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Leshan Giant Buddha

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monument
—°4
Leshan Giant Buddha (China)

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The Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world, carved directly into the red sandstone cliffs of Mount Lingyun in Sichuan Province. Situated at the confluence of the Min, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers, construction was initiated in 713 AD by the monk Hai Tong, who believed the Buddha's presence would calm the turbulent waters threatening local ships. The massive project was finally completed in 803 AD after 90 years of intermittent labor. The statue depicts a seated Maitreya Buddha and reaches a height of 71 meters, with shoulders spanning 28 meters wide. A sophisticated internal drainage system consisting of hidden channels and grooves protects the statue from rainwater erosion, ensuring its preservation for over 1,200 years. Its physical details are equally remarkable, with seven-meter-long ears and 1,021 spiraling hair curls carved into its head. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, it remains one of China's most significant cultural and religious monuments.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C581318222426262217127
Rain mm15184581116166263264148723015

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Leshan Giant Buddha is a monumental stone statue that can be viewed from a lookout platform. Entry is ticketed, and the site is well-developed.
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Typical hours
The attraction is typically open daily from early morning until late afternoon. Exact times vary by season.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site. For the best overall shot, take a boat ride on the river to see the statue from below.
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Time needed
Allow two to three hours to explore the statue and surrounding temples. Queues can be long.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with Mount Emei or the Lingyun Temple. Both are nearby and complement the experience.
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Getting there
The Leshan Giant Buddha is in Leshan city, reachable by bus from Chengdu. The site is well-signposted.
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Insider tip
Go early in the morning to avoid crowds. The queue for the descent to the platform can be very long.

Geography

Coordinates
29.54500, 103.77400

Facts

  • Construction was initiated in 713 AD during the Tang Dynasty.
  • The standing height of the statue is exactly 71 meters.
  • Completed in 803 AD after 90 years of intermittent labor.
  • The head features 1,021 individual spiraling hair curls.
  • Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in the year 1996.
  • The statue's ears measure approximately 7 meters in length.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

LeshanLeshan2 km · SWExplore →
ChengduChengdu44 km · NWExplore →
EmeishanEmeishan49 km · SExplore →
Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research BaseChengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base52 km · NWExplore →
Sanxingdui RuinsSanxingdui Ruins61 km · NWExplore →
Sichuan BasinSichuan Basin62 km · NWExplore →
Wolong National Nature ReserveWolong National Nature Reserve78 km · SWExplore →
Jiuzhaigou HuanglongJiuzhaigou Huanglong88 km · WExplore →

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Sights in the town Leshan Giant Buddha (4)

Leshan Giant Buddha📍 landmark

Completed in 803, this colossal 71-meter stone statue is carved directly into the red sandstone cliff at the confluence of three rivers.

Viewpoint of Giant Buddha🌿 nature

A scenic vantage point offering a direct, close-up view of the head and shoulders of the colossal Leshan Giant Buddha.

Giant Buddha North Gate📍 landmark

The primary entrance to the scenic park, providing access to the steep staircases that lead down the cliffside to the Buddha's feet.

Lingbao Pagoda📍 landmark

This slender, multi-story brick pagoda from the Tang Dynasty stands on Lingyun Mountain as a landmark for navigation on the river below.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Buddha?
It is 71 meters tall, making it the largest stone-carved Buddha statue in the world.
Can you see the statue by boat?
Yes, a boat trip provides the best perspective of the entire statue from the river.
Can you climb on the Buddha?
You can walk down the stairs right next to the statue to reach its feet.
How long is the trip from Chengdu?
By high-speed train, it takes only about 1 hour to reach Leshan.
When is it most crowded?
On weekends and holidays, waiting times at the stairs can be very long.
Leshan Giant Buddha: where is it located?
Leshan Giant Buddha is located in China.
Leshan Giant Buddha: what is there to see?
Highlights include Leshan Giant Buddha, Viewpoint of Giant Buddha, Giant Buddha North Gate.
Leshan Giant Buddha: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Leshan Giant Buddha: why is it worth visiting?
The Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world, carved directly into the red sandstone cliffs of Mount Lingyun in Sichuan Province.
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Emeishan — Leshan Giant Buddha (China)
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History & landmarks

Leshan — Leshan Giant Buddha (China)
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Luding Bridge — Leshan Giant Buddha (China)
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