It took six month to repair all cracks and damages on the monument that appeared due to natural errosion and excessive numbers of tourists visiting the statue. Since 1996 the statue is recognized by UNESCO as the world's heritage site hence the reconstruction works were conducted under the supervision of the UNESCO experts.
The 71 metre statue is one of the most famous attractions of the Sichuan province of China. It dates back to the Tang Dynasty between 8th and 9th centuries. It is believed that the statue was constructed in order to calm the waters of the Min River and Dadu River. The statue is carved out of red sandstone and faces Mount Emei. Not only it is the tallest pre-modern stone Buddha statue in the world, it remains the tallest stone Buddha statue even of today.
Leshan can be easily reached by bus from Chengdu as well as Chongqing, Jiajiang, Kangding, Yibin or Zigong regionally or from more distant locations countrywide including Shanghai and Shenzhen. A high-speed train connects Leshan to Chengdu in 50 minutes.
Giant Buddha of Leshan Reopens Today
News in Asia
Leshan Giant Buddha in China that has been closed for visitors since last October due to maintenance and repairs, reopens today, April, 1, the administration center of Leshan Giant Buddha reported.