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The Giant Stone Buddha at Leshan
Eleven years later, Zhang-qiu Jianqiong, who was serving as the local
governor of Jiannan, donated money to restart the construction. The massive
project won Support from Emperor xuanzong who spent a great deal of tax money on
it But the projects topped again because Zhangqiu Jianqiong was promoted and
left the area. It was not until 788, when Wei Gao was appointed governor of
Jiannan, that the project recommenced.
The project was finally completed in 803 after another
15 years of construction by ten of thousands of workers under the supervision of
Wei Gao. Colors were applied to make the statue appear more beautiful and
glorious. The giant stone Buddha stands firmly as if sent from heaven. The
colors on its body harmonize with the Surrounding environment, making it look
more approachable yet at the same time powerful, dignified and worthy of
respect. To protect the giant Buddha, a seven-story pavilion
was built into the mountain as a covering. The
Giant Stone Buddha in Leshan is the largest stone Buddha in the world, built
over a total of more than 90 years.
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