Project Type:  Experimental / Institutional Size:  2,000 sqm Year:  2014 Media: https://www.gooood.cn/overseas-yang-zhao.htm Among China’s many historic Buddhist sites, the Thousand-Buddha Cliff in Guangyuan, Sichuan, stands out as one of the most remarkable. Positioned on the south bank of the Jialing River, this cliffside sanctuary has endured for over a millennium. Over generations, artisans carved more than 400 cave temples and over 1,000 statues into its rock face, creating an extraordinary cultural treasure. Yet, the cliff’s north-facing orientation, combined with prolonged shade and constant exposure to river moisture, has caused significant deterioration. Cracks appeared in parts of the cliff over the past century, and without proper upkeep, wooden viewing platforms have decayed, diminishing both the site’s structural integrity and its visual grandeur. The challenge lies in finding an innovative architectural approach to safeguard the relics while restoring the spiritual presence of the site. Addressing erosion requires channeling sunlight to dry the cliff’s surface, along with the installation of awnings and drainage systems to protect the carvings during rainfall. However, any protective intervention must avoid imposing excessive structural loads on the fragile rock. A balanced solution calls for inspiration from local heritage—perhaps drawing on the imagery of sailboats that have navigated the Jialing River for centuries—as a conceptual guide to preserve the cliff while honoring its cultural and historical essence.