Arts

The origin of Leshan Giant Buddha

Appreciation of Ming Bamboo Carvings

Ming Dynasty

Width: 13.5cm

: Qing Dynasty

: Height: 13.5cm

Many boats had capsized because of the rapid torrents of the river at the foot of Lingyun Mountain. A Buddhist monk named Haitong was determined to release the general public from the suffering by carving a giant Buddha out of the cliff to slow down the water current. He traveled widely to beg alms and the fund for the project was furnished. The sculpture of the giant Buddha was so massive a project and took such a long time that Haitong passed away when only the head and chest of the statue were completed under his supervision. Later, two high officials donated their salaries to continue the construction, and the imperial court also joined in to be the sponsor. It took 90 years to finally accomplish the statue.

Giant Buddha of Leshan

Leshan Giant Buddha is a Buddhist stone statue carved in China's Tang Dynasty. It was carved out of a cliff located at Mount Xiluan, Lingyun Mountain at the south bank of the Min River of Leshan City,Sichuan Province, facing the west and against Leshan City across the river.

The onetime "protecting umbrella" - Giant Buddha Pavilion

The onetime "protecting umbrella" - Giant Buddha Pavilion

There was originally a seven-storey pavilion built on the top of the Giant Buddha, which was then called Giant Buddha Pavilion.
Lingyun Mountain

Lingyun Mountain

As early as the Sui and Tang dynasties, the Lingyun Mountain where the Buddha is located had been a famous scenic spot and Buddhist resort.
Lingyun Temple

Lingyun Temple

At the right back of the giant Buddha's head stands the Lingyun Temple, from which the details on the giant Buddha's head can be observed.
Plank Road on the Cliffs of the Lingyun Mountain

Plank Road on the Cliffs of the Lingyun Mountain

Along the cliff on the right flank of the Giant Buddha is a 300-odd-meter nine-turn plank road, paved with 217 steps that range from a maximum width of 1.45 meters to a minimum width of 0.6 meters.