Adventure ToursWhile the cruise ship gradually sailed into the confluence of three rivers, the surface of the river expanded at once. Looking above and you will see a monstrous Buddha statue “appeared” within the dense mountains. It was as if to coexist at the same time as heaven and earth. Even at a distance of one hundred meters away, you might feel its omnipotent power. This is the Leshan Giant Buddha. As a relic of the past and a sincere belief, it is deserving of being a milestone building for Sichuan tourism.
I. Historical Origins
In the early decades of the Tang Dynasty (713-741 AD), the rivers were turbulent and ferocious, resembling poisonous weapons. The muddy waters flowed with stormy waves, overturning boats repeatedly, and numerous people were swept away in the raging river water. Hai Tong was saddened by such pitiful scenes and vowed to build a gigantic Buddha statue. What he wanted was to calm down the furious floods and shield the nearby villages.
He traveled far and wide to raise funds for this grand project, praying with genuine fervor. He is even believed to have pulled out his own eyes to prove his devotion. This extreme act of piety showed his willpower and also motivated the people to contribute to his venture.
II. Magnificent Appearance
As visitors approach the Buddha’s feet, the first impression is its colossal size, which diminishes the human to a virtual dwarfishness in relation. The Buddha seems one with the mountain, quietly looking down over the river below. The wide shoulders and 1,051 finely carved hair buns are a masterpiece of Tang Dynasty art. Its humongous ears are so enormous that they can accommodate many people inside. There are niches to the sides of the Buddha with sculptures of Buddhist gods. Their serene countenances and symbolic mudras make for the otherworldly atmosphere present here, with tourists seemingly being in heaven.
III. Ingenious Design
Leshan Giant Buddha is not only stunning but also an engineering feat. The Lingyun Plank Road and the Jiuqu Plank Road circumvent the edge of the cliff, providing tourists with a path to the top. More breathtaking is the exemplary drainage system woven into the Buddha. These brilliant drainage tubes are hidden in the robes, ears, and folds of the Buddha, draining rainwater effectively, as if it were a defense wall against erosion. This marvelous system of drainage gives the Buddha stability that cannot be destroyed by any Sichuan heavy rains.
IV. Protection and Inheritance
Time has taken its toll on the Leshan Giant Buddha. Weathering and erosion have taken their toll, with cracks all over its surface. To reverse this, China has been performing conservation since the 1950s. During the restoration process, restoration professionals used advanced restoration techniques, including 3D scanning and composite material, to strengthen it and fill up the cracks. The Giant Buddha was proclaimed as a provincial unit for preserving cultural artifacts in 1956 and received the recognition of UNESCO World Heritage in 1996. Not only do these actions save the Giant Buddha’s breathtaking beauty, but they also make it a witness to the timelessness of Chinese culture.
Conclusion
The Leshan Giant Buddha is far greater than a piece of stone sculpture, it is a living record of history. If one looks up at it, it feels like the sound of the ancient hammers shaping the rock two millennia ago still reverberates. This cultural heritage passed down through the ages must have our complete protection.
As an experienced Chinese tour agency, we have specially planned a unique tour path for the Leshan Giant Buddha. Our professional guides will provide interpretative explanations along the journey, guiding you to fully appreciate the historical heritage and cultural beauty of the Giant Buddha. Whether you would like to enjoy the mythological past of the Giant Buddha or stroll through the ancient temples in a bid to experience the Zen ambiance, we will provide you with cautious service so that your trip will be comfortable and memorable.
