Leshan

Travel Guide

Breath taking views from the mountain or river, the giant Buddha sits peaceful as the people go by #Nature

Construction on the Giant Buddha began in 713 AD. It was the idea of a Chinese monk named Haitong, who hoped that the Buddha would calm the turbulent waters that plagued the shipping vessels travelling down the river. His plans were not just supernatural - the enormous amount of rubble carved away from the cliff would be deposited in the river, altering the currents and calming the waters.

When government funding for the project was threatened, the monk is said to have gouged out his own eyes to show his piety and sincerity. The construction project was continued by his disciples and finally completed by the local governor in 803.

#monks #buddhism #religion #china #History

Giant Buddha in Leshan, China. It is a 71-metre (233 ft) tall stone statue, built during the Tang Dynasty, depicting Maitreya. It is carved out of a cliff face that lies at the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers in the southern part of Sichuan province in China, near the city of Leshan. The stone sculpture faces Mount Emei, with the rivers flowing below his feet. It is the largest stone Buddha in the world and it is by far the tallest pre-modern statue in the world.

The Leshan Giant Buddha statue is said to have been built to calm the turbulent waters that plagued passing boats and killed many people each year. So, in the Tang Dynasty, a monk named Hai Tong, decided to carve a giant statue beside the river, hoping it would appease the river gods and save more local people’s lives. With this belief, the Hai Tong Monk begged for 20 years to acquire enough funds to begin his work. According to legend, when some local government officials wanted to get large amounts of money from Hai Tong, he said they could have his eyeball but not the money raised for the Buddha statue. When government funding for the project was threatened, the monk is said to have gouged out his own eyes to show his sincerity and devotion to the cause. The officials were scared away, and Hai Tong saved the money and started the project in 713 AD.

The project was half finished when he passed away and two of his disciples were left to continue the work. The project was finally completed 90 years later by the local governor in 803 AD.

This statue stands next to a cave behind the Giant Buddah where Hai Tong had lived.

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Where to stay in Leshan

Wuyou Temple in the Leshan Giant Buddha complex, China.

Shizhong District

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

While visiting Shizhong District, you might make a stop by sights like Leshan Giant Buddha and Leshan Bridge.

Wutongqiao District

While visiting Wutongqiao District, you might make a stop by sights like Farmhouse Museum and Ding Youjun Memorial Hall.

Shawan District

You might make a stop by Guo Moruo Former residence while you're exploring Shawan District.

Le Méridien Emei Mountain Resort

No 555 Mingshan Road South Section Leshan Sichuan

Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Leshan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Popular attractions Xiujia Waterfall and Baoguo Temple are located ...

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Hilton Garden Inn Leshan Shizhong

388 Luyou Road, Shizhong District Leshan

Stay at this hotel in Leshan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Lingbao Tower and Leshan Giant Buddha are located ...

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HUALUXE Leshan by IHG

888 West Baiyang Road Leshan Sichuan

Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Leshan. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Lingbao Tower and Leshan Giant ...

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Heinemann's Vaca Apartment at Mount Emei Hosted by a German Couple

Leshan Sichuan

Stay at this apartment in Leshan. Enjoy a garden. Popular attractions Baoguo Temple and Xiujia Waterfall are located nearby.

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Popular places to visit

Leshan Dafo, giant buddha, Leshan, China

Leshan Giant Buddha

You can find out about the history of Leshan with a stop at Leshan Giant Buddha. Wander the riverfront or discover the area's mountain views.

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Emeishan Zhuyeqing Ecological Tea Garden

You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Emeishan Zhuyeqing Ecological Tea Garden in Emeishan. Wander the forest or discover the area's mountain views.

Mount Emei

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Emei during your travels in Emeishan. Wander the seaside and parks while you're in the area.