May you be enlightened.
China has a profound history with Buddhism, since its introduction from India by the great Xuanzang. Since then, to show their appreciation and worship to the Buddha, many statues were erected across China. These statues varied in design and became a work of religious art that has drawn many people to admire the statues alongside its worship.
In this article we list some of the top Buddha statues across China that you should visit, especially if you are a lover of religious art and/or Buddhism.
The Spring Temple Buddha, Henan Province
The Foquan Temple Buddha or more commonly known as the Spring Temple Buddha is the tallest Buddha statue in the world, standing at 128 metres and made of bronze which brings it to a staggering 6400 tons.
It is situated in Zhaocun, Henan, and was named from a local hot spring near the temple, and stands at the peak of the Dragon Head. It also houses the ‘Bell of Good Luck’ which after completion rang in the dawn of the new millennium and claims it’s title as the heaviest bell in the world. It is well worth the visit if you have time to travel to Henan.
Sakyamuni Grand Buddha at Lingshan Park, Jiangsu
The Lingshan Grand Buddha statue is in a region considered a historic spiritual site, and where the famous Xiangfu temple was built in the very space the Buddha resided. The statue in of itself is located at Lingshan Park by the beautiful Taihu Lake, the lake surrounded by Mashan Mountain.
It is a statue that is made up of 1560 bronze plates, and one of the more technologically equipped mountains, in that it has advanced windproof, shockproof and lightning protective features. This is all to say the statue is the pride of Wuxi and isn’t expected to be going anywhere anytime soon.
Tian Tan Buddha, Lantau Island
A major land mark in Hong Kong, the Tian Tan Buddha or more commonly the Big Buddha is the largest outdoor sitting statue. Once you arrive, you can ascend the 268 stairs to arrive at the statue. Once you have soaked in its inner beauty, a blend of ancient and modern art, you are gifted with a panoramic view of Lantau Island. Be sure to take advantage of the many outdoor shops/attractions as there is lots to do and learn once at this island.
Guan Yin Bodhisattva Statue, Sanya
The mesmerising Guan Yin statue is situated on the beautiful Hawaii of China: Sanya. It stands at 108 metres tall and the three Guan Yin face three directions. The first faces mainland China and the other two look out towards the south China sea. By doing this, it aims to spread peace, wisdom and mercy across the whole of China and the rest of the world.
The mountain, in which the statue is said to reside, is a sacred place of healing and longevity. If you come to Sanya be sure to check out this statue and tour the mountain. It may enlighten you with the secrets to perpetual youth.
Samantabhadra Golden Statue, Sichuan
The world’s tallest golden statue — Samantabhadra — is located in Sichuan province and stands at 48 metres. It is made of glided copper and the ten heads of Samantabhadra express the many different faces of the commoners various emotions throughout their life.
It is great statue to visit and a great place to learn about Buddhism as it is one of the four sacred mountains of Buddhism in China.
Leshan Buddha, Sichuan
The Leshan Buddha is a statue carved out of a hilside in Sichuan province, and a part of the Lingyun. It is spiritual place, being one of the holiest sites of Buddhism across the country. The statue is located in a remarkable area, near Mt Emei, which is notable for its diverse vegetation, and vicinity to local rivers that run below the Buddhas feet. This most likely allows for water to be blessed by the Buddha.
A great feature of the buddha is that it has many hidden passages that allow for water to flow out seamlessly, which ensure the buddha does not feel the effects of weathering or erosion. This, alongside the dedication the people take to maintain this buddha, makes for a truly blessed statue. A must see if you are ever in Sichuan and you are done playing with Pandas.
So, if you are into Buddhism or would like to tour and learn about a key aspect of Chinese cultural than these 6 buddha statues are well worth a visit.
