Culture & History
Leshan Giant Buddha
4.8(9,876 reviews)
4-5 hours
$13 USD
Best time: Early morning
About
The Leshan Giant Buddha is a 71-meter tall stone statue carved into a cliff face, making it the largest stone Buddha in the world. Built during the Tang Dynasty over 90 years, this UNESCO World Heritage Site sits at the confluence of three rivers. Visitors can view the Buddha from the platform above or descend stairs to see it from the base.
Photos
See what Leshan Giant Buddha really looks like
Highlights
- 71-meter tall Buddha statue
- River boat view option
- Lingyun Temple
- Wuyou Temple
- Oriental Buddha Park
The Honest Truth
What guidebooks will not tell you - the real deal from someone who lives here
- The stairs down to the Buddha's feet involve a 2-hour queue on busy days
- The boat tour gives the best photo but only lasts 20 minutes
- The surrounding park is honestly more interesting than the Buddha itself
- It is a long day trip - 4 hours of driving for 2-3 hours at the site
- The Buddha is impressive but smaller than photos make it look
What to Actually Expect
- An impressive but not mind-blowing statue
- Long queues to walk down the cliffside stairs
- Beautiful river views from the top
- A lot of walking and stairs throughout the site
What to Avoid
- Do not visit on weekends or holidays - the queue is soul-crushing
- Do not skip the boat tour if you want the classic photo angle
- Do not try to combine with Mount Emei in one day - it is too rushed
- Do not expect a spiritual experience - it is very much a tourist attraction
Practical Tips
- Arrive early to avoid crowds
- Consider boat tour for full view
- Stairs to base can be steep
- Can combine with Mount Emei
- Book tickets in advance
Quick Facts
- Duration
- 4-5 hours
- Price
- $13 USD
- Best Time
- Early morning
- Category
- Culture & History
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