Lingshan Grand Buddha

The Lingshan Grand Buddha stands at 1 Lingshan Road in Mashan, Binhu District, Wuxi, Jiangsu, on the northern shore of Taihu Lake. The bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is 88 metres tall, making it one of the tallest Buddha statues in China, and was completed in 1997. It stands in front of Lingshan Hill, and its base is reached by a broad plaza and a long stairway. Visitors can climb to the platform at the Buddha's feet and view the lake and hills, and inside the base there is a hall with Buddhist artworks. The complex has grown into a large religious and tourist park. Nearby are the Xiangfu Temple, a reconstruction of the ancient monastery said to date to the Tang dynasty, and the Lingshan Fan Gong (Brahma Palace), a large hall with ornate architecture and a glittering interior. The Nine Dragons Bathing the Buddha show takes place daily, with a huge lotus fountain rising to reveal a golden statue of the infant Buddha, accompanied by music and water jets. Other features include the Five Sign Mandala, the Hundred Children Playing statuary, a 1,080-step hillside ascent and a small lakeside garden. Allow three to four hours for the main sights, and more if attending several shows. The park is large and involves much walking, so comfortable shoes are important. Morning is the calmest, and show times should be checked on arrival as they vary. Weekends and holidays bring large crowds and queues at the Brahma Palace. Buses from Wuxi Railway Station and Didi both serve the site. The combined ticket includes most attractions, with extras for optional experiences.