The Leshan Giant Buddha (Chinese: 樂山大佛) is a 71-meter (233 ft) tall stone statue, built between 713 and 803 (during the Tang dynasty).

The Mahao Cliff Tombs at the Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area were built in the Han dynasty, indicating ancient residents' living habits.

He believed that Maitreya Buddha would calm the turbulent waters that constantly plagued the shipping vessels traveling down the river.

Several years later, Hai Tong’s disciples continued work on the statue with financial support from a local official named Zhangchou Jianxiong.

About 70 years later, Jiedushi Wei Gao continued to support and funded the project and the construction was finally completed by Hai Tong's disciples in 803.

By the beginning of the Northern Song dynasty, the Leshan Giant Buddha had been damaged—the body was covered in moss, and the wooden pavilion had collapsed.

Apparently, the massive construction resulted in so much stone being removed from the cliff face and deposited into the river below that the currents were indeed altered by the statue, making the water safe for passing ships.

According to Xinhua news agency, the Leshan Giant Buddha and many Chinese natural and cultural heritage sites in the region have seen degradation from weathering, air pollution, and tourism.

The body of The Giant Buddha of Leshan is covered today by different organisms lichen, ferns and other bryophytes, and various shrubs and gramineous plants.

Current research hopes that greater understanding of plant- and microbe-induced weathering effects may aid in the preservation of The Giant Buddha of Leshan.

[6][7] The entire art piece is built in stone, except for the ears that were designed in wood, covered with mud on the surface to make clay, and attached to the head.

His instep that is around 8.5 meters (28 feet) in width can hold about a hundred people and his smallest toenail can fit one seated person.

On 24 March 2002, the first phase of the Leshan Giant Buddha repair project by the World Bank officially started.

[10][11] The Leshan Giant Buddha is most popular during Chinese New Year when tourists from all over the world come to pray for good luck.

[12] Upon arrival, it is necessary to purchase a ticket at the price of CNY 90 per person[13] (including Wuyou Temple & Mahao Cliff Tomb).