A PLACE, A STORY / Leshan
Leshan Giant Buddha
A seated Buddha is carved into the riverside cliff. Its great scale becomes clearer when you notice the smaller details.
王计 · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons. Resized and compressed. · Original source · License
Blarandion · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Resized and compressed. · Original source · License
Carved in the eighth century, the Leshan Giant Buddha faces the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers. The seated figure reaches 71 metres in height, making the surrounding cliff part of the sculpture’s presence. Start with the whole outline, then look for a detail such as the ear, hand or folds of the robe. Moving between those scales is a quiet way to appreciate the ambition and labour behind the carving.
Editorial sources
Editorial review:
Before travelling, check current access, opening times and entry requirements with the relevant official sources.
