Tongnan Golden Buddha

Tongnan Golden Buddha

The Tongnan Golden Buddha is located in Dingming Temple in Tongnan, Chongqing. Its carving began during the Tang Dynasty, and the entire statue stands 27 meters tall. It is acclaimed as the “No. 1 Golden Buddha of China.” This massive gilded statue of Sakyamuni sits majestically facing the water and backed by the mountain, enthroned high on an exquisitely carved stone niche. Entirely covered in gold, it shines brilliantly. The Buddha's face is serene and dignified, with a harmonious expression, well-proportioned features, and flowing drapery lines that reflect the influence of the Southern Silk Road and Theravada Buddhism, giving it a refreshing and unique aesthetic. It is indeed a masterpiece and a rare gem among Tang Dynasty stone carvings.

The Tongnan Golden Buddha is a large-scale gilded cliff-carved Buddha jointly created by Buddhist and Taoist traditions. According to a Song Dynasty stele, it stands eight zhang tall (an ancient unit of measurement) and was known as the Golden Immortal, hence referred to as the "Eight Zhang Golden Immortal," and commonly called the "Golden Giant Buddha." It has a spiral topknot, full cheeks, balanced proportions, and exquisite craftsmanship, appearing vividly lifelike. The statue stands 18.43 meters tall, with a head length of 4.3 meters and ear length of 2.74 meters. The head of the Buddha was carved during the Xiantong era of the Tang Dynasty (874–880), with well-balanced proportions and smooth carving techniques, giving strong texture to the facial muscles. The body of the Buddha was carved during the Jingkang era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1126), taking 26 years to complete, and was finished in the Xinchou year of the Shaoxing era (1151). Since its first gilding in the Ren Shen year of Shaoxing (1152), the statue has undergone three gilding restorations—in the seventh year of the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty (1802), the ninth year of the Tongzhi era (1870), and the tenth year of the Republic of China (1921). To this day, it remains well-preserved, shining brilliantly. There is a saying: “For grandeur, go to Leshan; for refinement, go to Tongnan.” It is the largest golden Buddha in China and the seventh-largest Buddha in the world.