The Sleeping Giant of the Tang Dynasty: Anyue Reclining Buddha Grottoes and the Valley of Stone Scriptures

The "Eastern Peak of Nirvana Art"

1.Located in Wofo: Gou (Sleeping Buddha Valley), Bamiao Township, Anyue County, Ziyang City, Sichuan Province, the Anyue Reclining Buddha Grottoes (Wofo Yuan) represent the pinnacle of Tang Dynasty stone carving in the Shu region. Situated approximately 45 kilometers from the Anyue county seat and easily accessible via the Cheng-An-Yu Highway, this site is a hidden gem nestled in a lush, U-shaped river valley. Unlike the famous Leshan Giant Buddha which sits upright, the main attraction here is a colossal Nirvana Reclining Buddha carved directly into the cliffside. Dating back to the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty (circa 713-859 AD), this site blends the grandeur of Tang aesthetics with the delicate beauty of Song Dynasty additions, earning it the reputation as a "Treasure House of Buddhist Art" on the banks of the river.

The Colossal Reclining Buddha

The centerpiece of the grottoes is the magnificent Reclining Buddha, depicting the Nirvana of Shakyamuni. Spanning a total length of 88 meters (with the main body measuring around 23 meters and the entire scene stretching across the cliff), it is recognized as the largest Tang-dynasty reclining Buddha in China and the third largest in the world. The statue lies on its side, with the head facing east and feet pointing west. The figure’s posture is serene and natural, with the head resting on a hand and the body stretching out in a state of eternal peace, perfectly capturing the "Nirvana stillness." Surrounding the main Buddha are vivid reliefs of mourning disciples, majestic dharma protectors, and flying Apsaras (Feitian) scattering flowers, creating a dramatic and emotional scene that contrasts with the Buddha's tranquility. The carving style is characteristically Tang: full-bodied, smooth lines, and realistic features, showcasing the zenith of the era's sculptural art.

A Library Carved in Stone

Beyond the visual spectacle of the statues, the Anyue Reclining Buddha Grottoes hold a unique place in history as a massive "Stone Library." The site contains 15 caves dedicated to Buddhist scriptures, with over 400,000 characters carved into the rock walls. These inscriptions include classic sutras like the Diamond Sutra, Amitabha Sutra, and Lotus Sutra. The calligraphy is exquisite, featuring powerful Tang-style standard script (Kaishu) that is both rigorous and elegant. These stone scriptures are invaluable not only for studying Buddhist doctrines and the dissemination of Buddhism in the Shu region but also as masterpieces of ancient Chinese calligraphy. They provide rare physical evidence of the prevalence of Buddhism during the Tang Dynasty and the cultural exchanges that took place along the ancient roads.

A Valley of Zen and Nature

2.The setting of the Reclining Buddha: Grottoes adds to their mystical allure. The statues and caves are distributed along a 200-meter stretch of cliff, hidden within a secluded valley where ancient trees provide shade and a clear stream flows gently by. The environment is quiet and profound, often shrouded in mist after rain, which enhances the solemn atmosphere of the "Buddha Kingdom." Unlike the crowded tourist spots of big cities, this site offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can slowly admire the moss-covered inscriptions and the intricate details of the carvings, from the muscular dharma guards to the graceful flying Apsaras. It is a place where nature, art, and faith have intertwined for over a millennium, offering a profound journey into the spiritual heart of ancient China.