Chengdu Travel Guide - Viewing the big Buddha from the Leshan side of the river.

Chengdu Travel - Some of the best views of the Big Buddha are to be had outside the Buddha park - on a small pebble Island that can be reached by a 1RMB ferry from the Leshan side of the Minjiang/Dadu River. From this island you get to see the huge size of this statue - and see the two other smaller figures that flank it (you cant see these from the park and stair ways that flank the the monument). My pics are taken from this Island on a cold, misty day last winter.


Here's the face - when I first got to see this, as a long-haired backpacker in the 80's, it wasnt so well restored - no nice pink paint and it had a bush growing out of one of the ear. I kind of prefer it that way but I suppose all that repair work is also to stop it falling to pieces. If you look to the sides of the head you can see the handrails of the park path/stairways that go around the statue - you can also guage how huge it is!!!!


Another view with the river - you can also ride in a boat to take a look - but that's far more expensive that going to the Island - but of course you get much closer. On the subject of close, my pics are taken with a telephoto lens - and although you get a great view from the island - you're not right up close to the big boy. For those who need close - then going to the park is the best option. but for quick, easy and cheap - the island makes a great alternative.
To get to the island just find the river in Leshan town and walk in an up-river direction untill you come to the Buddha - and then you'll see the island and the ferry. You may also see some crazy winter swimmers - who brave both the cold and all those toxic chemicals that must be floating around in that soup .

To see the pics in a bigger format - just click on an image.