The Leshan Giant Buddha is a colossal statue of the Buddha Maitreya, located in the city of Leshan in the Sichuan province of China. It is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world and stands at a height of 71 meters (233 feet) tall. The statue was carved into a cliff face overlooking the confluence of three rivers and is considered a masterpiece of ancient Chinese art and engineering.
The construction of the Leshan Giant Buddha began in 713 AD, during the Tang dynasty, and was completed over a period of 90 years. It was built by a monk named Haitong, who believed that the presence of the Buddha statue would calm the rough waters of the rivers and prevent shipwrecks.
The statue depicts the Buddha in a seated position, with his hands resting on his knees and his eyes closed in meditation. It is carved in intricate detail, featuring detailed facial features, hair, robes, and accessories. The statue is also surrounded by smaller statues of Bodhisattvas and disciples, adding to its grandeur.
Visitors to the Leshan Giant Buddha can take a boat ride down the rivers to view the statue from the water, or they can climb up the stairs carved into the cliff to view the statue up close. The area surrounding the statue has also been developed into a park, with several temples and museums showcasing the history and cultural significance of the statue.