Large Yuan Dynasty Cliff Carvings in Jiangnan | Nanshan Cliff Carvings

⛰️Located on the mountainside of the southeastern foothills of Nanshan in Pingyao Town, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, this cliff carving site integrates Buddhist and Taoist art from the Yuan Dynasty. The cultural heritage marker identifies it as "Nanshan Statues," while navigation systems list it as "Nanshan Cliff Carvings." 🗿The statues were initially carved during the Yuan Dynasty (1328–1341) under the supervision of monks from the Nanshan Puning Temple of the Buddhist White Cloud Sect, utilizing cliffs left from quarrying during the Southern Song Dynasty. The White Cloud Sect advocated the fusion of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, making this rare statue group a blend of both Buddhist and Taoist themes, reflecting the historical coexistence of religions in Zhejiang during the Yuan Dynasty. 🗿Originally, there were over 30 statues, but more than half were destroyed in 1978 when villagers blasted the mountain for stone. Today, 13 statues remain (12 Buddhist and 1 Taoist). 🏆In 2013, it was designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, becoming another significant Yuan Dynasty cliff carving site in Hangzhou alongside Feilai Feng. Compared to the Feilai Feng carvings, the Nanshan statues appear more rustic and realistic, with a distinct secular influence and regional Jiangnan characteristics. Having endured hardships and now revitalized, the Nanshan statues stand with weathered dignity, awaiting visitors to convey their 700-year-old Zen solemnity. 🅿️Parking Guide: Nanshan Cliff Carvings are situated on a hillside by the roadside, where parking is unavailable. Visitors can park at the nearby "Nanshan Suji."