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Leshan Giant Buddha History
To carve a Buddha statue 71 meters high, the equivalent of a 20-story building, into a mountainside is a truly astonishing accomplishment. Let's uncover the real story behind Leshan Giant Buddha.
Excavation and Completion of Leshan Giant Buddha
Imagine carving a giant Buddha out of a mountain. Sounds like a crazy project, right? Well, that's exactly what Hai Tong, a Buddhist monk, decided to do back in the Tang Dynasty. He convinced Emperor Xuanzong that this mega-statue would help prevent flooding. And so, in 713 AD, thousands of workers got to work, chipping away at the mountain for almost a century. Finally, in 803 AD, they unveiled their masterpiece: the Leshan Giant Buddha. It's a testament to human perseverance and a giant middle finger to Mother Nature.
Traces Left Over from Ancient Times - Steps Cut by Hand
To get up close and personal with this colossal Buddha, you'll have to climb a set of hand-cut steps (Also called "Nine Bend Corridor"). These aren't your average stairs; they're a piece of history carved into the mountainside. Imagine the countless feet that have trod these steps over the centuries. It's like stepping back in time, one stone at a time.
Destruction and Protection of Leshan Giant Buddha
Nature can be a real party pooper. Earthquakes, floods, and even erosion have tried their best to take down this giant Buddha. But fear not! The Chinese government has been on guard, launching major restoration projects to keep this cultural icon standing tall. It's like a never-ending battle between man and nature, and the Buddha is winning.
Monk Culture Behind Giant Buddha of Leshan China
The Leshan Giant Buddha is deeply rooted in Buddhist culture. Monk Haitong mobilized a massive workforce and resources to carve the Buddha. Below the Buddha, the turbulent Minjiang River raged with powerful currents, frequently overturning boats and claiming lives. Monk Haitong sought to harness the Buddha's divine power to safeguard the river and its travelers. The stones excavated during the construction were placed into the river, serving as a natural barrier to slow the turbulent waters.
The Buddha's peaceful expression and serene demeanor are intended to inspire devotion and contemplation. For centuries, people have flocked to this spiritual giant, seeking solace and enlightenment.
2 Tour Itineraries to Visit Leshan Giant Buddha
This ancient wonder offers the hiking trail and boar tour, each providing a unique perspective on this colossal statue.
Hiking to the Buddha: A Close-Up Encounter
Ticket Price: $11.26 per person.
Tour Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.
Operating Hours:
Summer (April 1st - October 7th): 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM.
Winter (October 8th - March 31st): 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM.
Hiking Route:
Entrance: North Gate of the Giant Buddha.
Exit: South Gate of the Giant Buddha.
Important Note: The entire scenic area is a one-way route.
Starting your journey at the North Gate of the Leshan Giant Buddha, you'll walk along a shady path. The first thing you'll see is a big stone with the word "Buddha" carved on it by Su Dongpo–a famous writer. It's a popular spot for calligraphy fans. Keep going up, and you'll reach Lingyun Temple (凌云寺), a really old temple. It's built into the mountain. The temple is always busy with people praying. As you climb higher, you'll see lots of old carvings on the rocks. They tell stories about the past. When you reach the top, you can examine the intricate details of the Buddha's head, including its 1,021 individual hair knots, each carved from a separate piece of stone. Looking down, you'll be awestruck by the sheer height of the cliff and the vast river below. Behind the Buddha's head, you'll find a cave where the monk who oversaw its construction once lived.
Then at the right cliff, you can walk down along the Nine Bend Corridor (九曲栈道) to the bottom of the Buddha. Each step is quite high, and the path is lined with handrails. This unique perspective offers a close-up view of the Buddha's side.
Standing at the base of the 71-meter-tall Buddha is an unforgettable experience. The statue's immense size is truly awe-inspiring, especially when you consider the scale of its feet. One of the Buddha's toes is so large that you could easily place a table on it! The dorsum of the foot is so vast, spanning 8.5 meters, that it could accommodate more than a hundred people sitting around it.
After that, you'll take a different path, the Lingyun Corridor (凌云栈道), to leave the area. Along the way, you can stop by the Stele Forest, the Museum of Hanya Tomb, and Mahao Fishing Village.
When you exit through the South Gate and cross the Haoshang Bridge (濠上大桥), you'll reach Wuyou Temple (乌尤寺), an old Buddhist temple dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It's been rebuilt a couple of times after wars ruined it, but it's still standing strong. Inside, you can check out its cool design, some really neat calligraphy, and some beautiful Buddha statues.
Take A Ferry: A Panoramic View
While the boat tour doesn't offer as close a view of the Buddha as the hiking trail, it's a more relaxing and less crowded option.
Ticket price: $9.86 per person.
Boat tour: The boat ride lasts about 30-40 minutes.
Start/end points: You can start or end your boat trip at Jiazhou Ferry Pier or Wuyou Temple Pier.
Tour route: The boat takes you on a scenic cruise past the giant Buddha and back.
Boat hours:
Summer: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Winter: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Once you're inside, head to the River Tour Ticket Hall (游船售票大厅) at the visitor center to grab your boat tickets. Unless it's a Chinese holiday, you shouldn't have to wait long in line. Each boat can fit quite a few people. The boat ride will take you along the rivers, and it'll slow down right in front of the Buddha for about 5-10 minutes so you can get some great photos.
From the water, you'll have a panoramic view of the entire Buddha and the surrounding cliffs. The boat will pause in front of the statue, giving you ample time to admire its magnificence.
Unlike the limited view from the ground, a boat tour allows you to appreciate the full scale and beauty of the Leshan Giant Buddha.
Besides seeing the giant Buddha, the boat trip will also take you past Lingyun Mountain and Temple (凌云山和凌云寺). These places are right next to the Buddha.
Leshan Giant Buddha Boat Tour Tips:
- Bring your passport: You'll need it to buy tickets.
- Get a good seat: If you’re on the Jiazhou Ferry, try to sit on the right side. You’ll have a better view when the boat slows down near the Buddha.
- Check the weather: If it's windy or foggy, the boat might not run. Safety first!
Leshan Buddha Location: How to Get to Leshan Giant Buddha
The Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is situated about 150 kilometers south of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. You can get to Leshan by high speed train or private car from Chengdu.
Get to Leshan by High Speed Train
To get to the Leshan Giant Buddha, you can hop on the high-speed train from Chengdu. The trip takes around 42-52 minutes and costs between $8 and $14. Once you arrive at Leshan station, you'll need about 50 minutes to get to the Buddha by bus. Or, if you're in a hurry, a taxi can get you there faster.
Get to Leshan by Private Car
Traveling by private car from Chengdu to the Leshan Giant Buddha offers a comfortable journey lasting about 2 hours. Following your visit to the Buddha, you can conveniently explore Mount Emei within about 2 days. Unlike the train, you have the flexibility to depart at your preferred time, enhancing your overall travel experience. The car is spacious and relaxing, perfect for a chill journey. Check out Asia Odyssey Travel – we offer all-inclusive tours to Leshan with private car transfers straight to the Buddha. No need to worry about lugging your bags around if you're traveling with a lot of stuff.
With over 13 years of expertise in crafting unforgettable China tours, we can tailor your trip to your specific preferences. From comfortable accommodations to mouth-watering dining experiences, transportation arrangements, and expert guides, Asia Odyssey Travel will handle every detail, allowing you to focus on immersing yourself in the beauty of Leshan Giant Buddha Sichuan.
Tour Giant Buddha Leshan with Asia Odyssey Travel:
Best Time to Visit Leshan Giant Buddha
The optimal time to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha is during the spring and autumn seasons, specifically from March to May and September to November. While spring and autumn have similar climates, with cool mornings and evenings and occasional drizzle, spring tends to be more humid. It is advisable to wear long-sleeved T-shirts or shirts layered with light jackets or cardigans. Due to frequent rainfall, an umbrella is a must.
If your visit is restricted to summer or winter, it is recommended to carry some heatstroke prevention medication. Summers in Leshan are characterized by high humidity and heat, similar to being inside a car parked under the scorching sun. Winters, on the other hand, are cold and humid, akin to being in a humid refrigerator. Warm innerwear, hats, and gloves are recommended.
Accommodation Recommendations for Leshan
Regarding accommodations, Asia Odyssey Travel has selected hotels near the Leshan Giant Buddha, allowing you to choose from a variety of three to five-star options. Rest assured that basic amenities such as air conditioning, windows, and Wi-Fi will be in full working order, enabling you to focus on relaxation and sightseeing.
Duration and Ticket Price for Giant Buddha Leshan Trip
You can spend a whole day exploring the Leshan Giant Buddha and other sights, but half a day is usually enough. The ticket for hiking to the Giant Buddha is 80 yuan ($11.23) a person and includes other attractions on the mountain. And the ticket for boat tour is 70 yuan ($9.82) a person.
Luggage Storage at Leshan Giant Buddha
The Leshan Tourist Center offers a free luggage storage service. It is located approximately 1.6 kilometers, or a 30-minute walk, from the entrance to the Giant Buddha scenic area.
| Date | Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Hours | October 8th - March 31st of the following year | 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| April 1st - October 1st | 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM |
If you wish to collect your luggage at a later time, there is a paid luggage storage facility located approximately 30 meters from the north gate of the Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area.
| Date | Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Hours | Monday to Sunday | 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Suitcase | Backpack | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 10 yuan ($1.40) per day | 5 yuan($0.70) per day |
Snacks of Leshan
Experience the flavors of Leshan at the square near the Giant Buddha. The Leshan Tourism Square, situated opposite Lingyun Mountain, offers a delightful blend of urban and natural beauty. This vibrant plaza is the perfect place to indulge in authentic Leshan cuisine, including regional specialties like spicy beef and Bo Bo Ji (Sichuan Spicy Chicken). After satisfying your appetite, take a leisurely stroll through the square and soak up the local atmosphere.
How to Plan Your Leshan Giant Buddha Trip
To visit Leshan, you can start your journey from Chengdu, a major transportation hub. If you're only interested in the Leshan Giant Buddha, you can make it a day trip from Chengdu. Additionally, the famous Buddhist holy site of Mount Emei is nearby, so you can visit it as well. Consider planning 4-day tour to fully experience the beautiful scenery of Chengdu, the Leshan Giant Buddha, and Mount Emei.
Day 1 Arrival in Chengdu
It marks your arrival in Chengdu, where you'll be greeted by a comfortable airport pick-up and check-in to your hotel.
How to Plan A Chengdu Tour | Useful Chengdu Planning Guide
Chengdu Itineraries | How to Spend 1 Day, 2 Days, 3 Days, 4 Days in Chengdu
Day 2 Chengdu - Leshan - Mount Emei
In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel, then be driven about 2 hours from Chengdu to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Leshan Giant Buddha. You will walk down and up and watch the Buddha. Later you will be driven about 45 kilometers to Mount Emei for checking in at your hotel and have a good rest.
Day 3 Mount Emei - Chengdu
You will spend a full day visiting Mount Emei, which is one of the World Heritage Sites for both cultural and natural heritages. The Golden Summit is an extravagance of natural wonders and Buddhism spiritualism. After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you back to the hotel in Chengdu.
Day 4 Chengdu's Panda and City Highlights Tour
After breakfast, you are going to see the Panda. And then pay a visit to the Chengdu's Renmin Park for enjoying the city's slow lifestyle. After that, take a relaxed stroll at Kuanzhai Alley and discover the "new life" of Chengdu. After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to home.
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