Photo Essay: The Giant Buddha of Leshan
Photo Essay: The Giant Buddha of Leshan
After having climbed Emei Shan in the morning, we drove to the City of Leshan, which is also in the Province of Sichuan, P.R.C., to see the Giant Buddha, also known as the Grand Buddha of Leshan. I thought I was through with climbing steps and would find myself at the base of the giant statue looking up, but I was wrong. We had to climb stone steps all the way to the top. Some of the steps were fairly newly formed, others old, and some were giant steps that we had to climb one step at a time, and the older steps had varying depths and lengths making it a real challenge. On our way up we could view the City of Leshan, which is on a very muddy river.
1 The City of Leshan, seen from across the river while climbing the steps to the Buddha.
2 As we climbed the steps we walked past deteriorated by age Buddhas set into the rock hillside.
3 We walked past a fountain - a gargoyle head spewing water to the pool below.
4 A serpant guarded a larger pool in which I saw a large turtle swim across, and then a fish that jumped about a foot into the air - probably trying to escape the turtle. My wife is in the background.
5 Guarding the way was a stone tiger.
6 A sign to describe the fat Monk.
7 The fat Monk.
8 My wife and I finally arrive at the gate to the temple area before the viewing area - still more steps to climb.
9 Outside of the temple incense and candles are lit. I've never before seen candles like these.
10 Inside the temple, three golden Buddhas.
11 Beside them, encased in glass, were some strange figures.
12 This is the hint I already posted on the Creative Arts group to entice members to view this photo essay.
13 And now we get to see the Grand Buddha - described in this sign.
14 First His head comes into view. Above and behind to the right of His hairline you can just make out people viewing Him, and their size gives you an idea of His size.
15 It was impossible to get a photo of His whole body.
16 This sign is tell tourists they can get photos taken of themselves with the Buddha in the background for the equivalent of US$2.50 each.
17 The view of the Buddha from the other side, the spot where you saw the people viewing Him in the first photo of Him (no. 14 above).
18 These steps go down to the base of the Buddha. There is a sign at the top warning persons with heart conditions not to venture down the stairs. We did not go, even though I wanted to get a photo of the Buddha from down below.
19 The carvings on this huge bell are magnificent.
20 And finally, the end of the tour.
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