Snapshot: marvel at the Leshan Giant Buddha

Its weathered face stares ahead at Mount Emei while the river laps at its feet. The 233 feet (71 meter) tall Leshan Giant Buddha is a work of marvel that withstood over a century of gnarly conditions. Here’s an idea of how big the Buddha statue is- its tiniest toenail is able to seat two persons. Carved out of a hillside that overlooks the convergence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers, the massive Buddha sculpture, built during the Tang Dynasty, remains the largest Buddha structure in the world.

The idea of the Buddha sculpture was from a Chinese monk named Hai Tong, who hoped that its presence would cast a veil of calmness over the stormy rivers that engulfed shipping vessels. As it turned out, the completion of the sculpture did soothe the turbulent waters. The chipped rocks from the Buddha’s construction fell into the water, slowing the river’s flow.

Built over 90 years, it’s amazing how construction work back then can create such an enduring work of art. What’s even more remarkable was how forward thinking the builders were- a refined drainage system was built into the Buddha when it was erected that includes drainage pipes carved into different places on the body to flush out water after rains to cut down on weathering. The drainage system still works today.

Along with the Buddha’s construction was a 13-storey stone structure that was built as shelter. It was, unfortunately destroyed by the Mongols during the Yuan Dynasty, exposing the sculpture to the elements.

Apart from admiring the Buddha Sculpture, the surrounding parks with lush forests and small temples are a sight to behold as well.

There are three types of entrance tickets for the Buddha, the park, the pagoda and temple or everything. The most expensive ticket (all-inclusive) costs 170 RMB.

Tip: there are steps leading you up to the top of the Buddha’s head and there’s usually a long queue to get to the top. If you’re up for the climb, go early in the morning. Hordes of tourists shoving and pushing in line once it hits mid-morning can be a dampener to your experience.