About Leshan Giant Buddha
At the meeting of the Min, Dadu and Qingyi rivers, a colossal seated Maitreya Buddha gazes calmly across the water. Carving began in 713 under the monk Haitong, who hoped the Buddha's presence would calm the dangerous currents that wrecked boats here. The work took about ninety years to complete, and the figure stands roughly 71 meters tall, making it the largest premodern stone Buddha in the world.
An ingenious hidden drainage system cut into the hair and robes has helped protect the statue from erosion for centuries. Visitors can stand beside the head, then descend a steep cliffside stairway to the feet, where the scale becomes clear. Lingyun Temple and Wuyou Temple on the hill above remain active places of worship, and a river cruise offers the classic full view.
What to see
- Head of the Buddha from the cliff top
- Nine-turn plank stairway down to the feet
- Lingyun Temple
- Wuyou Temple and its arhat hall
- River boat view of the whole statue
Visiting Leshan Giant Buddha: practical guide
- Best time
- March to May and September to November; weekdays
- Hours
- Daily, about 7:30 to 18:30
- Entry
- About 80 CNY; boat cruise extra
- Dress code
- Comfortable shoes for steep stairs
- Nearest airport
- Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), 140 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Arrive at opening to avoid long queues on the stairway
- Take the boat if time or mobility is limited
- Pair with Mount Emei on the same trip
Festivals and special days
- Buddha's Birthday
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Buddhism tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Remove shoes and hats before entering temple halls.
- Cover shoulders and knees, and avoid revealing clothing.
- Never point your feet toward a Buddha image or monk.
- Women should not touch or hand items directly to Theravada monks.
- Walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels.
- Do not climb on or pose disrespectfully with Buddha statues.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Leshan Giant Buddha?
Leshan Giant Buddha is in Leshan, Sichuan, China, Asia. GPS coordinates: 29.5447, 103.7733. The nearest airport is Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), 140 km.
What is the best time to visit Leshan Giant Buddha?
March to May and September to November; weekdays
Is there an entry fee for Leshan Giant Buddha?
About 80 CNY; boat cruise extra Opening hours: Daily, about 7:30 to 18:30
What should I wear when visiting Leshan Giant Buddha?
Comfortable shoes for steep stairs
Which religion is Leshan Giant Buddha sacred to?
Leshan Giant Buddha is sacred to Buddhism. Active place of worship. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
