Leshan Giant Buddha
Sichuan Sheng
The Leshan Giant Buddha is a colossal stone statue carved out of a cliff face at the confluence of the Min, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers in Sichuan Province, China. Standing at 71 meters tall, it depicts a seated Maitreya Buddha with hands resting on his knees, making it the largest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world. Construction began in 713 AD during the Tang dynasty and took about 90 years to complete. The statue was designed not only as a religious symbol but also to calm the turbulent waters below, believed to be caused by the rivers’ currents. The Buddha’s intricate drainage system, carved into various parts of the statue, helps prevent weathering by channeling rainwater away. The site is part of a larger complex including temples and housing that cover approximately 80,000 square meters. The Leshan Giant Buddha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains an iconic cultural and religious landmark, attracting millions of visitors annually. Its serene expression and monumental scale exemplify the artistic and engineering prowess of the Tang dynasty.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy softer lighting for photography. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online, with discounts often available for students, seniors, and groups. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the site involves climbing stairs and walking along cliffs. Guided tours are available to provide deeper insight into the history and cultural significance. Checking weather conditions before visiting is advisable, as heavy rain can affect accessibility and visibility.
Interesting facts
- •The Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world, standing 71 meters tall.
- •It took about 90 years to complete the statue during the Tang dynasty.
- •The statue has an advanced drainage system carved into it to prevent water damage.
- •The Buddha overlooks the confluence of three rivers: Min, Dadu, and Qingyi.
- •The site includes a temple complex covering around 80,000 square meters.
History
Construction of the Leshan Giant Buddha began in 713 AD during the Tang dynasty, initiated by a Chinese monk named Haitong who hoped the Buddha would calm the dangerous river currents that threatened passing boats.
The project took approximately 90 years to complete, spanning several generations.
Over the centuries, the statue has survived natural weathering, floods, and human activity.
Its sophisticated drainage system, carved into the statue, was an innovative feature to reduce erosion.
The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.
Restoration efforts have been ongoing to combat degradation from pollution and tourist impact.
Place Guide
Main StatueTang dynasty (8th century)
The colossal seated Maitreya Buddha carved directly from the cliff face, notable for its serene expression and monumental scale.
Temple ComplexTang dynasty and subsequent periods
The surrounding temples and housing structures built to enshrine and protect the Buddha, forming a cultural and religious center.
Drainage SystemTang dynasty
An intricate network of hidden drainage pipes carved into the statue’s body to channel rainwater and reduce erosion, still functional today.
Contact
Phone: 0833 211 0226