Leshan Giant Buddha

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Spot Introduction

Located in Leshan City, Sichuan Province, the Leshan Giant Buddha is a World Cultural Heritage site and home to the world’s largest stone carving of a seated Maitreya Buddha. The construction of this colossal statue began in the Tang Dynasty’s Kaiyuan first year (713 AD) and took 90 years to complete. Standing at an impressive height of 71 meters, with a head height of 14.7 meters and shoulder width of 28 meters, the Giant Buddha exudes a magnificent aura, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of ancient artisans.

The Giant Buddha was carved into the mountainside, facing the confluence of three rivers, embodying the unique concept of “the Buddha is a mountain, and the mountain is a Buddha.” Its brilliance lies not only in its enormous size but also in its exquisite craftsmanship. The Buddha’s drainage system is particularly ingenious. Through a hidden drainage system and concave-convex surface decorations, rainwater is prevented from eroding the statue, which is a crucial factor in its preservation till today.

Visitors can explore the Giant Buddha in three ways: overlooking the entire statue from the back of Lingyun Temple’s mountain, admiring it closely along the Nine-Turn Stack Way, or gazing up at it from a boat on the river. Each perspective offers a different kind of awe-inspiring experience. Besides the Giant Buddha, historical sites within the scenic area, such as Lingyun Temple and Lingba Tower, provide valuable insights into Tang Dynasty Buddhist culture and architectural art. In recent years, the scenic area has continuously implemented protection projects for the Giant Buddha, ensuring the preservation of this precious cultural heritage through modern technological means.

Must-Visit Attractions

  1. Leshan Giant Buddha

    • Front Viewing Platform
    • Jiuqu (Nine Bends) Plank Path
    • Suggested Visiting Time: 90 minutes

  2. Lingyun Temple

    • Ancient Temple with a Millennium of History
    • Buddhist Culture
    • Suggested Visiting Time: 45 minutes

  3. Boat Tour of the Giant Buddha

    • Viewing the Buddha from the River
    • Panoramic Photography
    • Suggested Visiting Time: 30 minutes

  4. Lingbao Pagoda

    • Tang Dynasty Architecture
    • Overlooking the Giant Buddha
    • Suggested Visiting Time: 30 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Optimal Touring Route

    • Visit Lingyun Temple first
    • Then view the Giant Buddha
    • Finally, take a boat tour

  2. Visiting Time Arrangement

    • Depart in the morning
    • Visit during off-peak hours
    • Avoid noon time

  3. Practical Tips

    • Wear comfortable shoes
    • Bring sun protection gear
    • Don’t forget your camera

Transportation Guide

  • Airplane: Leshan Airport
  • High-Speed Train: Leshan High-Speed Railway Station
  • Public Bus: Take Bus 13 or 3 to the Giant Buddha Scenic Area
  • Self-drive: About 2 hours from Chengdu
  1. Leshan Bobo Chicken
  2. Leshan Tofu Pudding
  3. Jiazhou Beef
  4. Leshan Deep-Fried Skewers

Special Reminders

  1. Avoid rainy days
  2. Steep steps
  3. Act within your capability
  4. Protect cultural relics
  5. Respect beliefs
  6. Ideal for photography
  7. Book tickets ahead of time
  8. Bring small change.