The Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛) in Sichuan Province, China, is the largest stone Buddha in the world and one of the country’s most awe-inspiring landmarks. Towering at 71 meters (233 feet) tall, it was carved directly into the cliffside where the Minjiang, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers meet.
History and Origins
Construction of the Buddha began in 713 AD during the Tang Dynasty, led by a monk named Hai Tong. He believed that building a massive statue would calm the turbulent waters below that often caused shipwrecks. After his death, the project stalled, but other monks and local leaders carried it on. The work was completed in 803 AD, meaning it took about 90 years to finish.
Design and Features
- Size: The Buddha’s head alone is 15 meters tall, with shoulders spanning 28 meters wide.
- Details: Its fingernails are large enough for a person to sit on, and each ear is more than 7 meters long.
- Engineering: Hidden drainage systems were built into the statue to reduce erosion from rain, an ancient design that has helped it survive for more than 1,200 years.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
The Leshan Buddha is not only a religious site but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1996). Millions of pilgrims and tourists visit each year to marvel at its scale and the devotion that created it. Local legend says, “The mountain is a Buddha, and the Buddha is a mountain.”
Visiting Today
Visitors can view the statue from river cruises or climb the surrounding stairways and terraces for close-up views. The area around Leshan is also rich in cultural and natural sites, making it a popular stop for travelers exploring Sichuan.
