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{{short description|Monumental sculpture}}
{{short description|Monumental sculpture}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site
{{Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site
| WHS = Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
| WHS = Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
| image=Leshan_Buddha_Statue_View.JPG
| image=36275-Leshan (49067653383).jpg
| caption = Tourists viewing Leshan Giant Buddha from ship
| image_upright = 1.2
| caption = A full view of Leshan Giant Buddha
| location = [[Sichuan]], China
| location = [[Sichuan]], [[China|People's Republic of China]]
| part_of = [[Mount Emei|Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area]]
| part_of = [[Mount Emei|Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area]]
| criteria = {{UNESCO WHS type|(iv)(vi)(x)}}(iv)(vi)(x)
| criteria = {{UNESCO WHS type|(iv)(vi)(x)}}(iv)(vi)(x)
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}}
}}
{{Infobox Chinese
{{Infobox Chinese
|s=乐山大佛
|s=乐山大佛
|t=樂山大佛
|t=樂山大佛
|order=st
|order=st
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|y=Lohk-sāan Daaih-faht
|y=Lohk-sāan Daaih-faht
}}
}}
The '''Leshan Giant Buddha''' ({{zh|t=樂山大佛}}) is a {{convert|71|m|adj=on}} tall stone statue, built between 713 and 803 (during the [[Tang dynasty]]), depicting [[Maitreya]].<ref name="Ancient Origins">{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Hill|url=http://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-asia/leshan-giant-buddha-largest-stone-buddha-world-003398|title=The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World|date=22 July 2018|website=Ancient Origins}}</ref> It is carved out of a cliff face of Cretaceous red bed sandstones that lies at the confluence of the [[Minjiang River (Sichuan)|Min River]] and [[Dadu River (Sichuan)|Dadu River]] in the southern part of [[Sichuan]] province in [[China]], near the city of [[Leshan]]. The stone sculpture faces [[Mount Emei]], with the rivers flowing below its feet. It is the largest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world<ref name="whc.unesco.org">{{cite web|url= https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/779/|title=Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area|publisher=UNESCO|accessdate=7 December 2019}}</ref> and it is by far the [[List of statues by height|tallest pre-modern statue in the world]].
The '''Leshan Giant Buddha''' ({{lang-zh|t=樂山大佛}}) is a {{convert|71|m|adj=on}} tall stone statue, built between 713 and 803 (during the [[Tang dynasty]]). It is carved out of a cliff face of Cretaceous red bed sandstones that lies at the confluence of the [[Minjiang River (Sichuan)|Min River]] and [[Dadu River (Sichuan)|Dadu River]] in the southern part of [[Sichuan|Sichuan Province]] in China, near the city of [[Leshan]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Rajarajan|first=R.K.K.|date=2020|title='Religious Art and Culture in 2019' Thousand Faces of the Buddha.|url=https://www.academia.edu/44260867|journal=Indian Journal of History of Science|volume=55|issue=2|pages=194–201}}</ref> The stone sculpture faces [[Mount Emei]], with the rivers flowing below its feet. It is the largest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world<ref name="whc.unesco.org">{{cite web|url= https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/779/|title=Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area|publisher=UNESCO|access-date=7 December 2019}}</ref> and it is by far the [[List of tallest statues|tallest pre-modern statue in the world]]. It is over {{convert|4|km|adj=on}} from the [[Wuyou Temple]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Wuyou Temple - exquisite Chinese Buddhist Temple in Leshan|url=https://www.wendyweitours.com/wuyou-temple.html|date=2020-10-07}}</ref>


The [[Mount Emei]] Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, has been listed as a [[United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization|UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] since 1996.
The [[Mount Emei]] Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, has been listed as a [[United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization|UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] since 1996.


==Location==
==Location==
The Leshan Giant Buddha is located at the [[Lingyun Mountain’s Qifeng Peak]]. Qifeng Peak is located at the junction of the [[Min River (Sichuan)|Minjiang River]], [[Qingyi River (Sichuan)|Qingyi River]], and [[Dadu River]].<ref name=triptest>{{cite web|last1=Lu|first1=Ava|title=The Leshan Giant Buddha {{!}} Fun Facts and History — Trippest's Chengdu Travel Guide|url=https://www.trippest.com/chengdu/leshan-giant-buddha/ |website=Trippest |accessdate=7 December 2019}}</ref>
The Leshan Giant Buddha is located at [[Lingyun Mountain’s Qifeng Peak]]. Qifeng Peak is located at the junction of the [[Min River (Sichuan)|Minjiang River]], [[Qingyi River (Sichuan)|Qingyi River]], and [[Dadu River]].<ref name=triptest>{{cite web|last1=Lu|first1=Ava|title=The Leshan Giant Buddha {{!}} Fun Facts and History – Trippest's Chengdu Travel Guide|url=https://www.trippest.com/hengdu/leshan-giant-buddha/|website=Trippest|access-date=7 December 2019}}{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


Other than the Leshan Giant Buddha, the [[Danxia Landform]] also contains abundant history and cultural connotations, such as cliff tombs and cliff dwelling. The [[Mahao Cliff Tombs]] at the Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area were built in the [[Han Dynasty]], indicating ancient local residents’ living habits.{{cn|date=December 2019}}
Other than the Leshan Giant Buddha, the [[Danxia Landform]] also contains abundant history and cultural connotations, such as cliff tombs and cliff dwellings. The [[Mahao Cliff Tombs]] at the Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area were built in the [[Han dynasty]], indicating ancient residents' living habits.<ref>唐长寿. 《乐山麻浩崖墓研究》. 四川文物, 1987年, 2期: 10.</ref>


==History==
==History==
{{Unreferenced section|date=July 2023}}
Construction started in 723 AD, led by a Chinese monk named Hai Tong. He 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. After his death, however, the construction was stuck due to insufficient funding. The statue was only completed from the shoulders up at the time. Several years later, Hai Tong’s disciples continued work on the statue with financial support from a local official named Zhangchou Jianxiong. Hai Tong’s disciples continued the construction until the Knees, when construction was halted because Zhangchou JianXiang was called to work at the royal court in [[Chang’an]]. About 70 years later, [[jiedushi]] [[Wei Gao]] decided to sponsor the project and the construction was completed by Hai Tong's disciples in 803.
Construction started in 723 AD, led by a Chinese [[Bhikkhu|Buddhist monk]] named Hai Tong. He believed that [[Maitreya|Maitreya Buddha]] would calm the turbulent waters that constantly 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. After his death, however, the construction was delayed due to insufficient funding. The statue was only completed from the shoulders up at the time. Several years later, Hai Tong’s disciples continued work on the statue with financial support from a local official named Zhangchou Jianxiong. Hai Tong’s disciples continued the construction until the Knees, when construction was halted because Zhangchou JianXiang was called back to serve at the royal court in [[Chang’an]]. About 70 years later, [[Jiedushi]] [[Wei Gao]] continued to support and funded the project and the construction was finally completed by Hai Tong's disciples in 803.


By the beginning of the Northern [[Song Dynasty]], the Leshan Giant Buddha had been damaged -- the body was covered in moss, and the wooden pavilion had collapsed. During the reign of [[Song Renzong]], the Giant Buddha was repaired once on a large scale and the wooden pavilion was rebuilt. Since then, the records of the destruction and reconstruction of the Buddha have been missing, and the original temple, [[Lingyun Temple]], had been destroyed by war many times.
By the beginning of the [[Northern Song dynasty]], the Leshan Giant Buddha had been damaged—the body was covered in moss, and the wooden pavilion had collapsed. During the reign of [[Song Renzong]], the Giant Buddha was repaired once on a large scale and the wooden pavilion was rebuilt. Since then, the records of the destruction and reconstruction of the Buddha have been missing, and the original temple, [[Lingyun Temple]], had been destroyed by war many times.


Apparently, the massive construction resulted in so much stone being removed from the cliff face and deposited into the river below that the currents were indeed altered by the statue, making the water safe for passing ships.{{citation needed|reason=Flatter water would increase currents|date=May 2015}}
Apparently, the massive construction resulted in so much stone being removed from the cliff face and deposited into the river below that the currents were indeed altered by the statue, making the water safe for passing ships.{{citation needed|reason=Flatter water would increase currents|date=May 2015}}
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A sophisticated drainage system was incorporated into the Leshan Giant Buddha when it was built. It is still in working order. It includes drainage pipes carved into various places on the body, to carry away the water after the rains so as to reduce weathering.
A sophisticated drainage system was incorporated into the Leshan Giant Buddha when it was built. It is still in working order. It includes drainage pipes carved into various places on the body, to carry away the water after the rains so as to reduce weathering.


When the Giant Buddha was carved, a huge thirteen story wood structure (similar to the one at the [[Rongxian Giant Buddha]]) was built to shelter it from rain and sunshine. This structure was destroyed and sacked by the Mongols during the wars at the end of the [[Yuan dynasty]]. From then on, the stone statue was exposed to the elements.
When the Giant Buddha was carved, a huge thirteen-story wood structure (similar to the one at the [[Rongxian Giant Buddha]]) was built to shelter it from rain and sunshine. This structure was destroyed and sacked by the Mongols during the wars at the end of the [[Yuan dynasty]]. From then on, the stone statue was exposed to the elements.


==Degradation==
==Degradation==
The Leshan Buddha has been affected by the pollution emanating from the unbridled development in the region. According to [[Xinhua News Agency|Xinhua news agency]], the Leshan Giant Buddha and many Chinese natural and cultural heritage sites in the region have seen degradations from weathering, air pollution, and swarms of tourists. The government has promised restoration work.<ref>{{cite web|title=China vows facelift for pollution-battered Buddha|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSPEK36728820071107|date=November 7, 2007|work=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.regenttour.com/chinaplanner/ctu/ctu-sights-leshan.htm|title=The Leshan Giant Buddha under Special Protection|work=Sights & Attractions — Leshan Buddha|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081118070846/http://www.regenttour.com/chinaplanner/ctu/ctu-sights-leshan.htm|archive-date=2008-11-18}}</ref>
The Leshan Buddha has been affected by the pollution emanating from the unbridled development in the region. According to [[Xinhua News Agency|Xinhua news agency]], the Leshan Giant Buddha and many Chinese natural and cultural heritage sites in the region have seen degradation from weathering, air pollution, and tourism. To address this issue, the government has promised restoration work. Furthermore, scientists have been investigating the interactions between the microbial community in the surrounding soil and above ground plants, and its effects on the sculpture. The body of The Giant Buddha of Leshan is covered today by different organisms lichen, ferns and other bryophytes, and various shrubs and gramineous plants. Current research hopes that greater understanding of plant- and microbe-induced weathering effects may aid in the preservation of The Giant Buddha of Leshan.<ref>{{cite web|title=China vows facelift for pollution-battered Buddha|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSPEK36728820071107|date=7 November 2007|agency=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.regenttour.com/chinaplanner/ctu/ctu-sights-leshan.htm|title=The Leshan Giant Buddha under Special Protection|work=Sights & Attractions – Leshan Buddha|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081118070846/http://www.regenttour.com/chinaplanner/ctu/ctu-sights-leshan.htm|archive-date=2008-11-18}}</ref>


==Composition==
==Composition==
The entire art piece is built in stone, except for the ears that were designed in wood, covered with mud on the surface to make clay, and attached to the head.
The entire art piece is built in stone, except for the ears that were designed in wood, covered with mud on the surface to make clay, and attached to the head.


==Dimensions==
==Dimensions==
[[File:36273-Leshan (49067652118).jpg|thumb|Tourists on stairs next to Leshan Giant Buddha]]
At {{convert|71|m}} tall, the statue depicts a seated [[Maitreya]] Buddha with his hands resting on his knees. His shoulders are 28 metres wide and his smallest toenail is large enough to easily accommodate a seated person. There is a local saying: "The mountain is a Buddha and the Buddha is a mountain". This is partially because the mountain range in which the Leshan Giant Buddha is located is thought to be shaped like a slumbering Buddha when seen from the river, with the Leshan Giant Buddha as its heart.
At {{convert|71|m}} tall, the statue depicts a seated Buddha with his hands resting on his knees. His shoulders are 28 metres wide and his smallest toenail is large enough to easily accommodate a seated person. There is a local saying: "The mountain is a Buddha and the Buddha is a mountain". This is partially because the mountain range in which the Leshan Giant Buddha is located is thought to be shaped like a slumbering Buddha when seen from the river, with the Leshan Giant Buddha as its heart.


This 71-meters (233 ft) statue, carved in the [[Lingyun Mountain]], is the biggest and tallest Buddha statue in the world. Leshan Giant Buddha’s hair is composed of 1,021 spiraled curls embedded in his head that measures 14.7 meters (48 ft) in height and 10 meters (33 ft) in width.<ref name=triptest/> His ears, capable of holding two people inside, are 7-meters (23 ft) long. He has 5.6-meter (18 ft) long eyebrows, 8.3 meters (27 ft) long fingers, 24 meters (79 ft) wide shoulders, and a 5.6-meter (18 ft) long nose. His mouth and each of his eyes have a width of 3.3 meters (11 ft). His instep that is around 8.5 meters (28 ft) in width can hold about a hundred people and his smallest toenail can fit one seated person. This statue is ten stories high, which can be compared to the size of the [[Statue of Liberty]] if Buddha stood upright. Buddha’s body is placed in a symmetrical posture and the proportions of his various body parts are proportioned in accordance with the [[Buddharupa]] requirements of a statue. It has a calm form, which conforms to the [[Tang Dynasty]] statues’ style <ref>{{cite web |title=Leshan Giant Buddha History & Buddhism Facts |url=https://www.chinadiscovery.com/sichuan/leshan/leshan-giant-buddha.html |website=China Discovery |accessdate=7 December 2019}}</ref>.
This {{convert|71|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us|adj=on}} statue, carved in the [[Lingyun Mountain]], is the biggest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world (only the modern Great Buddha of Thailand, made of concrete, is taller). Leshan Giant Buddha’s hair is composed of 1,021 spiraled curls embedded in his head that measures {{convert|14.7|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us}} in height and {{convert|10|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us}} in width.<ref name=triptest/> His ears, capable of holding two people inside, are {{convert|7|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us|adj=on}} long. He has {{convert|5.6|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us|adj=on}} long eyebrows, {{convert|8.3|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us}} long fingers, {{convert|24|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us}} wide shoulders, and a {{convert|5.6|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us|adj=on}} long nose. His mouth and each of his eyes have a width of {{convert|3.3|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us}}. His instep that is around {{convert|8.5|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us}} in width can hold about a hundred people and his smallest toenail can fit one seated person. This statue is ten stories high, which can be compared to the size of the [[Statue of Liberty]] if Buddha stood upright. Buddha’s body is placed in a symmetrical posture and the proportions of his various body parts are proportioned in accordance with the [[Buddharupa]] requirements of a statue. It has a calm form, which conforms to the [[Tang dynasty]] statues' style.<ref>{{cite web |title=Leshan Giant Buddha History & Buddhism Facts |url=https://www.chinadiscovery.com/sichuan/leshan/leshan-giant-buddha.html |website=China Discovery |access-date=7 December 2019}}</ref>


==Drainage System==
==Drainage system==
Behind the Buddha’s head and between his two ears, the Leshan Giant Buddha has a unique and advanced drainage system to preserve the statue from erosion. There are several hidden gutters and channels scattered in Buddha’s hair, collar, chest, and holes in the back of his ears and chest that have been carrying out the rainwater to keep the inner areas dry.<ref name="Ancient Origins"/> This complex architectural system has been preventing the statue from eroding for the past 1,200 years.
Behind the Buddha’s head and between his two ears, the Leshan Giant Buddha has a unique and advanced drainage system to preserve the statue from erosion. There are several hidden gutters and channels scattered in Buddha’s hair, collar, chest, and holes in the back of his ears and chest that have been carrying out the rainwater to keep the inner areas dry.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} This complex architectural system has been preventing the statue from eroding for the past 1,200 years.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}


==Protection==
==Protection==
After the founding of the [[People’s Republic of China]], the Leshan Giant Buddha was designated as a cultural relic and put under protection by the [[Sichuan]] Provincial People’s Committee in 1956. In 1996, the [[World Heritage Committee|UNESCO World Heritage Committee]] included the Leshan Giant Buddha in the [[List of World Heritage Sites in China|World Cultural and Natural Heritage List]]. In 1998, the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area Management Committee was formally established.<ref>{{cite report|title=World Heritage Nomination - IUCN Summary Mount Emei and Leshan Giant Buddha (China)}}{{fcn|date=December 2019|reason=Unable to find source}}</ref> The management committee’s scope of control reached 17.88 square kilometers. In 2008, the [[Mount Emei]] - Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area Management Committee was formally established, with the main task of developing tourism resources for Mount Emei and the Leshan Giant Buddha. On March 24, 2002, the first phase of the Leshan Giant Buddha repair project by the [[World Bank]] officially started. The project included completely renovating the Buddha from chest up to the head and then strengthening the rock wall. On June 23, 2002, the second phase of the Leshan Giant Buddha Maintenance Project started. During this phase, the rocks at the Buddha’s feet were repaired and the eroded part of the rock below water level was repaired.<ref name="whc.unesco.org"/>
After the founding of the [[People’s Republic of China]], the Leshan Giant Buddha was designated as a cultural relic and put under protection by the [[Sichuan]] Provincial People’s Committee in 1956.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}} In 1996, the [[World Heritage Committee|UNESCO World Heritage Committee]] included the Leshan Giant Buddha in the [[List of World Heritage Sites in China|World Cultural and Natural Heritage List]]. In 1998, the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area Management Committee was formally established.<ref>{{cite report|title=World Heritage Nomination - IUCN Summary Mount Emei and Leshan Giant Buddha (China)}}{{full citation needed|date=December 2019|reason=Unable to find source}}</ref> The management committee’s scope of control reached {{convert|17.88|km2|adj=off}}. In 2008, the [[Mount Emei]] - Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area Management Committee was formally established, with the main task of developing tourism resources for Mount Emei and the Leshan Giant Buddha. On 24 March 2002, the first phase of the Leshan Giant Buddha repair project by the [[World Bank]] officially started. The project included completely renovating the Buddha from chest up to the head and then strengthening the rock wall. On 23 June 2002, the second phase of the Leshan Giant Buddha Maintenance Project started. During this phase, the rocks at the Buddha’s feet were repaired and the eroded part of the rock below water level was repaired.<ref name="whc.unesco.org"/>


==Tourism==
==Tourism==
Being one of the six world cultural heritage sites in the Province of Sichuan, it receives a lot of tourist visits. From 2001-2003, it was ranked the second most popular attraction amongst the provincial heritage sites with 1.4 to 1.5 million visitors per year. In 2004, there was a breakthrough which led the numbers to drastically go up to 2.1 million visitors. From 2005-2007, it had around 2.3 to 2.8 million visitors per year, which was more than all the other sites <ref>{{cite journal |last1=Li |first1=Yan |title=Analysis on Tourism Competitiveness of Six World Cultural Heritage Sites in Sichuan Province |journal=Revista de la Facultad de Ingenier a U.C.V |date=2017 |volume=32 |issue=15 |page=61-67 |url=https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/9910/ae09b6e48473ce45e6f6f6e4b443a325f103.pdf |accessdate=7 December 2019}}</ref>.
Being one of the six world cultural heritage sites in the province of Sichuan, it receives a lot of tourist visits. From 2001 to 2003, it was ranked the second most popular attraction amongst the provincial heritage sites with 1.4 to 1.5 million visitors per year. In 2004, there was a breakthrough which led the numbers to drastically go up to 2.1 million visitors. From 2005 to 2007, it had around 2.3 to 2.8 million visitors per year, which was more than all the other sites. The influx of tourists has allowed the local economy to flourish from the various jobs and income provided. However, there is backlash as to how ethical the rise in tourism, can affect the quality of the statue. With that the local government has set limits and guidelines to preserve the integrity of the statue.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/779/ | title=Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Li |first1=Yan |title=Analysis on Tourism Competitiveness of Six World Cultural Heritage Sites in Sichuan Province |journal=Revista de la Facultad de Ingenier a U.C.V |date=2017 |volume=32 |issue=15 |pages=61–67 |s2cid=55508347 |url=http://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/9910/ae09b6e48473ce45e6f6f6e4b443a325f103.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302083243/http://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/9910/ae09b6e48473ce45e6f6f6e4b443a325f103.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2019-03-02 |access-date=7 December 2019}}</ref> The Leshan Giant Buddha is most popular during Chinese New Year when tourists from all over the world come to pray for good luck.


The most convenient way to get to the Giant Buddha from Leshan Town is through the local bus 13.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sane|first1=Anita|title=Self guided tour of Leshan Buddha|url=https://thesanetravel.com/travels/china/leshan-buddha|date=July 13, 2017|website=The Sane Travel|accessdate=7 December 2019}}</ref> Upon arrival, it is necessary to purchase a ticket at the price of CNY 90 per person<ref>{{cite web|title=Leshan Giant Buddha|url=https://www.topchinatravel.com/china-attractions/leshan-giant-buddha.htm|website=Top China Travel|accessdate=7 December 2019}}</ref> (including [[Wulong Temple]] & Mahao Cliff Tomb). The opening hours are 7:30am-6:30pm<ref>{{cite web|title=Leshan Giant Buddha|url=https://www.thechinaguide.com/sight/leshan-giant-buddha|work=Chengdu Travel Guide|publisher=The China Guide|accessdate=7 December 2019}}</ref> from April until October and 8:00am-5:30pm from October until March. The weekends and holidays are much busier compared to weekdays.
The most convenient way to get to the Giant Buddha from Leshan Town is through the local bus 13.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sane|first1=Anita|title=Self guided tour of Leshan Buddha|url=https://thesanetravel.com/travels/china/leshan-buddha|date=13 July 2017|website=The Sane Travel|access-date=7 December 2019}}</ref> Upon arrival, it is necessary to purchase a ticket at the price of CNY 90 per person<ref>{{cite web|title=Leshan Giant Buddha|url=https://www.topchinatravel.com/china-attractions/leshan-giant-buddha.htm|website=Top China Travel|access-date=7 December 2019}}</ref> (including [[Wuyou Temple]] & Mahao Cliff Tomb). The opening hours are 7:30am–6:30pm<ref>{{cite web|title=Leshan Giant Buddha|url=https://www.thechinaguide.com/sight/leshan-giant-buddha|work=Chengdu Travel Guide|publisher=The China Guide|access-date=7 December 2019}}</ref> from April until October and 8:00am–5:30pm from October until March. The weekends and holidays are much busier compared to weekdays.

Apart from the main attraction, there are dozens of pathways throughout the mountain that can be explored by foot.
Apart from the main attraction, there are dozens of pathways throughout the mountain that can be explored by foot.
People come from all over the world to worship [[Maitreya]]. To get a close-up view of him, there is a pedestrian pathway that allows visitors to appreciate the changing view of Buddha’s body through multiple perspectives. It is important to note that the plank pathways there are steep and narrow. To get a more panoramic view of him, there are sightseeing boats available at the price of CNY 70 per person. Since these boats have a capacity of 35 passengers, there may be a waiting line.
People come from all over the world to worship [[Maitreya]]. To get a close-up view of him, there is a pedestrian pathway that allows visitors to appreciate the changing view of Buddha’s body through multiple perspectives. It is important to note that the plank pathways there are steep and narrow. To get a more panoramic view of him, there are sightseeing boats available at the price of CNY 70 per person. Since these boats have a capacity of 35 passengers, there may be a waiting line.
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*[[The Big Buddha (Hong Kong)]]
*[[The Big Buddha (Hong Kong)]]
*[[Buddha Dordenma statue]]
*[[Buddha Dordenma statue]]
*[[Great Buddha]]
*[[Great Buddha (disambiguation)|Great Buddha]]
*[[Buddhist art]]
*[[Buddhist art]]
*[[Chinese Buddhism]]
*[[Chinese Buddhism]]
*[[Great Anti-Buddhist Persecution]]
*[[Tang Dynasty]]
*[[Tang dynasty]]
*[[List of colossal sculpture in situ]]
*[[List of tallest statues]]


==References==
==References==
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*[https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/779 UNESCO]
*[https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/779 UNESCO]
*[http://www.thesalmons.org/lynn/leshan/ Leshan Grand Buddha - Da Fo]
*[http://www.thesalmons.org/lynn/leshan/ Leshan Grand Buddha - Da Fo]

{{World Heritage Sites in China}}
{{World Heritage Sites in China}}
{{Colossal Buddha statues}}
{{Colossal Buddha statues}}
{{authority control}}
{{authority control}}


[[Category:Buddhist buildings in Sichuan]]
[[Category:Buddhist caves in Sichuan]]
[[Category:Outdoor sculptures in China]]
[[Category:Outdoor sculptures in China]]
[[Category:Colossal Buddha statues]]
[[Category:Colossal Buddha statues in China]]
[[Category:Mountain monuments and memorials]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in China]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in China]]
[[Category:Rock art in China]]
[[Category:Rock art in China]]
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[[Category:Tang dynasty art]]
[[Category:Tang dynasty art]]
[[Category:8th-century establishments in China]]
[[Category:8th-century establishments in China]]
[[Category:Maitreya]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Leshan]]
[[Category:Buddhist buildings in Sichuan]]
[[Category:Monuments and memorials in China]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in the 8th century]]

Latest revision as of 11:33, 1 November 2024

Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tourists viewing Leshan Giant Buddha from ship
LocationSichuan, China
Part ofMount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
CriteriaCultural and Natural: (iv)(vi)(x)
Reference779
Inscription1996 (20th Session)
Coordinates29°32′41″N 103°46′24″E / 29.54472°N 103.77333°E / 29.54472; 103.77333
Leshan Giant Buddha is located in Sichuan
Leshan Giant Buddha
Location of Leshan Giant Buddha in Sichuan
Leshan Giant Buddha is located in China
Leshan Giant Buddha
Leshan Giant Buddha (China)
Leshan Giant Buddha
Simplified Chinese乐山大佛
Traditional Chinese樂山大佛
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinLèshān Dàfó
Yue: Cantonese
Yale RomanizationLohk-sāan Daaih-faht

The Leshan Giant Buddha (Chinese: 樂山大佛) is a 71-metre (233 ft) tall stone statue, built between 713 and 803 (during the Tang dynasty). It is carved out of a cliff face of Cretaceous red bed sandstones that lies at the confluence of the Min River and Dadu River in the southern part of Sichuan Province in China, near the city of Leshan.[1] The stone sculpture faces Mount Emei, with the rivers flowing below its feet. It is the largest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world[2] and it is by far the tallest pre-modern statue in the world. It is over 4-kilometre (2.5 mi) from the Wuyou Temple.[3]

The Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

Location

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The Leshan Giant Buddha is located at Lingyun Mountain’s Qifeng Peak. Qifeng Peak is located at the junction of the Minjiang River, Qingyi River, and Dadu River.[4]

Other than the Leshan Giant Buddha, the Danxia Landform also contains abundant history and cultural connotations, such as cliff tombs and cliff dwellings. The Mahao Cliff Tombs at the Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area were built in the Han dynasty, indicating ancient residents' living habits.[5]

History

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Construction started in 723 AD, led by a Chinese Buddhist monk named Hai Tong. He believed that Maitreya Buddha would calm the turbulent waters that constantly 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. After his death, however, the construction was delayed due to insufficient funding. The statue was only completed from the shoulders up at the time. Several years later, Hai Tong’s disciples continued work on the statue with financial support from a local official named Zhangchou Jianxiong. Hai Tong’s disciples continued the construction until the Knees, when construction was halted because Zhangchou JianXiang was called back to serve at the royal court in Chang’an. About 70 years later, Jiedushi Wei Gao continued to support and funded the project and the construction was finally completed by Hai Tong's disciples in 803.

By the beginning of the Northern Song dynasty, the Leshan Giant Buddha had been damaged—the body was covered in moss, and the wooden pavilion had collapsed. During the reign of Song Renzong, the Giant Buddha was repaired once on a large scale and the wooden pavilion was rebuilt. Since then, the records of the destruction and reconstruction of the Buddha have been missing, and the original temple, Lingyun Temple, had been destroyed by war many times.

Apparently, the massive construction resulted in so much stone being removed from the cliff face and deposited into the river below that the currents were indeed altered by the statue, making the water safe for passing ships.[citation needed]

A sophisticated drainage system was incorporated into the Leshan Giant Buddha when it was built. It is still in working order. It includes drainage pipes carved into various places on the body, to carry away the water after the rains so as to reduce weathering.

When the Giant Buddha was carved, a huge thirteen-story wood structure (similar to the one at the Rongxian Giant Buddha) was built to shelter it from rain and sunshine. This structure was destroyed and sacked by the Mongols during the wars at the end of the Yuan dynasty. From then on, the stone statue was exposed to the elements.

Degradation

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The Leshan Buddha has been affected by the pollution emanating from the unbridled development in the region. According to Xinhua news agency, the Leshan Giant Buddha and many Chinese natural and cultural heritage sites in the region have seen degradation from weathering, air pollution, and tourism. To address this issue, the government has promised restoration work. Furthermore, scientists have been investigating the interactions between the microbial community in the surrounding soil and above ground plants, and its effects on the sculpture. The body of The Giant Buddha of Leshan is covered today by different organisms lichen, ferns and other bryophytes, and various shrubs and gramineous plants. Current research hopes that greater understanding of plant- and microbe-induced weathering effects may aid in the preservation of The Giant Buddha of Leshan.[6][7]

Composition

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The entire art piece is built in stone, except for the ears that were designed in wood, covered with mud on the surface to make clay, and attached to the head.

Dimensions

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Tourists on stairs next to Leshan Giant Buddha

At 71 metres (233 ft) tall, the statue depicts a seated Buddha with his hands resting on his knees. His shoulders are 28 metres wide and his smallest toenail is large enough to easily accommodate a seated person. There is a local saying: "The mountain is a Buddha and the Buddha is a mountain". This is partially because the mountain range in which the Leshan Giant Buddha is located is thought to be shaped like a slumbering Buddha when seen from the river, with the Leshan Giant Buddha as its heart.

This 71-meter (233-foot) statue, carved in the Lingyun Mountain, is the biggest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world (only the modern Great Buddha of Thailand, made of concrete, is taller). Leshan Giant Buddha’s hair is composed of 1,021 spiraled curls embedded in his head that measures 14.7 meters (48 feet) in height and 10 meters (33 feet) in width.[4] His ears, capable of holding two people inside, are 7-meter (23-foot) long. He has 5.6-meter (18-foot) long eyebrows, 8.3 meters (27 feet) long fingers, 24 meters (79 feet) wide shoulders, and a 5.6-meter (18-foot) long nose. His mouth and each of his eyes have a width of 3.3 meters (11 feet). His instep that is around 8.5 meters (28 feet) in width can hold about a hundred people and his smallest toenail can fit one seated person. This statue is ten stories high, which can be compared to the size of the Statue of Liberty if Buddha stood upright. Buddha’s body is placed in a symmetrical posture and the proportions of his various body parts are proportioned in accordance with the Buddharupa requirements of a statue. It has a calm form, which conforms to the Tang dynasty statues' style.[8]

Drainage system

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Behind the Buddha’s head and between his two ears, the Leshan Giant Buddha has a unique and advanced drainage system to preserve the statue from erosion. There are several hidden gutters and channels scattered in Buddha’s hair, collar, chest, and holes in the back of his ears and chest that have been carrying out the rainwater to keep the inner areas dry.[citation needed] This complex architectural system has been preventing the statue from eroding for the past 1,200 years.[citation needed]

Protection

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After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Leshan Giant Buddha was designated as a cultural relic and put under protection by the Sichuan Provincial People’s Committee in 1956.[citation needed] In 1996, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee included the Leshan Giant Buddha in the World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. In 1998, the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area Management Committee was formally established.[9] The management committee’s scope of control reached 17.88 square kilometres (6.90 sq mi). In 2008, the Mount Emei - Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area Management Committee was formally established, with the main task of developing tourism resources for Mount Emei and the Leshan Giant Buddha. On 24 March 2002, the first phase of the Leshan Giant Buddha repair project by the World Bank officially started. The project included completely renovating the Buddha from chest up to the head and then strengthening the rock wall. On 23 June 2002, the second phase of the Leshan Giant Buddha Maintenance Project started. During this phase, the rocks at the Buddha’s feet were repaired and the eroded part of the rock below water level was repaired.[2]

Tourism

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Being one of the six world cultural heritage sites in the province of Sichuan, it receives a lot of tourist visits. From 2001 to 2003, it was ranked the second most popular attraction amongst the provincial heritage sites with 1.4 to 1.5 million visitors per year. In 2004, there was a breakthrough which led the numbers to drastically go up to 2.1 million visitors. From 2005 to 2007, it had around 2.3 to 2.8 million visitors per year, which was more than all the other sites. The influx of tourists has allowed the local economy to flourish from the various jobs and income provided. However, there is backlash as to how ethical the rise in tourism, can affect the quality of the statue. With that the local government has set limits and guidelines to preserve the integrity of the statue.[10][11] The Leshan Giant Buddha is most popular during Chinese New Year when tourists from all over the world come to pray for good luck.

The most convenient way to get to the Giant Buddha from Leshan Town is through the local bus 13.[12] Upon arrival, it is necessary to purchase a ticket at the price of CNY 90 per person[13] (including Wuyou Temple & Mahao Cliff Tomb). The opening hours are 7:30am–6:30pm[14] from April until October and 8:00am–5:30pm from October until March. The weekends and holidays are much busier compared to weekdays.

Apart from the main attraction, there are dozens of pathways throughout the mountain that can be explored by foot.

People come from all over the world to worship Maitreya. To get a close-up view of him, there is a pedestrian pathway that allows visitors to appreciate the changing view of Buddha’s body through multiple perspectives. It is important to note that the plank pathways there are steep and narrow. To get a more panoramic view of him, there are sightseeing boats available at the price of CNY 70 per person. Since these boats have a capacity of 35 passengers, there may be a waiting line.

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Permission given by Min Zhou for commercial use on Flickr
  • The cliff to the left of the statue.
    The cliff to the left of the statue.
  • The statue seen from ground level.
    The statue seen from ground level.
  • The statue seen from above.
    The statue seen from above.
  • The head seen from the staircase.
    The head seen from the staircase.
  • The path winding up to the statue.
    The path winding up to the statue.
  • Detailed close-up shot of the statue's face.
    Detailed close-up shot of the statue's face.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Rajarajan, R.K.K. (2020). "'Religious Art and Culture in 2019' Thousand Faces of the Buddha". Indian Journal of History of Science. 55 (2): 194–201.
  2. ^ a b "Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area". UNESCO. Retrieved 7 December 2019.
  3. ^ "Wuyou Temple - exquisite Chinese Buddhist Temple in Leshan". 7 October 2020.
  4. ^ a b Lu, Ava. "The Leshan Giant Buddha | Fun Facts and History – Trippest's Chengdu Travel Guide". Trippest. Retrieved 7 December 2019.[permanent dead link‍]
  5. ^ 唐长寿. 《乐山麻浩崖墓研究》. 四川文物, 1987年, 2期: 10.
  6. ^ "China vows facelift for pollution-battered Buddha". Reuters. 7 November 2007.
  7. ^ "The Leshan Giant Buddha under Special Protection". Sights & Attractions – Leshan Buddha. Archived from the original on 18 November 2008.
  8. ^ "Leshan Giant Buddha History & Buddhism Facts". China Discovery. Retrieved 7 December 2019.
  9. ^ World Heritage Nomination - IUCN Summary Mount Emei and Leshan Giant Buddha (China) (Report).[full citation needed]
  10. ^ "Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area".
  11. ^ Li, Yan (2017). "Analysis on Tourism Competitiveness of Six World Cultural Heritage Sites in Sichuan Province" (PDF). Revista de la Facultad de Ingenier a U.C.V. 32 (15): 61–67. S2CID 55508347. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 March 2019. Retrieved 7 December 2019.
  12. ^ Sane, Anita (13 July 2017). "Self guided tour of Leshan Buddha". The Sane Travel. Retrieved 7 December 2019.
  13. ^ "Leshan Giant Buddha". Top China Travel. Retrieved 7 December 2019.
  14. ^ "Leshan Giant Buddha". Chengdu Travel Guide. The China Guide. Retrieved 7 December 2019.
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