The Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world, carved into a cliff face overlooking the confluence of the Min, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers in Sichuan Province, China. Towering above the riverbanks, the statue depicts Maitreya, the future Buddha, seated calmly with hands resting on its knees. Its immense scale and serene expression make it one of China’s most impressive cultural and spiritual landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Construction of the Leshan Giant Buddha began in the early 8th century during the Tang Dynasty and took around 90 years to complete. The project was initiated by a Buddhist monk named Haitong, who believed that carving the Buddha would calm the turbulent waters that endangered passing boats. Ingeniously, the stone removed during carving fell into the river, helping to alter the water flow. The statue later became part of a larger temple complex and remains an enduring symbol of Buddhist devotion and ancient engineering.

Interesting Facts
1. The Buddha stands approximately 71 meters tall.
2. Each of the Buddha’s ears is about 7 meters long.
3. The statue features an advanced drainage system hidden within the hair and clothing to prevent erosion.
4. The toes are large enough for several people to sit on at once.
5. It is carved directly from red sandstone cliffs.
6. The site is part of the Mount Emei–Leshan Giant Buddha UNESCO World Heritage area.

Visiting Tips
1. Visit early in the morning to avoid long queues and crowds.
2. Wear comfortable shoes, as viewing the statue involves many steps.
3. Take a river boat tour for a full view of the Buddha from below.
4. Allow several hours to explore the surrounding temples and parkland.
5. Visit in spring or autumn for more comfortable weather.
6. Be patient when descending the stairway beside the statue during busy periods.