, but it ended up being one of the most amazing sights we visited during our entire journey in Chongqing.



The largest figure, a reclining Buddha, is over 31 metres long.



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First Commenter - Liza
Moms... Check Nyo
Posted by LifeRamblings at 2:25 PM
Labels: , ,

35 comments:

  1. lizaTuesday, May 12, 2009 2:32:00 PM

    Amazing work of art. Been there too, a few years back, but I was not able to see this. Happy WW.

    Mine are here and here.

    Happy WW.

    ReplyDelete
  2. MariaTuesday, May 12, 2009 2:34:00 PM

    Beautiful photos! Happy wordless.

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  3. levianTuesday, May 12, 2009 2:38:00 PM

    the carvings are very grand indeed. :)

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  4. MariucaTuesday, May 12, 2009 3:49:00 PM

    wah so fast got ppl chop here edi LR! Morning! :)

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  5. MariucaTuesday, May 12, 2009 3:50:00 PM

    Really amazing pics and carvings here LR, breathtaking! :):):)

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  6. LifeRamblingsTuesday, May 12, 2009 4:28:00 PM

    liza,
    no worries, there's always a next time. Happy WW.

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  7. LifeRamblingsTuesday, May 12, 2009 4:29:00 PM

    Hi Maria,
    thanks for dropping by. happy WW!

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  8. LifeRamblingsTuesday, May 12, 2009 4:29:00 PM

    levian,
    yeah, it's one of the largest preserved cultural sites of China.

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  9. LifeRamblingsTuesday, May 12, 2009 4:32:00 PM

    Mariuca,
    good afternoon. aiseh, you were enjoying your long afternoon nap. and it's still morning for you??? :)

    i'm glad you liked the pics. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. linaTuesday, May 12, 2009 6:19:00 PM

    What an impressive carvings!

    A treasure indeed.

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  11. jams o donnellTuesday, May 12, 2009 9:25:00 PM

    Wow they are amazing. Thanks for sharing. Happy WW

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  12. LifeRamblingsTuesday, May 12, 2009 11:07:00 PM

    lina,
    It was incredible to see how well preserved they were, and the interesting history that went with each stone.

    ReplyDelete
  13. LifeRamblingsTuesday, May 12, 2009 11:08:00 PM

    jams,
    these carvings contribute to the beauty of the landscape of Dazu. Happy WW!

    ReplyDelete
  14. AyieTuesday, May 12, 2009 11:31:00 PM

    It's worth the bumpy ride, seeing all that great stone carvings surely made you forget about the bumpy winding road.

    I like how you always put info about your explores, makes me see through your experience clearly. BTW, I saw sexy momma there by the Buddha. =P

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  15. jerryWednesday, May 13, 2009 4:38:00 AM

    that is really cool. I will have to add that to my list of "must "visit..

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  16. MonicaWednesday, May 13, 2009 7:47:00 AM

    all these pictures are very nice LR! Happy WW ;-)

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  17. tiarastantrumsWednesday, May 13, 2009 8:57:00 AM

    those are amazing!! thanks so much for sharing- I guess the bus ride was wroth it!

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  18. LifeRamblingsWednesday, May 13, 2009 9:01:00 AM

    Hi Ayie,
    it was definitely worth visiting despite the bumpy ride. this was one of my unforgettable travel trips that opened my eyes, hearts and minds to the rich diversity of the culture.

    it's gd to hear that u enjoyed my posts. and thank you for all your wonderful comments here. me, sexy mommy? haha, i don't have an hour glass figure or glamorous hair that can eclipse anybody. :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. LifeRamblingsWednesday, May 13, 2009 9:03:00 AM

    RJS,
    i bet you won't regret it. Happy WW!

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  20. LifeRamblingsWednesday, May 13, 2009 9:03:00 AM

    Monica,
    Good morning to you! i'll take that as a compliment. :)

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  21. LifeRamblingsWednesday, May 13, 2009 9:05:00 AM

    Tiaras,
    It was pretty much worth it for what I got. Although it was a long day, it was definitely another memorable trip.

    ReplyDelete
  22. DoraWednesday, May 13, 2009 9:31:00 AM

    31m long? That's huge! ;)

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  23. CarverWednesday, May 13, 2009 10:43:00 AM

    Wow, what an amazing place. Great shots and an interesting post!

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  24. LoriWednesday, May 13, 2009 10:59:00 AM

    Wow...im speechless. Those are beautiful!! Happy WW:)

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  25. AnyaWednesday, May 13, 2009 1:02:00 PM

    Wow!!
    Its so big but its a BEAUTY :)
    Happy WW!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. CarleenWednesday, May 13, 2009 9:08:00 PM

    Absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing these amazing photos. :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. AyieThursday, May 14, 2009 12:53:00 AM

    Who says sexy people are just those with hour glass figure? You look good and comfortable with your outfit, i love that black jacket/blazer. Pretty slim for a mom of 3.

    ReplyDelete
  28. TekkausThursday, May 14, 2009 3:51:00 AM

    You are really well-traveled I have to say. Every week you have different photos to show!

    You make me eyes so green! Ha :P

    It looks really old...ancient! Wow!

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  29. amanda guthrieThursday, May 14, 2009 7:29:00 AM

    Amazingly beautiful colors and the details are gorgeous!

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  30. JLThursday, May 14, 2009 9:38:00 AM

    Good morning LR. I'm starting to understand more about each of those places in which you posted pics. Thank you for showing us your pics. :)

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  31. LifeRamblingsFriday, May 15, 2009 11:47:00 PM

    Ayie,
    i'm wordless, speechless, not knowing what to say but thanks for your compliments though.

    ReplyDelete
  32. LifeRamblingsFriday, May 15, 2009 11:48:00 PM

    tekkaus,
    yup, i'm a die hard travel bug. :) life is way too short. i work so hard , so i need to play hard too.

    ReplyDelete
  33. LifeRamblingsFriday, May 15, 2009 11:49:00 PM

    JL,
    you're most welcome.

    ReplyDelete
  34. AyieSaturday, May 16, 2009 1:16:00 AM

    life is way too short. i work so hard , so i need to play hard too.

    i love your words! You just gave me an idea... hehe

    ReplyDelete
  35. LifeRamblingsSaturday, May 16, 2009 9:11:00 PM

    Ayie,
    what kind of idea??? tell me abt it.

    ReplyDelete

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