Gyirong’s Majestic Rock Carvings
In Gyirong County, Tibet, remarkable ancient cliff carvings known as the Gyirong Rock Carvings adorn a massive rock face in Chongdui Qudan Jiasang. Three Buddha statues, each 1.5 meters tall and sculpted in semi-circular relief, grace this rock. The central figure is Avalokitesvara (Guanyin), flanked by Vajrapani on the left and Manjushri on the right, collectively known as “Rigs-gsum-mgon-po.” These carvings, with a distinct South Asian style, display skilled craftsmanship and harmonious proportions.
Lajiang Gongla Cliff Carvings
Situated 500 meters southwest of Sale Township in Gyirong County, the Lajiang Gongla Cliff Carvings stand majestically on a cliff. The carvings, about 2.3 meters tall, show a figure adorned in a lotus crown, robes, and trousers, typical of the Tibetan Late Period, with distinct Nepalese influences.
Bajiaolang Valley Cliff Carvings
These carvings, located 10 meters off the road from Gyirong Town to Chongdui in Gyirong County, feature two figures: a 100 cm tall Tara and a 110 cm tall Bodhisattva. Carved into a large stone wall, these carvings from the 13th-14th centuries are known for their exquisite craftsmanship and gentle lines.
Zhaoti Wall Barrier Cliff Carvings
In a deep ditch about 500 meters to the right of the road from Gyirong Town to Zongga, these carvings are etched into a cliff. Standing 1.6 meters tall, the figure in these carvings is full-bodied and adorned with a crown, bracelets, and anklets, a testament to the even and smooth carving techniques of the time.
Historical Significance of Zhaoti Wall Barrier Inscriptions
These inscriptions, carved in the early to mid-Qing Dynasty, are located 2.7 meters from the Zhaoti Wall Barrier Cliff Carvings. Written in running script, the four characters “Zhaoti Wall Barrier” reflect the military significance of this location, guarding a key pass on the China-Nepal border.
Wuzipu Village Cliff Carvings
At an altitude of 2950 meters, behind the mountains of Wuzipu Village in Gyirong County, these carvings depict a figure with three eyes and six arms, dressed in a tiger skin skirt. Below the carving are Tibetan inscriptions, recording the names of those who commissioned the work and their prayers.
These ancient carvings in Gyirong County are not just artistic wonders; they are windows into Tibet’s rich cultural and historical tapestry, showcasing the region’s deep connection with its South Asian neighbors and its own spiritual heritage. For travelers and history buffs, these sites offer a unique glimpse into the ancient world of Tibet.
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