The stone sculpture faces Mount Emei, with the rivers flowing below his feet. It is the largest stone Buddha in the world and the tallest pre-modern statue in the world.
The Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Luckily it was not damaged by the deadly 2008 Sichuan earthquake. Construction was started in 713, led by a Chinese monk named Haitong. After several delays, construction was completed by Haitong’s disciples in 803. At 71 metres (233 feet) tall, the statue depicts a seated Maitreya Buddha with his hands resting on his knees. His shoulders are 28 metres wide and his smallest toenail is large enough to easily accommodate a seated person