{"id":1677,"date":"2025-04-23T01:00:37","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T01:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stage.openvirtualworlds.org\/worldheritage2025\/?page_id=1677"},"modified":"2025-04-24T02:21:50","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T02:21:50","slug":"digital-exhibition-leshan-giant-buddha","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/stage.openvirtualworlds.org\/worldheritage2025\/digital-exhibition-leshan-giant-buddha\/","title":{"rendered":"Digital Exhibition \u2013\u00a0Leshan Giant Buddha"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Carved over the course of the Tang dynasty from 713 to 803 AD, the Leshan Giant Buddha stands majestically on Qiluan Peak of Lingyun Mountain in Sichuan Province, gazing out over the meeting point of the Min, Dadu and Qingyi rivers. Rising 71 metres from the cliff face, it holds the title of the world\u2019s largest stone Buddha. The statue portrays Maitreya\u2014the future Buddha\u2014seated in tranquil repose, with gently curling hair and a serene, soft\u2011featured countenance.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo by Ariel Steiner (CC BY-SA 2.5<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Quiz!<\/mark><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How tall is the Leshan Giant Buddha?<\/summary>\n

This world\u2019s largest stone buddha is 71 metres tall.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

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Sculptural Close\u2011Ups<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Giant Buddha has been through several large\u2011scale restorations. After repair, its features look calm, serene and full of dignity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photo by SonSunhon. Use permission.https:\/\/photo-ac.com\/photo\/26900677<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The long, drooping earlobes symbolize the Buddha\u2019s deep wisdom and boundless compassion, showing that he hears the suffering of all beings and answers their calls for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photo by SonSunhon. Use permission.https:\/\/photo-ac.com\/photo\/26900679<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Sculpture Story<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the early Tang dynasty, the monk Hai Tong from Guizhou led the carving of the Giant Buddha to calm the fast currents at the meeting of three rivers and keep boats safe. As people donated money and materials, a local official demanded a share for himself. Hai Tong refused, saying he would rather gouge out his own eye than let the Buddha\u2019s offerings be taken. When the official would not relent, Hai Tong indeed removed one eye, placed it on a plate, and handed it over. Shocked, the official never asked for a bribe again.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo by xiquinhosilva (CC BY 2.0<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Quiz!<\/mark><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What was the purpose of carving the giant Buddha?<\/summary>\n

To calm the fast currents at the meeting of the three rivers and keep boats safe.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

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Image Gallery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Culture Value<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Leshan Giant Buddha is a treasure of China\u2019s Tang Dynasty heritage, showcasing the era\u2019s remarkable stone\u2011carving mastery and the profound imprint of Buddhism on art and culture. Together with Mount Emei, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, a testament to its outstanding cultural value. This monumental statue has drawn pilgrims and sightseers alike, offering both spiritual solace and an unparalleled glimpse into ancient craftsmanship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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