Between the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers in Sichuan Province, China, is an awe-inspiring figure of ancient engineering and artistry: the sitting statue of the Leshan Giant Buddha.

This colossal statue, carved directly into the red sandstone cliffs, is an iconic representation of what faith, belief in the divine and an act of human science can achieve what would have been impossible during that time.

Add to that, it’s almost fantastical appearance isn’t just a wonder for tourists but it’s also the cause of inspiration for creating the fictional “waterfall king” in the popular fantasy novel Daybreak.

So if you’re planning a trip to Leshan, then know the history, intricate construction, and profound cultural significance of the Leshan Giant Buddha, that made waves or rather, stopped them, in the river it watches over.

How The Leshan Buddha Statue Came into Existence

It’s no doubt that the Leshan Giant Buddha is an architectural marvel, reflecting the advanced engineering and crafting skills of those that once lived in the Tang Dynasty. But how did this 71-meter-tall statue carved into a cliff side come to be? It was a vision of a believer.

The Vision of a Devout Monk

The story of the Leshan Giant Buddha begins in the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) with a devout Buddhist monk named Haitong. Concerned about the dangerous currents where the rivers met, which often capsized boats and claimed lives, Haitong envisioned a giant Buddha to calm the waters and protect the local population. The project, initiated in 713 AD, was as much a spiritual endeavor as it was a practical one, reflecting the deep intertwining of religion and practical life in ancient China.

A Herculean Effort

Constructing a statue of such immense scale was no small feat. The project, which took nearly 90 years to complete, required the efforts of thousands of workers, artists, and engineers. Haitong himself did not live to see its completion; however, his disciples and subsequent generations continued his work. The perseverance and dedication involved in this monumental task highlight the profound faith and determination of those who contributed to the creation of the Leshan Giant Buddha.

Architectural Marvel: Engineering the Colossus

Creating such a gigantic sculpture was no easy feat but with grit, perseverance, faith and science, the people of Leshan achieved what would have been impossible. Not only did they construct the world’s tallest Buddhist statue, but they also managed to control the raging rivers the Buddha watched over.

Dimensions and Structure

Standing at an impressive 71 meters (233 feet) tall, the Leshan Giant Buddha is the tallest pre-modern statue in the world. Its head alone is 14.7 meters (48 feet) high and 10 meters (33 feet) wide, with a total of 1,021 intricate buns carved into its hair. The statue’s hands rest gracefully on its knees, each measuring about 3 meters (10 feet) long, and its shoulders span 28 meters (92 feet). It’s also said that the nails used in the construction is so huge that one nail can comfortably seat a person on it.

Stabilizing the Turbulent River Waters

While it might seem like the building of the Leshan Giant Buddha was for religious purposes, it had a more scientific and social intention behind it. The Buddha is an ancient technique of reshaping the river to calm its turbulent waters for boats and ships to sail without its passengers losing their lives.

Practically, the construction of the Leshan Giant Buddha involved significant alterations to the surrounding landscape, which helped reduce the river’s turbulent currents.

The process of carving the Buddha required removing a large amount of rock from the cliff face, which was then strategically placed in the river below. This effectively altered the river’s flow dynamics, reducing the speed and intensity of the currents around the confluence where the three rivers meet.

The redistribution of rock and sediment is also believed to have reshaped the riverbed, creating a more stable and navigable waterway, thus reducing the risk of sudden surges and dangerous currents. Additionally, the construction may have included measures to stabilize the riverbanks and prevent further erosion, which would have contributed to maintaining a more consistent flow of the river.

Innovative Drainage System

One of the other most sophisticated features is its drainage system, designed to protect the statue from erosion and weathering. Hidden within the statue are various channels and gutters that divert rainwater away from critical areas, preventing water damage. This system, still functioning over a millennium later, is a living proof that the ancient Chinese knew more about engineering and long term preservation than the modern scientists today.

Material and Technique

The statue was carved directly from the cliff face, using a combination of manual labour and rudimentary tools. The red sandstone, while relatively soft and easier to carve, posed challenges in terms of durability. To address this, craftsmen employed techniques such as embedding bronze and iron supports within the statue to enhance its stability. The precision and skill required to execute such a large-scale project with limited technology is a wonder to have been carried out by the people of that time.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The Leshan Giant Buddha was created with the thought of protection for sailors and passengers coming by the waters and for that very reason, it remains as a sacred place where monks and believers keeps its spirituality alive with regular pilgrimage and prayers.

A Symbol of Protection and Peace

The Leshan Giant Buddha was not only an architectural feat but also a symbol of protection and peace for the local community. Buddhists believe that the serene presence of the Buddha calms the turbulent waters, ensuring safe passage for sailors and fishermen. This belief is rooted in the broader Buddhist philosophy of compassion and benevolence, with the Buddha serving as a guardian and benefactor.

Pilgrimage and Worship

Throughout history, the Leshan Giant Buddha has been a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists from across China and beyond. The statue’s imposing presence and tranquil expression create a deep sense of spirituality among the visitors. Monks and devotees regularly perform rituals and ceremonies at the site, maintaining its sacred atmosphere and keeping the site alive as a religious monument for thousands of years.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1996, the Leshan Giant Buddha, along with the Mount Emei Scenic Area, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The UNESCO listing has also increased global awareness of the site, drawing international visitors and researchers keen to explore its heritage.

Activities to Do

When visiting the Leshan Giant Buddha, you can immerse yourself in a variety of engaging activities that bring you up close to this ancient marvel.

Climbing the Stone Stairs

Begin your journey by climbing the stone stairs of Lingyun Hill, which offer an impressive vantage point to view the Buddha’s head and upper body. This climb allows you to appreciate the intricate details of the carving from a close perspective. You can also walk across the Nine Bends Plank Road, a zigzagging pathway that descends from the Buddha’s head to its feet. This route provides different perspectives of the statue and a sense of its immense scale.

Enjoying a Boat Ride

For a unique and awe-inspiring experience, take a boat ride on the Minjiang River. This offers a full frontal view of the Leshan Giant Buddha, highlighting its grandeur and the stunning confluence of the three rivers from a distance.

Getting There

The Leshan Giant Buddha is located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Visitors can reach Leshan by these three methods:

By Train: High-speed trains from Chengdu East Railway Station to Leshan Railway Station take around one hour. From there, a short bus or taxi ride will bring you to the entrance of the Buddha site.

By Bus: Direct buses from Chengdu’s Xinnanmen Bus Station to Leshan take about two hours. The bus station is conveniently located near the site.

By Car: For those who prefer to drive, the journey from Chengdu to Leshan takes about two hours via the Chengdu-Leshan Expressway. You can either rent a car if you want to explore the highways by yourself or you can charter a private tour guide.

Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months when the weather is mild and pleasant. Avoiding the peak summer season (June to August) is advisable due to high temperatures and large crowds. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for photography, as the soft light enhances the features of the Buddha and the surrounding scenery.