Unveiling the Magnificence of Leshan Big Buddha: A Journey of Serenity, History, and Ingenious Engineering
Nestled amidst the scenic landscapes of Sichuan province in China, the Leshan Big Buddha stands as a timeless symbol of Buddhist artistry and spiritual devotion. As one of the world's largest stone Buddha statues, this awe-inspiring monument attracts visitors from far and wide, offering a glimpse into China's rich cultural heritage and profound spiritual traditions. You could do this as a day trip from Chengdu or combine it with the nearby emeishan and make it a 2D1N trip. I opted for the latter.
Planning Your Journey: Booking Train Tickets in Advance
Before embarking on your adventure to Leshan, it's essential to secure your train tickets from Chengdu in advance. Trust me, I've learned this lesson the hard way! After a slight mishap while attempting to visit Dujiangyan earlier in the week, where I found myself stranded at the high-speed rail station with no available tickets, I quickly realized the importance of pre-booking.
To avoid unnecessary stress and save precious time, I recommend purchasing your train tickets beforehand. You can do so conveniently through platforms like Trip.com, which offer user-friendly interfaces in English. While there may be a small booking fee, the peace of mind knowing that your tickets are settled in advance is well worth it. Just remember to bring your passport for verification at the high-speed rail gantry, and you're all set for a smooth journey to Leshan.
Embracing Convenience: Journey from Leshan Station to Leshan Big Buddha
Upon arriving at Leshan Station, I opted for a hassle-free mode of transportation to reach the renowned Big Buddha site – a cab booked through Alipay to summon a Didi, China's equivalent of Uber. With a seamless booking process and reasonable fares of around 25 RMB, the journey from Leshan Station to the Leshan Big Buddha was both comfortable and convenient.
As the cab whisked me away through the picturesque surroundings of Leshan, anticipation grew with each passing moment. Soon, the grandeur of the Leshan Big Buddha came into view, towering majestically above the confluence of three rivers. From its serene expression to the intricate details carved into the stone, every aspect of the Buddha's form exuded an aura of tranquility and spiritual significance.
Leshan Big Buddha
Legend has it that the construction of the Leshan Big Buddha was initiated with a noble purpose – to calm the turbulent waters that plagued the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers. As the Buddha took shape from the cliffs overlooking the river, the rocks and debris carved away from the stone were deposited back into the river below. Remarkably, this process had an unintended yet astonishing effect – it helped to calm the once tumultuous waters, making navigation safer for passing vessels. Thus, the Leshan Big Buddha not only stands as a symbol of spiritual reverence but also as a guardian of the surrounding waters, offering protection and tranquility to all who pass through.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Leshan Big Buddha is its exceptional preservation despite centuries of exposure to the elements. Behind the ears and other parts of the sculpture, intricate drainage holes were ingeniously incorporated into the design. These cleverly placed openings allow rainwater to flow freely out of the statue, preventing erosion and preserving its integrity over time. Thanks to these ingenious engineering techniques, the Leshan Big Buddha remains remarkably well-preserved, standing as a testament to the craftsmanship and foresight of its creators.
As you stand in the shadow of the towering Leshan Big Buddha, you can't help but feel a sense of reverence and awe. From its serene expression to the intricate details carved into the stone, every aspect of the Buddha's form exudes a timeless elegance and spiritual significance. As you explore the surrounding area, take a moment to reflect on the rich history and cultural heritage that envelops this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There was also a beautiful flower field at the foot of the big buddha area when I visited the place in March, adding a vibrant splash of color to the already breathtaking scenery. From the tranquil waters below to the lush greenery that surrounds the statue, every angle presents an opportunity for stunning Instagram-worthy photos.
(I took a didi from Leshan to my accommodation at Emeishan. If this is done as a day trip from Chengdu, simply head back to the Leshan Train Station to catch the high speed rail back to Chengdu!)
Oh yes and I had this really nice bing fen at the foot of the big buddha!
