Leshan Giant Buddha

» Chengdu, Si Chuan

Leshan Giant Buddha Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

The Buddha is located to the east of Leshan City, Sichuan Province, at the confluence of three rivers, namely, Min River, Qingyi River, and Dadu River. It is carved into the cliffs of Mt. Lingyun. A local saying describes the Buddha like this: "The Mountain unveils a Buddha, while the Buddha fades into the mountain."

Something needs to know

The huge figure takes the shape of a Maitreya Buddha, a disciple of Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism. The figure occupies the entire hillside. Its head reaches the top of the cliffs, his hands rest on his knees and his face has a serene expression as it gazes at Leshan city across the river which rushes past its feet.

How giant

Looking solemn and stately, the Buddha is 71 meters high. His shoulders are 28 meters wide, head 14.7 meters long and 10 meters broad, with a total of 1,021 chignons of hair clustered on it. Each chignon is as big as a round table. Its drooping ear is 6.2 meters long and each eye is 3.3 meters wide. Its middle finger is 8.3 meters long, and each of its bare feet is 11 meters long and 8.5 meters wide, large enough for more than 100 people to sit on.

As a colossal statue the Buddha is so awe-inspiring that every pious Buddhist feels compelled to fall to his knees and to pray for blessings and safety in life.

Construction of the Buddha

Construction on the Giant Buddha began in 713. 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 traveling down the river.

When funding for the project was threatened, he is said to have gouged out his own eyes to show his piety and sincerity. The massive construction project was finally completed by his disciples 90 years later.

The construction resulted in so much stone being removed from the cliff face and deposited into the river below that the currents were altered by the statue, making the waters safe for passing ships as the monk had hoped. There are still some rough currents where the three rivers meet - but none that threaten the tourist ferries.

The architectural artistry

The charm of the Buddha lies not only in its size but also in its architectural artistry. There are 1,021 buns in the Buddha's coiled hair. These have been skillfully embedded in the head. The skill is so wonderful that the 1,021 buns seem integral to the whole.

Another architectural highlight is the drainage system. This system is made up of some hidden gutters and channels, scattered on the head and arms, behind the ears and in the clothes. This system, which helps displace rainwater and keep the inner part dry, plays an important part in the protection of the Buddha. The large pair of ears, each seven meters (about 23 feet) long, is made of wood and is decorated by mud on the surface. For craftsmen of thousands of years ago, it was not easy to fix these to the stone head.

When to visit

Opening Hours: 9:00a.m. - 4:50p.m.

Getting there

By bus

It is 162 kilometers (about 100 miles) from Chengdu City to Leshan City if one travels by the expressway. Emei City and Leshan City, with a distance of 31kilometers (about 19 miles) are connected by a freeway, and there is a regular bus every ten minutes. Besides, there are buses to Chongqing City, Neijiang City, Zigong City, Yibin City and Ya'an City from Leshan City. Buses to nearby counties are also available.

By train

To get to Leshan by train, get off at Emei station. This station is 10 kilometers (about six miles) away from the gate of Mt. Emei, and 31 kilometers (about 19 miles) away from Leshan City.

By water

There are very many ferries to the site of Leshan Giant Buddha every day. Ferries to Yibin City, Luzhou City and Chongqing City are available at Leshan Port.

By air

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is 150 kilometers (about 93 miles) away from Leshan City by freeway. Many train and air ticket offices are set up in the city.

Attractions around » Chengdu, Si Chuan

Natural Scene

• Mt. Emeishan
• Mt. Qingchengshan
• Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
• Small Three Gorges
• Wangjiang Park

Historical Site

• Leshan Giant Buddha
• Dujiangyan Irrigation System
• Wenshuyuan
• Du Fu Cottage
• Wuhou Memorial Temple
• Qingyanggong Temple
• Jinli Street
• Langzhong Ancient City
• Broad and Narrow Alley in Chengdu

Cultural Site

• Sanxingdui Ruins
• Wangjiang Park
• Wenshuyuan

Shopping & Leisure

• Jinli Street
• Tian Xia Shua Du
• Chunxi Road

Leshan Giant Buddha Highlights

Buddhism attraction highlights

• Mt. Emeishan
• Leshan Giant Buddha
• Mt. Lushan
• Mt. Putuoshan
• Mt. Wutaishan
• Kizilgaha Thousand Buddha Cave
• Mt. Jiuhuashan
• Dazu Rock Carvings
• Dai Temple
• Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
• Bailin Temple, Great Zen Buddhist Center

city highlights

• Dunhuang
• Dengfeng
• Luoyang
• Taishan
• Emeishan
• Leshan
• Shijiazhuang

Grottoes attraction highlights

• Mogao Grottoes
• Leshan Giant Buddha
• Longmen Grottoes
• Maijishan Grottoes
• Kizilgaha Thousand Buddha Cave
• Binglingsi Grottoes
• Dazu Rock Carvings
• Giant Buddha Temple
• Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
• Yulin Grottoes

city highlights

• Dunhuang
• Luoyang
• Tianshui
• Leshan

Grottoes & Cave in Great China

• Mogao Grottoes
• Leshan Giant Buddha
• Longmen Grottoes
• Yungang Grottoes
• Maijishan Grottoes
• Kizilgaha Thousand Buddha Cave
• Binglingsi Grottoes
• Huanglongdong Cave
• Fengyu Cave
• Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
• Black Dragon Cave
• Yulin Grottoes
• Nine Dragon Cave Scenic Area
• Nietang Buddha

Leshan Giant Buddha FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. What about climate in Chengdu?
2. What's the best season for traveling in Chengdu?
3. Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area lie in Aba, what about the climate here? What's the best season here?

  Food

1. What are the characteristics of Chengdu snakes? Could you introduce some unique dishes?
2. What eating-taboos need we pay attention to in the Tibetan region - Aba?

  Shopping

1. What souvenirs can we buy for friends and relatives in Chengdu?

  Travel

1. What are entertainments in Chengdu?
2. I know Jiuzhaigou scenic areas lie in Aba County. Could you tell me where the Aba is located?
3. Can I do the self-serve traveling in Aba?
4. What are the items to be aware of when traveling in Jiuzhaigou?
5. Can we enjoy some typical performances in Jiuzhaigou?

  Customs

1. What are the minority residents in Sichuan? What taboos need we pay attention to in Sichuan?

  Other Hints

1. What need we prepare if we visit the plateau region?
2. What's the city code of Chengdu?

• What about climate in Chengdu?

  The climate of Chengdu is mild and humid with distinct four seasons and plenty of rainfall. It is a city with the early spring, hot summer, cool autumn and warm winter.

  The annual average temperature is 16 degree Celsius. January is the coldest season when the average temperature is approximately 5 degrees Celsius. Snow is rare but there are a few periods of frost each winter. Summer is hot and humid. July is the hottest season when temperatures can be almost 35 degree Celsius.

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• What's the best season for traveling in Chengdu?

  The best time to visit is between March and June or between September and November. In the hottest seasons of July and August, you can summer at the nearby Mt. Qingchengshan or Xiling Snow Mountain. When snow in winter, you can enjoy the nice snow scenery at Xiling Snow Mountain and Longchi Forest Park.

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• Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area lie in Aba, what about the climate here? What's the best season here?

  Aba has a continental plateau climate. So visiting Aba, including Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area, spring or autumn clothing is necessary in summer for the temperature varies greatly during a day.

  The spring of Aba is from June to July. And the winter is from December to March and April of the next year. Some people say that paradise is distributed everywhere in Aba. The fact is different sceneries of Aba show their best in different seasons.

  The best time to Huanglong is from April to November, to Jiuzhaigou is from September to October. During the high tourist seasons such as International Labor Day (May 1st) and National Day (October 1st), there are a lot of visitors here. So the prices of the hotel, food and transportation in this period are very high. You'd better avoid the high tourist seasons.

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• What are the characteristics of Chengdu snakes? Could you introduce some unique dishes?

  Chengdu snacks enjoy a high reputation both at home and abroad with their unique colors, aromas, shapes and tastes. It covers the essence of Sichuan cuisine.

  You can taste some famous dishes such as the Long Wonton Soup, Mapo Doufu, Hot pepper, and so on. There are many foods with the unequal characteristics in Chengdu. Although you can buy some from Beijing, such as beef jerky and dehydrated bean curd, the varieties and taste are not more than original place.

  You can buy the typical Sichuan seasoning in the local market. In a word, you will come back with fruitful results.

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• What eating-taboos need we pay attention to in the Tibetan region - Aba?

  The Tibetan food and Sichuan cuisine are popular in Aba. But there are some Muslim foods. So you can have your meals in Aba County or some bigger towns. However, you need to take along some food with you.

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• What souvenirs can we buy for friends and relatives in Chengdu?

  There are a few good local specialties which are worth having a look at even if you don't want to make a purchase!

  Shu Embroidery is an interesting example of exquisite workmanship and detail. And it is one of the four best and most famous brocades in China along with Nanjing Brocade, Suzhou Brocade and Guangxi Brocade.

  Silk Tapestry is also one of your best choices. The tapestry is smooth and sleek and to touch it feels soft and springy and this makes a lovely souvenir.

  Equally impressive are the beautiful Silverware pieces and Qingcheng Silk Tapestries.

  All kinds of Bamboo craftwork and lacquer ware are also worthy to buy some for your friends and relatives as the decent gifts.

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• What are entertainments in Chengdu?

  The main form of entertainment in Chengdu is Chinese traditional opera C Sichuan opera. It is a great place to see some authentic Chinese art on stage such as facial makeup, fire-spitting, the long flowing silk inner sleeves, spirals-lifting.

  When you are in Chengdu, you will see teahouses everywhere on the streets. Teahouses sprawl over Chengdu sidewalks, public parks, main scenic spots, in back-alley sections and suburbs. You can enjoy your pastimes and stay in theses teahouses all day!

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• I know Jiuzhaigou scenic areas lie in Aba County. Could you tell me where the Aba located is?

  Aba is situated in northwestern Sichuan Province. Aba County is well connected to many provincial towns and cities such as Garz, Liangshan and Yaan City. It is bounded on the famous Tibet Autonomous Region. It is a special region. We need to follow the customs and habits of the local people.

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• Can I do the self-serve traveling in Aba?

  Aba is surely one of incredibly amazing places in China people want to visit. It is a place with a lot of splendid scenic spots and with the unique culture. Its beauty bears no comparison with other places from home and abroad. There are so many snow mountains in the large area of Aba.

  You may meet some troubles when you do the self-serve traveling in the remote and undeveloped area. So transportation, hotel, food here are all not convenient. It's recommended to well plan this trip before you rock this place.

  If you have time, give yourself at least couple days to explore this place with the help of some professional person or tour guides.

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• What are the items to be aware of when traveling in Jiuzhaigou?

  There are some hidden washrooms and dustbins in the main scenic spots of Jiuzhaigou. You need to collaborate with the tour guide and to protect the environment during the trip.

  Do not feed the fish in Jiuzhaigou. Do not pick the wild fruit and some fungus to avoid being food poisoned. Follow the tour guide to avoid some accidents. Do not stay overnight in Jiuzhaogou and live in the hotel outside of Jiuzhaigou after one day's trip.

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• Can we enjoy some typical performances in Jiuzhaigou?

  Yes, your first choice is to enjoy the performance of Tibetan servant-girl. It is the best time to display the local customs for travelers all over the world.

  At the same time, we can eat the typical snacks and take part in the singing and dancing party with local minority peoples around a campfire.

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• What are the minority residents in Sichuan? What taboos need we pay attention to in Sichuan?

  Sichuan is one of the multi-ethnic provinces in the country. In addition to the Han people, there live another 52 ethnic groups, including the Tibetan, Qiang, Miao, Tujia, Naxi, Manchu, Dai, Zhuang, Bai minority peoples.

  Most of the minority residents live in the northwestern part of Sichuan. There have established three autonomous prefectures: Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture.The famous scenic resorts such as Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area are located in Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture.

  This is a multiethnic reign; you need to follow the customs and habits of the local people, in order not to trouble yourselves. It is more suitable to gain their permission if you want to have a photo taken with the local people.

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• What need we prepare if we visit the plateau region?

  The Plateau is an area with high altitude, thin oxygen and intensive sunshine. The temperature here varies greatly during a day. So you need to take along with some clothes such as jacket, sweater, etc.

  At the same time, you need to take the sunglasses, sun hat, suntan lotion, lip balm, cold tablets, and stomach tablets.

  In high Plateau, you can't do the labor work and you need to avoid doing some intense exercise like walking quickly, especially running. Drink less and eat more vegetable and fruit to avoid altitude sickness. So it is better for you with a pre-existing heart and lung problems to consult the doctors before taking Plateau tours.

  And it is necessary for you to take some drugs for routine (Medication to help your headache, diarrhea, stomach-ache, cold and altitude sickness).

  Most Plateau tours are not highly demanding physically. However, the travelers need to be in good conditions and able to walk up and down moderate hills on a daily basis.

  If you feel out of breath or your chest feels tight, you need to transfer to the lower altitude place to have rest as soon as possible. And it is better for the old and infirm to take along with a small oxygen cylinder.

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• What's the city code of Chengdu?

  Chengdu's City Code: 028

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