The Qianfoyan Rock grottos contain 165 caves, which can be further divided into six sculpture zones. The chronology of these caves can be subdivided into 5 phases representing the mighty Tang Middle Tang, Late Tang, Five Dynasties and Song period, and Ming Dynasty. From the Late Tang to the Five Dynasties, sculptures were in medium-size caves, whereas sculptures in caves dating to the Ming Dynasty are in mini size. While lintel in the form of diagonal brace was found in caves dating from the Middle or Late Tang to the Five Dynasties, caves dating to the Ming Dynasty usually show lintel without the diagonal brace. The themes of sculptures include three Buddhas sitting together, four Buddhas sitting together, illustrations about Pure Land Buddhism，Amitabha franking by Avalokitesvara and Kitigarbha, Avalokitesvara flanking by Kitigarbha, double Avalokitesvara, Kitigarbha, Vessava, the thousand-hand Bodhisattva, three eminent monks, towers, etc. In addition, modification occurred in later period is frequently found on these sculptures.
