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 comes from 3 multiplied by 9, and the base’s height of 6 meters uses the numbers 3, 6, and 9—considered the most auspicious numbers in Taoism. The three steps symbolize Laozi’s philosophy: “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, reflecting the Eight Trigrams of Taoism. The black-and-white contrast conveys simplicity and solemnity, embodying the Taoist principle of “following nature.” The 365 pieces of granite represent the people of Laozi’s hometown, who, inspired by the essence of his Taoist philosophy, pray for favorable weather and peace throughout the 365 days of every year.

　　   The statue was overseen by Cao Chunsheng, Honorary President of the China Sculpture Association and Director of the Urban Sculpture Art Committee of China, with main design 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.

　　Laozi (571 BCE~471 BCE)　　   Lao Dan, surname Li, given name Er, courtesy name Boyang. “Dan” is his posthumous title. He was a native of Ku County in the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn Period (present-day eastern Luyi County, Henan Province). His birth and death years are uncertain. He once served as the historiographer in charge of the royal archives of the Zhou Dynasty, later becoming the Grand Historian, well-versed in the changes of history from ancient to modern times. In his later years, he lived in seclusion in Pei, farming and teaching disciples, expounding on virtue and the Tao. Later, he traveled west into the Central Plains and died in Qin. After entering the Warring States Period, his sayings became more widely circulated. Finally compiled by Huan Yuan, they became the “Dao De Jing,” divided into upper and lower parts—the current version of “Laozi.” In the “Laozi,” the origin of all things in the universe is referred to as the “Tao” or “Pu,” sometimes also called “Wu.” The Tao is the creative force behind all existence, an absolute being that transcends time and space, forever... Details+

　　   Source: Luoyi County People's Government Website