Lingshan Grand Buddha

Introducing Lingshan Grand Buddha (from Chinadaily & China.org.cn & Wikipedia)
Lingshan Grand Buddha is one of the largest Buddha statues in China and also in the world. Measuring 88 meters in height, Lingshan Grand Buddha is 17 meters higher than the famous Leshan Giant Buddha in China's Sichuan Province. The statue was completed in 1996 and became a prominent symbol of Wuxi City. Thanks to the Grand Buddha, Lingshan was announced to be the permanent site for the World Buddhist Forum during a meeting in Hong Kong on April 28, 2012. In 2008, a Five-signets Palace and a Hindu inspired Brahma Palace were built south-east of the Grand Buddha Statue.

Lingshan Grand Buddha Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Ling Shan Da Fo 灵山大佛
• Best Time to Visit: Mar to Sept
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 day
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, Buddhism, Performances
• Opening Hours: 07:00-17:00; 09:00-17:30 for Brahma Palace & Five-signets Palace; 09:30-16:30 for Buddhism Treasure Museum
• Entrance Fee: CNY 210
• Address: No. 1 Lingshan Road, Binhu District, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province

What to expect at Lingshan Grand Buddha

The Grand Buddha
This famous site features one of the largest and most representative collections of Buddhism architecture and art in China. The Grand Buddha is a bronze Amitabha standing Buddha outdoor, weighing over 700 metric tons (690 long tons; 770 short tons). It forms up the pattern of "Five Buddha in Five Directions" together with the Big Buddha to the south, the Grand Buddha at Leshan Mountain to the west, the Grand Buddha in Yungang Grottoes to the north and the Grand Buddha at the Longmen Grottoes in the central area. At the feet of the Grand Buddha, you can feel the loftiness and solemnity of Buddhism. You may notice that wherever you are around the Buddha, his eyes always follow you.

 

The Nine-Dragon Fountain
The Nine-Dragon Fountain in front of the giant Buddha will startto play the music of trombones and the song of The Birth of Buddha at 10:00 am everyday. Huge lotus’ slowly bloom with six petals, and a 7.2-meter gold-gilt prince statue of Buddha rise from the lotus, with one hand pointing to the sky and one hand pointing at the earth, symbolizing Buddha appearing from the blooming flower and Buddha's light shining on all things. (Timetable of the Music Fountain Show: 10:00, 11:30, 14:45 and 16:45 every day)

The Brahma Palace
The construction of the Brahma Palace on Lingshan Mountain lasted for two years.Open to public in 2008, its splendid and marvellous design surprised every visitor. The whole palace shows the integration of the traditional cultural elements with western architectural features, embodying the extension, profoundness and loftiness of Buddhism. Many cultural heritage and art works can be found here. On the second floor, there is a round multi-functional theatre which can accommodate 1,500 people. The drama ‘Ode to Auspice’ is performed here (Schedule: 10:35/11:30/14:00/16:00 from Mon to Fri; 10:35/11:30/13:00/14:00/16:00 on weekends).

 

Five-signets Palace
Five-signets Palace, surround by the "fragrant ocean", covers a land area of about 5,000 square meters. It demonstrates the well-known concept of Borobudur. You may feel the fortitude of the snow-covered plateau when you throw yourself down on the land at your feet in admiration. The restlessness in your heart will disappear when you put your palms together devoutly after hanging on a prayer flag.

How to get to Lingshan Grand Buddha
• Take bus 88 or 89 and get off at Bibo Shanzhuang Station.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Wuxi to Lingshan Grand Buddha.

Additional travel advice on Lingshan Grand Buddha
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Please dress and behave appropriately in the temple.
• The performances and fountain shows might be canceled on public holidays or special days. Please refer to the latest notice inside the scenic area.