Chongqing - The "China, An Opportunity: Chongqing Brands Global Promotion" Diplomatic Envoys' Trip to Chongqing occurred from May 16 to 19. On the final stop of the itinerary, on May 19, the envoys visited the Dazu District, immersing themselves in the ancient and magnificent cultural heritage of the Dazu Rock Carvings. They listened to accounts of the carvings' preservation and transmission, applauded the revitalization and innovative utilization of this World Cultural Heritage site, and expressed their heartfelt admiration and respect.

The Dazu Rock Carvings, a large grotto complex in southeastern China, emerged as a cultural treasure during the decline of northern grottoes. Starting in the early Tang dynasty and reaching its peak during the late Tang, Five Dynasties, and Song periods, its influence extended into the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, 75 grottoes have been declared cultural relic protection units at various levels, scattered across the countryside of Dazu District, bearing witness to the vicissitudes of history and the accumulation of culture.

The Thousand-Hand Guanyin of the Dazu Rock Carvings. (Photo/Zhao Guogan)

Renowned worldwide for their grand scale, exquisite craftsmanship, diverse themes, rich connotations, and excellent preservation, the Dazu Rock Carvings are considered a model of late Chinese grotto art. They showcase the development and transformation of grotto art styles from the Tang and Song periods from different perspectives and possess irreplaceable historical, artistic, and scientific value.

The diplomatic envoys explored the museum at the Dazu Rock Carvings to learn about the carvings' preservation and transmission. (Photo/Zhao Guogan)

As they strolled through the Baodingshan Scenic Area of the Dazu Rock Carvings, the envoys were deeply captivated by the Thousand-Hand Guanyin, the Reclining Buddha, and other exquisite stone sculptures. Marcelo Gabriel Suárez Salvia, the Ambassador of Argentina to China, remarked that the Dazu Rock Carvings are an incredible piece of stone carving art. They are so beautiful and grand and truly astonishing. "The efforts made to preserve this heritage must be colossal; it's really very impressive," he said. Soeung Rathchavy, the Ambassador of Cambodia to China, echoed her sentiments, saying, "It's simply stunning. I've seen other grottoes, but Dazu is very unique, very beautiful, very impressive, really beyond words."

The successful conclusion of the "China, An Opportunity: Chongqing Brands Global Promotion" Diplomatic Envoys' Trip to Chongqing not only allowed the envoys to personally experience the charm of the cultural treasure that is the Dazu Rock Carvings but also further promoted cultural exchange and understanding between China and other countries.