Leshan Giant Buddha
LocationChina (Sichuan)
Built803
Size71 m tall
Built ByTang Dynasty
About Leshan Giant Buddha
The largest stone Buddha in the world, carved into a cliff where three rivers meet. Begun in 713 by the monk Haitong, who hoped the Buddha would calm the dangerous waters for boats. Took about 90 years to complete. A hidden drainage system inside protects it from erosion. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.