Leshan Giant Buddha
Leshan Giant Buddha — a 71-metre Tang Dynasty Buddha carved into a cliff face
Intro
The Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛) is the world's largest stone Buddha statue and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carved into the cliff face at the confluence of three rivers — the Min, Dadu, and Qingyi — the seated figure reaches 71 metres from head to toe and took 90 years to complete (713-803 AD). The scale only becomes apparent on the water: from a boat on the river below, the full figure is visible and the grandeur is breathtaking.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings. Spring and autumn for comfortable weather.
Highlights
- The river boat view from below is the best way to appreciate the statue's full scale — from the cliff path you can only see sections at a time. The Giant Buddha's ears are 7 metres long; his shoulders are wide enough to hold a basketball court.
Getting There
160 kilometres south of Chengdu. High-speed train to Leshan (1.5 hours, ¥50) then taxi or bus to the scenic area (20 minutes). Coach tours from Chengdu take 3-4 hours each way.
Tickets & Entry
Scenic area ¥90. River boat ¥70 additional.
Practical Tips
The cliff path descent provides close-up views but queues can be very long (1-2 hours at busy times). The river boat (¥70) provides the best overall view and circumvents the queue. Combine with Emei Mountain for a full day or overnight trip.
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FAQ
Quick Facts
| Duration | 3-4 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings. Spring and autumn for comfortable weather. |