Binglingsi

We went on a day trip to the Buddhist caves in Binglingsi. It has a giant Buddha carved into the cliff, and many smaller statues in caves dug into the cliff. When Buddhism first arrived in China along the Silk Road, many wealthy merchants sponsored to have these Buddhist monuments built (not unlike the religious art in Europe). The statues in Binglingsi are one of the earliest of these monuments.

Binglingsi is isolated in a valley by a reservoir, and is accessible only by boat. Its remote location helped to avoid being destroyed during the Cultural Revolution.

Binglingsi is surrounded by a reservoir and is only accessible by boat

Scenery on the way to Binglingsi. A small temple carved into the cliff.

The Giant Buddha nestled in this valley The Giant Buddha with walkways built into the cliff

In front of the Giant Buddha Windows for protection of statues from the elements