Since October, last year, Leshan Giant Buddha started the maintenance project because of its cracks and damages. During the maintenance period, the Buddha was covered and cannot be seen by the visitors. According to the administration center of Leshan Giant Buddha, the restoration work will be finished by the end of March, and reopen to public since April 1st after undergoing repairs for the past six months.
Standing 71 meters high, Leshan Giant Buddha was carved out of a hillside in the 8th century by a Chinese monk named Hai Tong. The Buddha faces to the confluence of three rivers and Mt. Emei. That is because Hai Tong hoped the Buddha would restrain the torrential waters that plagued the shipping vessels traveling down the river.
Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. It already had four times of the maintenance project up to now. Having such a long history and worldwide fame, the Buddha has received extensive attention both at home and abroad. Leshan Giant Buddha is also attracting more visitors around the world with its consistent charm and profound culture deposits.