Leshan Giant Buddha: reviews, price and practical tips

Visiting the Leshan Giant Buddha

The Leshan Giant Buddha is a colossal statue carved straight into the cliff face of Mount Lingyun in Sichuan Province. This rare masterpiece was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

History

Construction on this massive sculpture began in 713 during the Tang dynasty under the guidance of the monk Hǎitōng. Legend has it that he hoped the presence of the Buddha at this exact spot would calm the notoriously dangerous river currents below. According to the same lore, when funding for the project ran low, he gouged out his own eyes to prove his devotion, eventually living out his final days as a hermit in a cave.

Sadly, after his death, funds dried up and the work ground to a halt. Fortunately, nearly seven decades later, a Chinese governor stepped in to finance its completion. The statue was finally finished in 803, 90 years after construction first started.

The massive statue

The Leshan Giant Buddha stands 71 metres tall and spans 28 metres wide. The head alone measures 14 metres in height. Flanking the statue are warrior figures standing 8 metres tall. Up on the hillside directly behind the giant Buddha, you will find several ancient pavilions connected by a network of staircases.

The toll of time

This magnificent statue bears the marks of its great age. Weathering and pollution take a heavy toll on the stone. The local government has closed down several factories and a nearby coal-fired power plant to help protect it, but the environmental challenges persist.

Fortunately, a loan secured through the World Bank now ensures that the Buddha receives regular conservation care and maintenance.

The best part is that all the stone debris tossed into the river during construction ultimately altered the currents enough to make the waterway navigable, meaning the monk's original wish was finally fulfilled.