An academic seminar focusing on the protection and utilization of the Giant Buddha Caves took place in Rong county, Zigong, on Nov. 2.
During the event, the Zigong municipal government signed a framework agreement with the Sichuan Provincial Cultural Relics and Archaeology Research Institute for cultural relics restoration and protection.
Participants inspected the Giant Buddha Caves and cliff carvings in Rong county. They examined challenges facing the stone carvings, including water damage, weathering, biological deterioration and rock structure issues, while reviewing current protective infrastructure and preservation efforts.
The seminar featured presentations on recent conservation work at the Giant Buddha Caves, with professional organizations sharing their monitoring and research findings. Following field assessments and presentations, experts discussed strategies to enhance the protection and presentation of the Rong county Giant Buddha Caves.
The Giant Buddha in Rong county, carved during the Tang dynasty and reaching 36.67 meters in height, ranks as the world's second-largest ancient stone statue after the Leshan Giant Buddha. The site received national key cultural relics protection status in 2006.
Rong county has intensified its cultural preservation efforts in recent years, establishing a dedicated survey team for stone cave heritage sites. The team has conducted comprehensive assessments using field investigations and drone photography to document preservation conditions. Officials say they have recorded more than 30 grotto temples and carved stone sites across the county, containing over 200 niches.
