Leshan Giant Buddha Guide

The Leshan Giant Buddha, located to the east of Leshan City, Sichuan Province, at the confluence of three rivers which are Min River, Qingyi River, and Dadu River, is a statue of Maitreya (a Bodhisattva) in sitting posture. The construction of the Leshan Giant Buddha was started in 713 A.D. during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), led by a Chinese monk named Haitong. He hoped that the Buddha would calm the turbulent waters that plagued the shipping vessels travelling down the river. When funding for the project was threatened, he is said to have gouged out his own eyes to show his piety and sincerity.

The construction was completed by his disciples ninety years later. Apparently the massive construction resulted in so much stone being removed from the cliff face and deposited into the river below that the currents were indeed altered by the statue, making the waters safe for passing ships. The stone sculpture faces Mount Emei, with the rivers flowing below his feet. The Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. It was undamaged by the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.

The charm of the Buddha lies not only in its size but also in its architectural artistry. There are 1,021 buns in the Buddha's coiled hair. These have been skillfully embedded in the head. The skill is so wonderful that the 1,021 buns seem integral to the whole. Another architectural highlight is the drainage system. This system is made up of some hidden gutters and channels, scattered on the head and arms, behind the ears and in the clothes. This system, which helps displace rainwater and keep the inner part dry, plays an important part in the protection of the Buddha. This system have been better to reflect the architectural value of Leshan Giant Buddha.
Here are some guide information about Leshan Giant Buddha. The detail is following:
Address: Pizijie, Leshan
Admission Fee: CNY 70
Opening hours: 08:00 a.m-18:00 p.m
Contact Hotline: 86 833 2302296

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