Leshan Giant Buddha Facts
71-Meter Stone Wonder of the World
Quick Facts
Complete Dimensions
All measurements verified from Wikipedia and cross-referenced with Gemini AI.
| Body Part | Metric | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Total Height | 71 m | Taller than the Statue of Liberty if standing |
| Shoulder Width | 24 m | Width of a 7-story building |
| Head Height | 14.7 m | Height of a 4-story building |
| Head Width | 10 m | Width of a large room |
| Ear Length | 7 m | Can fit 2 people inside each ear |
| Finger Length | 8.3 m | Length of a small car |
| Eyebrow Length | 5.6 m | Width of a large bedroom |
| Nose Length | 5.6 m | Height of a single story |
| Mouth Width | 3.3 m | Wide enough for a doorway |
| Eye Width | 3.3 m | Each eye is doorway-sized |
| Instep Width | 8.5 m | Can hold ~100 people standing |
| Smallest Toenail | ~1.5 m | Can fit 1 seated person |
| Hair Spirals | 1,021 | Each curl is a stone spiral |
History & Construction
Timeline
- Built: 712-804 AD (Tang Dynasty)
- Duration: 92 years
- Founder: Monk Hai Tong
- Purpose: To calm the turbulent waters at the confluence of three rivers
The Story
Hai Tong believed Maitreya Buddha would protect ships. When funding was threatened, he gouged out his own eyes to show his devotion. His disciples completed the statue after his death.
Engineering Marvel
Sophisticated drainage system carved into the statue - still working after 1,200 years
Location
The Leshan Giant Buddha sits at the confluence of three rivers: Min River, Dadu River, Qingyi River. It faces Mount Emei (facing the Buddha), creating a stunning spiritual landscape.
From Chengdu: 150 km (2h by car, 41 min by high-speed train)
Visiting Information
Tickets & Hours
- Entrance: ¥90 (includes Wuyou Temple & Mahao Cliff Tomb)
- Boat view: ¥70 for river view
- Hours: 7:30am-6:30pm (Apr-Oct), 8:00am-5:30pm (Nov-Mar)
Tips
- Best time: Morning (fewer crowds), weekdays
- How to get there: Bus 13 from Leshan city center, or high-speed train from Chengdu (41 min)
Data Sources
- • Wikipedia: Leshan Giant Buddha
- • UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- • Gemini AI verification (2026-05-27)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How tall is the Leshan Giant Buddha?
The Leshan Giant Buddha is 71 meters (233 feet) tall, making it the world's tallest stone Buddha statue. It has 24-meter shoulders, a 14.7-meter head, and 8.3-meter fingers. The statue was carved into a cliff during the Tang Dynasty (712-804 AD).
Q2: What are the viewing options for the Giant Buddha?
You can view the Buddha from two perspectives: walking down the Nine Bends stairway (¥90 entrance) for close-up views of the head and body, or taking a boat ride on the river (¥70) for the classic full-body panoramic view from the water.
Q3: How do I get to the Leshan Giant Buddha?
From Chengdu: Take high-speed train to Leshan Station (41 minutes), then bus 13 or taxi to the scenic area. By car: 2 hours (150 km). By bus: 2.5 hours from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station. The Buddha is at the confluence of three rivers in Leshan city.
Q4: How long did it take to build the Leshan Giant Buddha?
Construction took 92 years (712-804 AD), spanning multiple generations. Monk Hai Tong started the project and even gouged out his own eyes to prove his devotion when funding was threatened. His disciples completed the statue after his death.