Statue of Laozi

Statue of Laozi

The Statue of Laozi stands 27 meters tall in total, with an octagonal base that is 6 meters high, constructed from 365 pieces of Laizhou granite. The height of 27 meters is derived from 3 multiplied by 9, and together with the 6-meter base, the numbers 3, 6, and 9 are used—considered the most auspicious in Taoism. The three steps leading up to the statue are inspired by Laozi’s philosophy that “Tao gives birth to One, One gives birth to Two, Two gives birth to Three, and Three gives birth to all things.” The octagonal base is clad in black granite, subtly reflecting the Eight Trigrams of Taoism. The contrast between black and white creates a simple yet solemn aesthetic, embodying the Taoist principle of following nature. The 365 pieces of granite symbolize the people of Laozi’s hometown, who, inspired by the essence of Taoist philosophy, pray for favorable weather and peace and prosperity every day of the year.

The Statue of Laozi was overseen by Cao Chunsheng, Honorary President of the China Sculpture Association and Director of the Urban Sculpture Art Committee of China, and was primarily designed by Jing Yumin, Vice President of the China Sculpture Association, Professor at Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts, and renowned sculptor. It was manufactured by the Hanwei Sculpture Center in Laizhou, Shandong.

Source: Luoyi County People's Government Website

Lao Dan, surname Li, given name Er, courtesy name Boyang. “Dan” is his posthumous title. He was a native of Ku County, Chu State (present-day eastern Luyi County, Henan Province) during the Spring and Autumn period. His birth and death dates are unknown. He once served as the historiographer in charge of the royal archives during the Zhou Dynasty, later becoming the Grand Historian, well-versed in the changes of history from ancient times to the present. In his later years, he lived in seclusion in Pei, farming and teaching disciples, expounding on virtue and the Tao. Later, he traveled westward into the Central Plains and died in Qin.

After the Warring States period, his sayings became widely circulated. Eventually compiled by Huan Yuan, they formed the upper and lower chapters of the “Dao De Jing,” known today as the “Laozi.” In the “Laozi,” the origin of all things in the universe is regarded as the “Dao” or “Pu,” sometimes referred to as “non-being.” The Dao is... More detailed information about Laozi ++