"Dunhuang murals in the north, Jianchuan Grottoes in the south." This saying fully speaks to the immense value of the Jianchuan Grottoes. These precious stone carvings embodying Bai Buddhist art from the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms are nestled amid the picturesque Shibaoshan Mountain.

Shibaoshan Scenic Area lies in Jianchuan County, in the northwest of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. It belongs to the central part of the Hengduan Mountains and forms a southern spur of Laojun Mountain, a World Natural Heritage site. The scenic zone covers a total area of 36 square kilometres, with elevations ranging from 2,140 metres up to 3,038 metres. Due to the sharp altitude difference and varied terrain, the area features the climate described in the local proverb: "One mountain bears four seasons; weather differs within a single li." The mountain is covered with jagged rock formations, and its Danxia landform known as "blossoming stones" ranks as a geological wonder of the world.

It was designated as one of China’s first batch of national key scenic spots by the State Council in 1982 and holds the national 4A tourist attraction rating. Shibaoshan boasts countless scenic spots, each with its own unique charm.

As you hike into Shibaoshan, thick forests create a quiet, secluded atmosphere, with ancient temples hidden deep in this green wilderness. Haiyunju Temple stands on Shisan Hill to the left of the mountain gate. First built in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, the ancient architectural complex is surrounded by rustling pine trees and drifting mist. Facing the crystal-clear Jianhu Lake, the viewing platform in front of the temple offers distant views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Dense pine forests and towering ancient cypresses envelop the temple, creating a peaceful and serene setting. The compound consists of two courtyards arranged on three tiers with elegant and simple layouts. The lattice doors and flower-patterned windows feature exquisite carvings, demonstrating the superb craftsmanship of Jianchuan’s carpenters. A bronze bell cast in the 22nd year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1543) still hangs inside the main hall.

Throughout history, this renowned mountain has drawn celebrated visitors including the great Ming traveller Xu Xiake, top scholar Yang Sheng’an, literatus Li Yuanyang and eminent monks. Men of letters came here to compose numerous well-known poems and couplets, adding lasting cultural glory to the mountain.

Baoxiang Temple was initially constructed in the late Song Dynasty, while the existing buildings date back to the Qing Dynasty, spanning more than 800 years of history. Perched on the sheer precipices of Foding Mountain, it is hailed as "the Hanging Temple of Yunnan". The magnificent natural scenery has attracted troops of wild monkeys that live and breed here freely.

The monkeys at Baoxiang Temple are fearless of humans and often accompany visitors along the trail. Living carefree lives, they can finish all the sacrificial fruits left by tourists in just a few seconds. The moment Baoxiang Temple comes into view, visitors are struck with awe. The sacred temple clings to towering cliffs, presenting a spectacular sight. The carved inscription on the mountain rock reads "Wonderland Hanging in Mid-Air", a perfect description of this scenic spot.

The most fascinating cultural event at Baoxiang Temple is the Shibaoshan Song Festival, which has been inscribed on the national intangible cultural heritage list approved by the State Council. This traditional Bai festival runs for three full days and nights, from the 27th to the 29th day of the seventh lunar month. Bai men and women gather here from all directions. They play the sanxian lute and sing love songs day and night, using music as a matchmaker to find their ideal life partners.

The Shizhongshan Grottoes, known as "the Dunhuang of Southwest China", were chiselled out during the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms between the Tang and Song dynasties, with a history of over 1,100 years. In 1961, they were listed among China’s first batch of national key cultural relic protection sites. Seventeen precious grottoes spread across three zones: Shizhong Temple, Lion Hill and Shadeng Valley. The carvings vividly record the royal history of the Nanzhao Kingdom and Buddhist art. Every grotto tells a story, and every carving bears witness to masterful craftsmanship. The breathtaking Danxia landform also showcases the marvellous work of nature.

The stone statues in the Shizhongshan Grottoes feature rich themes, original conceptions and vivid carving techniques. The statues of the Eight Great Wisdom Kings rank among the finest works of Esoteric Buddhist art in China and even across the globe. Portraits of Nanzhao monarchs faithfully depict the political life of the royal court. Foreign-figure carvings serve as historical evidence of cultural exchanges between ancient China and Southeast Asia as well as West Asia. Most remarkably, the grottoes contain the globally rare relic of the Ayangbai vulva stone carving, enshrined side by side with noble Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and emperors.

For local people of Jianchuan, Shibaoshan is both a sacred mountain and a mountain of love. Once you experience its unique charm, you will surely linger on this precious gem of southern China and never wish to leave.