Located near the city of Wuxi the splendid Ling Shan giant Buddha is part of the magnificent compound of Buddhist attractions which may be found here. The giant Buddha statue itself has the distinction of being the most massive such figure on the globe, standing a lofty 88 m tall. This enormous bronze representation of Sakyamuni was completed in 1996 and is estimated to weigh more than 700 tons. This immense statue is approached via a symbolic avenue which contains 216 steps; these steps symbolize the 108 afflictions and 108 aspirations of the human condition.
After ascending these stairs you will reach the majestic statue which is magnificently framed by the nearby mountains. It is said that the figure and its lotus shaped pedestal were fashioned out of 2,000 bronze sheets; advanced technologies have been employed to protect the statue from lightning strikes, earthquakes, strong winds and corrosion. Within the statue’s pedestal you will find an expansive museum devoted to the fundamentals of Buddhism. Here you will see numerous artefacts such as paintings, utensils and poems.
As visitors enter the Ling Shan complex they will be greeted by the Grand Screen Wall which as its name suggests is an immense wall adorned with numerous inscriptions. Behind this feature are the Five Bridges of Learning which symbolize the five Chinese pillars of learning.
Another fascinating point of interest is the representation of Sakyamuni being bathed by nine celestial dragons. According to Buddhist tradition Sakyamuni (the Buddha) was born with many auspicious signs and it is said that nine heavenly dragons appeared to bathe the newly born Enlightened One.
Not to be missed is the splendid Xiangfu Temple, which features many interesting elements. The Buddha Maitreya is given pride of place here, along with the four principal kings of the heavenly realm. Interestingly the shrine contains the largest bell in southern China, which is rung on special occasions. With so much to admire and experience a visit to this site will always be memorable.
Visitors who would like to explore the area will find an excellent hotel in Wuxi in the Millennium Wuxi. This attractive Wuxi hotel offers convenient accommodations and attentive hospitality making it a great place to stay.
Intrigued by history, art and food, Shazzana Hamid is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary. Disguised as Lavinia Woolf she writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+
