Overview:

: The Leshan Giant Buddha is located in Leshan City, Sichuan Province, China and is the largest and tallest stone-carved Buddha in the world. The Giant Buddha is 71-meters tall and has three faces with different expressions. It was carved out of a cliff of Mt. Lingyun in the 8th century. It took 90 years to build and was completed in 803 AD. The Giant Buddha has been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites since 1996 and stands as a testament to the craftsmanship, skill and culture of ancient China. The Giant Buddha is a popular tourist destination and draws visitors from around the world. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in China
Prominent Features:

1. It is the world’s tallest pre-modern statue, measuring 233 feet tall. 2. The statue faces Mount Emei and overlooks the river below. 3. It is carved into a cliff, and constructed from a combination of brick, wood, and iron. 4. The face has compassionate eyebrows and gentle eyes. 5. It has long ears, indicative of being well-versed in scriptures. 6. Its robe is adorned with decorations believed to represent the sun, moon, and stars. 7. It is showing the majestic and graceful posture of Shakyamuni with the right hand held aloft in teaching, and the left hand supporting a cloth sack. 8. Carved into the stone next to the statue are 24 smaller figures, which are believed to be the disciples of Buddha and various gods. 9. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. 10. It is a symbol of spirituality and religious devotion in Chinese culture. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in China.

History:

The Leshan Giant Buddha in China is a 71-meter tall stone statue of Maitreya, a Buddhist figure, carved into the side of a hill in Leshan, China. It is the largest and tallest stone Buddha in the world and was built during the Tang Dynasty under instruction from a monk called Hiaotzu in the 8th century. The idea of constructing a giant Buddha was first proposed in the year 713 by a group of monks who wanted to protect the region from the turbulent currents of the three rivers in the area. The construction of the statue began in the same year and took almost a hundred years to complete due to its massive size. The statue was built out of clay, wood, and stone, and was carved out of the cliff face of the hill. Over 5,000 workers were involved in the construction, including carpenters, masons, painters, and sculptors. The giant Buddha stands facing the oncoming waters of the three rivers of the area, with his hands resting on his knees and a faint smile on his face. In December 1996, the Leshan Giant Buddha was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its contributions to the history and culture of the region. The statue continues to draw visitors from all over the world who come to admire its size, beauty, and religious significance. Visit one of the famous monuments of China with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Leshan Giant Buddha was first built during the Tang Dynasty. Construction began in 713 AD and ended in 803 AD. 2. The Leshan Giant Buddha was carved out of a cliffs located at the confluence of the Dadu, Minjiang, and Qingyi rivers. 3. The massive Buddha stands 233 feet (71 meters) tall and has a shoulder width of 28 meters. 4. According to legend, the monk Haitong built the statue to calm turbulent waters that threatened to destroy nearby towns and villages. 5. The Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest stone Buddha in the world and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 6. The Statue of Liberty in New York is only one-third the size of the Leshan Giant Buddha. 7. Over a hundred hidden sculptures of animals and humans are located within the niches at the base of the Leshan Giant Buddha. 8. Visible changes in color are noticed at night, which adds to the unique experience of seeing the Leshan Giant Buddha. One of the historical monuments of China, it tells the story of a bygone era