The most impressive Buddha statues in Asia

If you are a seeker of beauty and architecture, check out these 7 giant Buddha statues in Asia which leave you awestricken. From elaborate rock reliefs to brightly painted sculptures, Asia will absolutely satisfy your passion.

LESHAN GIANT BUDDHA, SICHUAN, CHINA

Located to the east of Leshan City, Sichuan Province, at the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers, the Giant Buddha of Leshan is the largest stone Buddha in the world with a height of 71 metres. Carved into a sandstone cliff during the Tang Dynasty around 800 AD, the statue depicts a Maitreya Buddha with a broad smile on his face in sitting posture. In 1996, the location of the Buddha was included by UNESCO on the list of the World Heritage sites. Despite suffering some weathering over the years, the massive carving makes itself the most renowned scenic spot in China.

TIAN TAN BUDDHA, LANTAU ISLAND, HONG KONG

Sitting atop the peak of Mount Muk Yue, the Tian Tan Buddha symbolises the stability of Hong Kong, the prosperity of China and peace on earth. Constructed between 1990 and 1993, the hallowed statue is the largest seated bronze Buddha in the world. A far cry from many other Buddha statues, the Tian Tan Buddha faces North while most other Buddhas face South. If you get the chance to visit, be sure to follow the 268 steps to the base of the statue for an up-close look.

KAMAKURA DAIBUTSU, KAMAKURA, JAPAN

Whether covered in snow or prettily framed by cherry blossoms, the giant Daibutsu of Kamakura stands serenely on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple in the south of Japan. With a height of 11.4 metres, it has long been the second-tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. The carving has been kept intact without any large-scale restorations since it was built in 1252 while most parts of Nara’s Daibutsu has had to be reconstructed. Whenever you come, his expressive face will touch your heart.

BUDDHA DORDENMA, THIMPHU, BHUTAN

One of the top attractions in the Bhutanese capital, the Buddha Dordenma sits atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, overlooking the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley in Bhutan. Made of bronze and gilded with gold, this 50-metre statue was twice prophesied that an aura of peace, happiness and good fortune would spread across the entire world. Inside the meditation hall, 120,000 smaller Buddhas further honour the deity.

PHRA ACHANA, TAMBON MUEANG KAO, THAILAND

Located in Wat Si Chum temple in Sukhothai Historical Park, Phra Achana is one of the most beautiful Buddha statues in the ancient city of Sukhothai. The large seated statue’s name means ‘Buddha who is not frightened’. Also known as Phra Poot Dai, meaning ‘speaking Buddha’, the 15-metre statue intrigues travellers with its setting that is housed within a large and now-roofless hall. When devout Buddhists make merit, they place gold leaf on the delicately sculpted fingers of Phra Achana.

PAKSE GOLDEN BUDDHA, PAKSE, LAOS

If you are looking for an iconic Buddha statue in Asia, then Laos should be added to your bucket list. Erected on a hilltop overlooking the Mekong River at the Wat Phou Salao temple site, the golden statue was completed in 2013 as is evidenced by its untarnished golden sheen. The Buddha strongly implies the big influence of Buddhism in Laos and generates a peaceful impression about this city. Gazing out serenely across the skyline of Laos, it is a beacon of stillness and peace in an increasingly hectic world.

GAL VIHARA BUDDHA, POLONNARUWA, SRI LANKA

Buddhism is the most common religion in Sri Lanka, so it makes sense that there are several Buddha statues at the Gal Vihara temple complex, but the site is best known for housing a 46-foot-long, rock-cut reclining Buddha, one of the longest in South Asia. The most striking feature of the grand Buddha sculpture is the marbling present in the granite, making it an icon of the Sinhalese craftsmanship in Sri Lanka.

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