Great Buddha of Leshan, Sichuan, China
There are large statues, and then there is the Leshan Giant Buddha. Carved into a cliff near the confluence of the Min, Qingyi, and Dadu rivers in Sichuan, China, this work is an ancient engineering marvel. Its construction began in 713 AD, under the direction of the monk Hai Tong, who hoped that the Buddha's presence would calm the dangerous river currents that threatened the ships.
The statue took about 90 years to complete, long after Hai Tong's death. At 71 meters high, it is the largest stone Buddha in the world; its shoulders measure 28 meters, its ears almost 7 meters, and each foot is more than 8 meters. The statue's ingenious drainage channels protect it from erosion, which explains its preservation for more than 12 centuries.
Along with the Mount Emei Scenic Area, Leshan Buddha was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Interestingly, the statue has become a symbol of calm and protection, attracting travelers from all over the world. Discover this cultural gem and let its history inspire you.
Truth Dead is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.