The Dunhuang of the South: Royal Nanzhao Grottoes, Danxia Wonders, and Fertility Worship at Shibaoshan

The Gem of the South

Hidden amidst the lush forests and red sandstone peaks of Jianchuan County, approximately 25 kilometers southwest of the county seat in the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, lies the Shibaoshan Grottoes (Shibao Mountain Grottoes). Often hailed as the "Dunhuang of the South" or the "Gem of the South," this site represents the pinnacle of artistic and religious expression from the Nanzhao (738–902 AD) and Dali Kingdoms (937–1253 AD). Unlike the clay sculptures of Dunhuang, the art here is carved directly into the red sandstone cliffs, preserving the history of a powerful regime that once dominated Southwest China. As a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, Shibaoshan offers a rare glimpse into the royal life, religious beliefs, and cultural exchanges of the Bai people over a millennium ago,.

A Royal Chronicle in Stone

The core of the scenic area consists of three main grotto clusters: Shizhong Temple (Stone Bell Temple), Shiziguan (Lion Pass), and Shadengqing. Among them, the Shizhong Temple area is the most significant. Grotto No. 1 depicts the Nanzhao King Yi Mouxun holding court, a vivid historical scene featuring civil and military officials, showcasing the hierarchy and attire of the Nanzhao royal court. Grotto No. 2 portrays the Nanzhao King Geluofeng engaging in state affairs, highlighting the kingdom's political power. These carvings are not merely religious icons but are realistic portrayals of the Nanzhao monarchy, offering invaluable visual data for historians. The artistic style blends local Bai aesthetics with influences from the Central Plains, Tibet, and even distant regions like Persia, reflecting the area's role as a cultural crossroads on the ancient Tea Horse Road,,.

Unique Fertility Worship

One of the most distinctive and anthropologically significant aspects of Shibaoshan is its open display of fertility worship, which is rare in Buddhist grottoes. Grotto No. 8 at Shizhong Temple enshrines the "Atianbai", a stone carving of male genitalia, reflecting the local desire for reproduction and the continuation of the family line. Nearby, a natural rock fissure known as "Ayangbai" represents the female counterpart. These sites are not just relics; they are active places of worship where local women come to pray for children and family prosperity, applying sesame oil to the stones in a ritual that has persisted for centuries. This unique blend of Buddhism and indigenous reproductive worship highlights the distinctive cultural fabric of the Bai people,.

Danxia Landforms and Natural Beauty

Shibaoshan is not only a cultural treasure house but also a geological wonder. The mountain is characterized by a vibrant Danxia landform (red sandstone), shaped by millions of years of wind and water erosion. One of the most striking geological features is the "turtle-shell cracks" found on the rock surfaces, creating a textured, scale-like appearance that resembles the backs of thousands of turtles climbing the mountain. The lush vegetation, ancient pine trees, and fresh mountain air make it a refreshing ecological escape. Visitors might also encounter troops of wild macaques roaming the trails, adding a lively, albeit sometimes mischievous, element to the visit,.

The Shibaoshan Song Festival

1.The cultural vitality of: Shibaoshan comes alive during the Shibaoshan Song Festival, held annually in late lunar July or early August. During this time, tens of thousands of Bai people from surrounding villages gather on the mountain to sing traditional folk songs. This festival is deeply rooted in the local culture, serving as a platform for young people to express love and for the community to celebrate their heritage. It is said to have originated from the reproductive worship associated with the "Ayangbai" and "Atianbai" stones. For travelers, witnessing this festival provides a profound connection to the living traditions of the Bai ethnic group,.