Leshan Giant Buddha: The World's Largest Stone Buddha

#localguides #aprilblooms #historicallandmarks #postandearn The Leshan Giant Buddha is a monumental 71-meter (233 feet) tall stone statue carved into a cliff face at the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers in Sichuan Province, China. Facing Mount Emei, this seated Maitreya Buddha is the tallest pre-modern statue in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 . 🏛️ Historical Background Initiated in 713 AD during the Tang Dynasty by the monk Hai Tong, the statue was intended to calm the turbulent waters that endangered passing ships. Legend holds that Hai Tong gouged out his own eyes to demonstrate his piety when funding was threatened. Although he died before its completion, his disciples, with support from local officials, finished the project in 803 AD . 📐 Architectural Marvel Height: 71 meters (233 feet) Shoulder Width: 28 meters (92 feet) Head: 14.7 meters high and 10 meters wide, adorned with 1,021 spiral curls Ears: 7 meters long, capable of accommodating two people inside Fingers: 8.3 meters long Instep: 8.5 meters wide, spacious enough for about 100 people The statue's design incorporates a sophisticated drainage system with hidden gutters and channels in the hair, collar, chest, and back to prevent water erosion, a feature that has preserved the Buddha for over 1,200 years . 🚶♂️ Visiting the Leshan Giant Buddha Location: Leshan, Sichuan Province, approximately 160 km from Chengdu Opening Hours: April to October: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM October to March: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM Entrance Fee: CNY 90 for adults; discounts available for students and seniors Viewing Options: Cliffside Path: Descend from the head to the feet via narrow stairs for an intimate perspective. Boat Tour: Offers a panoramic view from the river, ideal for photography and avoiding crowds . 📸 Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid peak crowds, especially on weekends and public holidays. Accessibility: The cliffside path involves steep and narrow stairs; suitable footwear and caution are advised. Additional Attractions: Nearby sites include Wuyou Temple and Mahao Cliff Tombs, enriching the cultural experience. #leshangiantbuddha #worldheritagesite #maitreyabuddha #tangdynasty #sichuanattractions #culturalheritage #ancientchina #buddhistart #travelchina #historicmonuments