Leshan Giant Buddha乐山大佛
The 71 m seated Maitreya of Leshan, carved from a Minjiang riverside cliff in the Tang dynasty, is the world's largest stone Buddha — 90 years in the making.
Chengdu · Visitor Guide2026-10-27
Quick Answer
Is Leshan Giant Buddha worth visiting?
The world's largest stone Buddha — a 71 m seated Maitreya cut into a riverfront cliff. Entry CNY 80, river boat CNY 50 extra; the Buddha is a mountain, the mountain a Buddha.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Adult entry CNY 80 (mountain ticket); river boat CNY 50 (full view of the Buddha from the water) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 08:00-18:00 (from 07:30 in summer); last entry 17:30 |
| Recommended duration | 2-3 hours (not including the river boat) |
| Best time to visit | Good year-round; in the winter dry season the river runs lower and more of the Buddha stands exposed |
| How to get there | High-speed rail to Leshan Station (about 1 hour), then bus 3 or 13 to Dashiqiao stop; direct coaches also run from Chengdu Xinanmen bus station |
| English signage | Yes |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Construction period | Tang dynasty, Kaiyuan 1 (713) to Zhenyuan 19 (803) |
| Height | 71 m overall |
| Type | Cliff-carved seated Maitreya Buddha |
| Builders | Initiated by Master Haitong, continued by Zhisong across three generations |
| Heritage status | UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Location | East bank of the Minjiang River, southern Leshan |
What to expect
The Leshan Giant Buddha sits on the cliff face of Lingyun Mountain on the southern outskirts of Leshan, Sichuan — a colossal seated Maitreya carved from the rock during the Tang dynasty. Head level with the hilltop, feet planted beside the great river, hands resting on its knees, it is perfectly proportioned and solemn in expression. It measures 71 m in all: the head alone is 14.7 m, the shoulders span 24 m and each ear is 7 m long, making it the largest stone-carved Maitreya Buddha in the world.
Work began in 713, the opening year of the Kaiyuan era, on the initiative of Master Haitong, a monk of Lingyun Temple. After Haitong's death the project twice ground to a halt, and only some 40 years later did the military governor of western Sichuan, Wei Gao, donate his salary to resume the work; from first chisel to completion took about 90 years. The Buddha was conceived to subdue the floods where the Minjiang, Qingyi and Dadu rivers converge.
There are two ways to see the Buddha. The mountain trail — a real climb, covered by the CNY 80 mountain ticket — brings you down to touch the Buddha's feet at close range. The river boat (CNY 50) shows the entire figure from the water; the classic "a Buddha is a mountain, the mountain is a Buddha" vista comes from the boat.
How to get there
High-speed rail to Leshan Station (about 1 hour); outside the station take bus 3 or 13 to Dashiqiao, then walk 15 minutes. Direct coaches to the scenic area also leave from Chengdu Xinanmen bus station.
Best photo spots
- The river view from the boat — the classic angle (boat required)
- Close-up at the Buddha's feet (end of the mountain trail)
- The ancient halls of Lingyun Temple
- The Buddha framed against the three-river confluence
Tips
- Take the boat for the full view — from land you only see the Buddha in sections
- Queues on the mountain trail can reach 2-3 hours in peak season; come early or take the boat
- Sun on the river is fierce in summer — bring sun protection
- Pair it with Mount Emei, about 40 km away
Scams to avoid
- Street vendors cluster around the scenic area — keep your wits about you
- Buy boat tickets at the official docks only
Frequently asked questions
Leshan Giant Buddha or Mount Emei — which is more worth it?
Both are World Heritage sites, and ideally you do both. Emei is for mountain scenery and Buddhist culture; Leshan is for the monumental carving. They lie 40 km apart — plan two days, or combine them in one.
Mountain trail or river boat?
The trail brings you within arm's reach of the Buddha; the boat shows the whole figure. Climb if you are fit; choose the boat when travelling with seniors or young children.
Do I need to book in advance?
In peak season it is wise to reserve tickets ahead of time.
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