3.22.2007
Respect The Buddha - Big Bad Buddha
Leshan Giant Buddha is an enormous statue carved into the cliff side of Lingyun Mountain. The Buddha is over 71 meters (230ft) tall with 28 meter (92ft) wide shoulders and a 15 meter (49ft) high head. More than 100 people can sit between the Buddha’s feet.The carving of this massive statue commenced in 713AD during the Tang dynasty and was only completed in 803AD. The Buddha overlooks the confluence of the Min, Qingyi and Dadu rivers just east of Leshan and is reputed to be the largest carved stone Buddha in the world. A local saying explains, "The mountain is a Buddha, the Buddha is a mountain".
Walking down twisting Nine Turn Cliff Road, precariously cut into the mountain in the 8th Century, makes one appreciate the enormous accomplishment of this ancient endeavor. Views are stunning over elbows and knees, taking in the river scene and Leshan's skyline. When you reach the beach, you find a set of Gulliver-sized toes over eight meters long.
Besides the Buddha itself, the surrounding park is worth a stroll, with many temples and stunning views
Labels: Jet Setting
