The Mountain That Became a Buddha
For 90 years, a Buddhist monk named Haitong and his followers painstakingly carved a mountain into a Buddha. The result of their devotion is the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world. This is not just a statue; it is a work of geological-scale faith, a figure of such serene majesty that it has, as legend holds, calmed the raging rivers at its feet for over 1,200 years.
You must see it from two perspectives to understand its power. First, take a boat cruise on the river below. From the water, you can grasp its truly colossal scale as it towers 71 meters (233 ft) above you, dwarfing everything in its presence. Then, explore the site on foot. This allows you to walk down the dizzying, narrow plank staircase carved into the cliffside right next to the Buddha's body, letting you appreciate the details of his massive head and hands up close.
Insider Tip:
The cliffside staircase can have enormous queues, with wait times exceeding an hour or more during peak season. To avoid the worst of it, visit on a weekday and go as early in the morning as possible. Taking the river cruise first is also a good strategy; it guarantees you fantastic photos without the crowds and helps you decide if you want to brave the long wait for the walk.
