乐山大佛

Synopsis

Overview

The Leshan Giant Buddha, anciently known as the "Great Maitreya Stone Statue of Lingyun Temple in Jiazhou," is located on the eastern bank of the Min River in Leshan City, Sichuan Province, China, on the western cliff of Lingyun Mountain, near the confluence of the Dadu River, Qingyi River, and Min River. This world-renowned cliff-carved seated statue of Maitreya stands 71 meters tall and is the largest cliff...

Overview

The Leshan Giant Buddha, historically known as the "Great Maitreya Stone Statue of Lingyun Temple in Jiazhou," is located on the eastern bank of the Min River in Leshan City, Sichuan Province, China, on the western cliff of Lingyun Mountain, near the confluence of the Dadu River, Qingyi River, and Min River. This world-renowned cliff-carved seated statue of Maitreya stands 71 meters tall, making it the largest cliff stone carving statue in China. It is famously praised as "the mountain is a Buddha, and the Buddha is a mountain." It is not only a pinnacle of Buddhist culture from the Tang Dynasty but also a testament to the wisdom and craftsmanship of ancient Chinese laborers. In 1996, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a mixed cultural and natural site, together with Mount Emei.

History

The construction of the Leshan Giant Buddha began in the early Kaiyuan era of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (713 AD), initiated by the monk Haitong. At that time, the waters at the confluence of the three rivers were turbulent, often capsizing boats. Monk Haitong vowed to carve the mountain into a Buddha to subdue the floods and deliver all beings. The massive project took approximately ninety years, involving the efforts of three generations—Haitong, Zhangqiu Jianqiong, and Wei Gao—and was finally completed in 803 AD (the 19th year of the Zhenyuan era of Emperor Dezong of Tang) under the supervision of Wei Gao, the military governor of Jiannan West Circuit. The construction process embodied the dedication of countless artisans. Its design is ingenious, with the Buddha's posture dignified and proportions harmonious. It also features a sophisticated drainage system to mitigate weathering, showcasing the exceptional engineering technology and artistic level of the High Tang period.

Main Attractions

1. The Leshan Giant Buddha Itself: The Buddha is a seated statue of Maitreya, with hands resting on knees, presenting a solemn and dignified posture. Visitors can descend along the Nine-Turn Plank Path (located on the right side of the statue) for a close-up view of the Buddha's face, experiencing its majestic grandeur. The path is steep, offering views of cliff carvings and details of the statue along the way.
2. Lingyun Temple: Located to the right and behind the Buddha's head, also known as Dafo Temple (Giant Buddha Temple). Originally built in the Tang Dynasty, the existing structures date from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The temple is a place of active worship and offers a serene space for contemplation before or after viewing the Buddha.
3. Mahao Cliff Tombs: Located within the scenic area, this is a group of cliff tombs dating from the Eastern Han to the Northern and Southern Dynasties periods. The "Mahao No.1 Cliff Tomb" contains carvings of Buddha images, representing some of the earliest Buddhist stone carvings in China and holding significant historical research value.
4. Wuyou Temple: Connected to Lingyun Mountain, it is situated on Wuyou Hill. The temple features a tranquil environment and exquisite architecture. Climbing to higher points offers distant views of the three-river confluence and the cityscape of Leshan.
5. The Giant Reclining Buddha: Accidentally discovered in 1989, when viewed from across the river in Leshan city or from a boat, the natural contours of the connected Wuyou Hill, Lingyun Mountain, and Dongyan Mountain resemble a giant Buddha reclining on the river surface. The Leshan Giant Buddha is precisely located at its heart. This phenomenon is considered a marvel of nature and human culture.

Practical Information

The following information is based on official releases from the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area. Verification before travel is recommended.

References

1. UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area:
   https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/779/
2. Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area Management Committee (Official Information Platform):
   http://www.leshandafo.com/
3. Chinese National Geography - Leshan Giant Buddha: The Buddha Fate of a Mountain:
   http://www.dili360.com/article/p5b53d5d5c851b78.htm