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Leshan Giant Buddha: China's Colossal Cliffside Wonder

71 METERS OF HISTORY // Leshan Giant Buddha (My China Bucket List) 🇨🇳

Destination:ChinaProvince:SichuanCity:Leshan
71 METERS OF HISTORY // Leshan Giant Buddha (My China Bucket List) 🇨🇳
Alessandro Ippati15 min

71 METERS OF HISTORY // Leshan Giant Buddha. This was filmed by Alessandro Ippati. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

This definitive China travel vlog and Leshan travel guide takes you on a once-in-a-lifetime travel adventure to one of the greatest world wonders. Carved into the cliff face at the confluence of three rivers, this massive giant Buddha statue (or Dafo) stands 71-meters tall and is an essential China must see.

We dive deep into the incredible Chinese history of this Buddhist monument, which began its carving during the Tang Dynasty in 713 AD. The entire area, including the nearby Mount Emei, is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In this video, I cover the two best ways to experience this Buddha statue: By Land: Climbing the precarious cliffside path to get right next to the statue's feet, a challenging but rewarding part of Leshan tourism. By Water: Taking the river cruise Buddha tour to get the iconic, full-body view of the world's largest stone Buddha. If you're planning a Chengdu day trip or your next Sichuan travel itinerary, this guide is packed with tips and advice!

--- Alessandro Ippati
November 18, 2025, Autumn in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Alessandro Ippati visits the Leshan Giant Buddha with his wife Paula and their children. The 71-meter statue is carved into a cliff at the meeting of three rivers, and the family finds the climb physically demanding in hot, humid conditions. Alessandro describes the site’s spiritual atmosphere and the excitement of reaching a place he had planned to visit for a year. They use a taxi from Leshan station and store luggage there. A river cruise offers a less strenuous alternative and a full-body view of the Buddha. The family also uses Holafly’s eSIM and encounters limited English signage.

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71 METERS OF HISTORY // Leshan Giant Buddha (My China Bucket List) 🇨🇳

Reaching the Giant Buddha

Alessandro Ippati travels with his family to the Leshan Giant Buddha, a 71-meter statue carved into a cliff at the confluence of three rivers. He says the visit had been on his China bucket list for a year after watching videos of the site. At Leshan station, the family takes a taxi to the entrance, which Alessandro finds efficient and reasonably priced. They also use luggage storage at the station after a local person offers help. The family uses Holafly’s eSIM to get online and access social media during the trip. Alessandro says the connection worked in crowded areas and remote places, including the Great Wall.

Climbing or taking the river cruise

The climb involves many stairs and feels hard, especially in hot, humid weather. Alessandro and his family are not religious, but he describes a strong, almost mystical energy at the site that helps them keep going. Reaching the top brings joy because it fulfills a long-planned visit. He says the experience is tiring for the children, so families should consider their energy levels. For visitors who do not want the strenuous climb, he recommends the river cruise, which gives a full-body view of the Buddha from the water. The family also sees the statue from above and from the boat. English signage is limited in some areas, so planning ahead or using a translation app can help. The family’s decision to visit Leshan is also shaped by its location between Chongqing and Chengdu. Alessandro and Paula have seen the site in online videos and want to experience its atmosphere in person. He says the energy affected his wife and children as well as him, giving them motivation to continue when the stairs and humidity made the walk tiring. The boat option gives visitors another way to see the statue without completing the full climb. The river view reveals the whole figure, while walking brings the family close to the carving and its feet. Alessandro’s account includes both viewpoints and explains why the family found the visit worthwhile despite the effort. He advises thinking about children’s energy when planning the day and being ready for signs that are not translated into English.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What surprised Alessandro most about the Leshan Giant Buddha?
A: Alessandro says the most surprising part was an intense, almost mystical energy around the site. He says his wife Paula and their children also felt it, and that the experience helped the family push through the difficult climb and humid conditions.
Q: How did Alessandro and his family stay connected in China?
A: They used Holafly's eSIM, which Alessandro says provided reliable internet and let them use social media during the trip. They say the connection also supported use of WhatsApp and Instagram during their trip.
Q: What are the best ways to see the Leshan Giant Buddha?
A: Visitors can climb the cliffside path to see the statue close up or take a river cruise for the iconic full-body view from the water. Alessandro suggests the cruise as a less strenuous option for people who do not want to climb many stairs or are traveling with young children.
Q: Was the climb difficult?
A: Yes. Alessandro describes it as hard and tiring, with many stairs in hot, humid weather. The many stairs and humid weather added to the effort for the whole family.
Q: Are there many English signs at the Leshan Giant Buddha site?
A: Alessandro notes that there are not many directions in English, even though the site is a tourist area. Planning the route ahead or using a translation app can help visitors find their way around.

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Leshan Giant Buddha: China's Colossal Cliffside Wonder

🤯 STANDING NEXT TO THE WORLD'S LARGEST BUDDHA! | Leshan Giant Buddha VLOG This definitive China travel vlog and Leshan travel guide takes you on a once-in-a-lifetime travel adventure to one of the greatest world wonders. Carved into the cliff face at the confluence of three rivers, this massive...

Leshan Giant Buddha: China Travel Vlog & Bucket List Adventure

Prepare to be awestruck by the colossal Leshan Giant Buddha, a true marvel of ancient engineering and artistry! This video takes you on an unforgettable journey to witness the world's largest stone Buddha, carved majestically into a cliff face. Discover its rich history, dating back to the Tang Dynasty, and explore the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site that surrounds it. Experience the Buddha from both land, by tackling the challenging cliffside path, and water, with a scenic river cruise offering iconic full-body views. This is an absolute must-see for any China adventure!

Attractions in this video: Leshan Giant Buddha, Lingyun Temple, Mount Emei