🎉 Your First-Time Travel Guide to Anyue County, Ziyang City 🎉
Hey travel lovers! 👋 Are you ready for an adventure in Anyue County, Ziyang City? 🎒 This picturesque destination in Sichuan is home to stunning scenery, rich history, and delicious food. Let me help you craft a perfect itinerary for your first visit! 🌟
Day 1: Explore the Northern Route 🚗
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Wofo Temple (卧佛院)
- Highlight: The earliest left-reclining Buddha statue in China! 🙏
- Distance from City Center: 22.8 km
- Rating: 5.9/5
- Tip: Visit in the evening to catch the serene glow of sunset on the Buddha.
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Mumen Temple (木门寺)
- Highlight: A Zen temple centered around the tomb tower of Wuji Zen Master. 🧘♂️
- Experience: Admire the unique stone architecture and feel the tranquility.
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Yuanjue Cave Scenic Area (圆觉洞)
- Rating: 4A scenic area
- Highlight: The best-developed and largest cliff carving group in Anyue! 🏞️
- Distance from City Center: 1.3 km
- Tip: Enjoy a stroll in the park-like setting and marvel at the intricate carvings.
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Qianfo Village (千佛寨)
- Highlight: Numerous Buddha statues and unique architectural style! 🏰
- Experience: Walk among the 3,000+ statues embedded in the cliff walls.
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Tapo (塔坡)
- Highlight: The Huayan Three Saints statue, renowned for its smooth and exquisite facial features. 🙇♂️
- Best Time: Visit in the evening when the setting sun casts a golden glow on the statues.
Day 2: Discover the Southern Route 🌄
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Pilu Cave (毗卢洞)
- Highlight: The exquisite Water Moon Guanyin statue, a highlight of Anyue grottoes! 🧚♀️
- Distance from City Center: 33.9 km
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Banshi Temple (半边寺)
- Highlight: The smiling Shakyamuni Buddha gazing at his disciple Kassapa, a masterpiece of carving craftsmanship. 😄
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Dafosi Temple (大佛寺)
- Highlight: The Huayan Three Saints, a perfect example of Northern Song Dynasty craftsmanship. 🏯
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Huayan Cave (华严洞)
- Highlight: Contains 159 Song Dynasty statues, a national heritage site! 🏛️
- Don't Miss: The famous "Purple Bamboo Guanyin" statue.
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Chiyun Temple (赤云寺)
- Adventure: Trek up a mountain for an hour to explore the ruins of Pu'an Fort, with cliff inscriptions and statues. 🧗♂️
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Kongque Cave (孔雀洞)
- Highlight: The Peacock Ming Wang statue! 🦚
- Tip: Contact the caretaker to open the cave and visit the rear mountain's Sanqing Hall and Sarcophagus of the Buddha's Relics.
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Mingshan Temple (茗山寺)
- Highlight: The standing Vairocana Buddha statue, the only one in the country! 🕋
- Best Time: Visit in the evening to see the sunlight casting magical shadows on the Buddha's face.
Where to Stay 🏨
- Shiyang Town: Centrally located to the southern grottoes, Shiyang Town is a convenient base. Walk 20 minutes to Pilu Cave from here. Accommodation may be basic, but there are plenty of restaurants.
Foodie Delights 🍴
- Anyue Sad Noodles: A spicy and delicious local snack made from pea starch. 🍜
- Anyue Rice Rolls: Smooth and fragrant, a traditional local delicacy. 🍚
- Lemon Crispy Ribs: A fusion of lemon freshness and ribby goodness. 🍖
- Bawang Rabbit: A hearty and tangy dish with tender meat. 🐇
- Danshan Jar Chicken: Uniquely crafted chicken that's juicy and flavorful. 🍗
Tips 💡
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of year, but avoid peak seasons for fewer crowds.
- Transportation: Rent a car or take public transport to explore the grottoes.
- Dress Code: Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire.
So, are you ready to embark on this journey through history and beauty? 🚀 Don't forget to snap some Instagram-worthy photos and share your experiences with us! 📸
Happy travels, and see you in Anyue! 👋✨
