Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area in China

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
Protectedplanet.net

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1996
Size of heritage: 15,400 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 103,769°
Latitude: 29,545°

Summary

The first Buddhist temple in China was built here in Sichuan Province in the 1st century A.D. in the beautiful surroundings of the summit Mount Emei. The addition of other temples turned the site into one of Buddhism's holiest sites. Over the centuries, the cultural treasures grew in number. The most remarkable is the Giant Buddha of Leshan, carved out of a hillside in the 8th century and looking down on the confluence of three rivers. At 71 m high, it is the largest Buddha in the world. Mount Emei is also notable for its exceptionally diverse vegetation, ranging from subtropical to subalpine pine forests. Some of the trees there are more than 1,000 years old.

Location on Map

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Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area

The Mount Emei Scenic Area, including the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Emeishan City, Sichuan Province, China. This magnificent site is renowned for its natural beauty, cultural significance, and historical importance. It encompasses Mount Emei, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China, and the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone Buddha statue in the world.

History

The history of the Mount Emei Scenic Area dates back over 2,000 years. It has been a place of religious pilgrimage and worship since the introduction of Buddhism to China. Mount Emei became a sacred site for Buddhist practitioners during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD). Over the centuries, numerous temples, monasteries, and pagodas were built on the mountain, making it an important center for Buddhist culture and learning.

The Leshan Giant Buddha, located at the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers, was carved out of a cliff face during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). It was constructed to calm the turbulent waters that caused numerous shipwrecks in the area. The construction of this colossal statue took over 90 years to complete and stands at an impressive height of 71 meters (233 feet).

Current State

The Mount Emei Scenic Area, including the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. The area offers breathtaking natural landscapes, including lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and serene mountain paths. The diverse flora and fauna found in the region make it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The cultural and religious significance of the site is evident in the numerous temples and monasteries that dot the mountain. The Baoguo Temple, built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), is one of the most important Buddhist temples in the area. It houses precious relics and artifacts, including ancient scriptures and statues.

Visitors can also explore the Leshan Giant Buddha, which is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese sculpture. The statue is carved with intricate details, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of the Tang Dynasty artisans. A staircase has been built alongside the statue, allowing visitors to climb up and appreciate the sheer size and grandeur of the Buddha.

Address
Distance: 1,2 mi
702 Binjiang Road South Section
614000 Leshan
China

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

Videos from the area

TOOTH PASTH 03: Leshan

Published: November 02, 2013
Length: 07:56 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: chainswap

TOOTH PASTH: Second-hand Travelling for ADHD Generation. (Almost) everything there is to see in China in 10 short videos. The above footage embeds synthetic memories with subliminal messages.

Dafo, Leshan, Sichuan Province, China

Published: September 22, 2010
Length: 03:29 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: WisdomAbroad

Dafo, Leshan, Sichuan Province, China -- the enormous 230 ft dafo (great buddha) is the largest rock carved buddha statue in the world. It is a world heritage site.