Leshan Giant Buddha

The world's largest stone Buddha, a 71-metre Tang-dynasty statue carved into a riverside cliff.

Overview

The Leshan Giant Buddha is a 71-metre seated Maitreya Buddha carved directly into the red sandstone cliff where three rivers meet, its ears alone 7 metres long. A winding plank path lets visitors descend from the head beside the giant face down to the enormous feet, while river boats offer the classic full-body view.

History & Culture

Construction began in 713 AD under the Tang-dynasty monk Haitong and took about 90 years, partly intended to calm the turbulent river confluence below. The statue, with an ingenious internal drainage system, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996 together with Mount Emei.

What to See & Do

• The 71-metre Buddha seen from the river cruise
• The cliff plank walk descending past head, shoulders and feet
• The 8.5-metre-wide instep where crowds gather for photos
• Nearby Lingyun Temple and forested cliff grottoes

Gallery