Rongxian Giant Buddha

　　Introduction to the Rongxian Giant Buddha in Zigong Located within Dongshan Giant Buddha Temple, about 1 kilometer from the suburbs of Rongxian County, the Giant Buddha is carved directly into the mountainside. It stands 36.67 meters tall in total and is a statue of the Tathagata Buddha. Known as the second largest Buddha in Sichuan, its head alone measures 8.76 meters in length, its shoulders span 12.67 meters, and its feet are 3.5 meters wide. Above the Buddha’s head is a protective stone arch inscribed with the four characters “大开觉路” (Great Path to Enlightenment). On the cliff top above there is also a brick pavilion, which from a distance looks like a crown atop the Buddha’s head. The front of the Giant Buddha is covered by a structure to shield it from wind and rain erosion. This structure also serves as the main hall of the Buddha Temple, covering the lower half of the Buddha’s body completely. As a result, although visitors must enter the temple and look up to see the full view of the Buddha, which may be somewhat inconvenient, this design has protected the Buddha from external damage and helped preserve it in excellent condition to this day. The Rongxian Giant Buddha was carved during the eighth year of the Yuanyou era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1085 AD) and completed in 1092 AD, taking a total of eight years to finish.

　　The temple gate of the Giant Buddha Temple is inscribed with the words “大佛禅寺” (Giant Buddha Zen Temple), named after the stone-carved giant Buddha. Other structures within the temple include the abbot’s quarters, scripture depository, meditation rooms, Damo Hall, Cave Heaven, Dharma Gate, and a tea room, with a total built-up area of over 1,800 square meters. Upon entering the Giant Buddha Temple, besides seeing the Buddha’s body standing on a lotus pedestal, visitors can also admire a 5-meter-tall statue of Bodhidharma carved into the western cliff of the hall. The statue depicts Bodhidharma holding prayer beads and a Buddhist staff, standing on a reed leaf amidst surging waves—an exceptionally rare artistic representation. In the mountainside behind the Giant Buddha lies an ancient site known as “Xiaotai” (Howling Platform), which is said to be where the famous Jin Dynasty hermit Sun Deng once let out his renowned long howl.

　　 Sichuan, Zigong