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Spring Temple Buddha
Spring Temple Buddha
Spring Temple Buddha
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The Zhongyuan Buddha (Chinese: 中原大佛; pinyin: zhōngyuán dàfó; lit. 'Big Buddha of the Great Plains' and simplified Chinese: 鲁山大佛; traditional Chinese: 魯山大佛; pinyin: Lǔshān dàfó) or better known in English as the Spring Temple Buddha is a colossal statue depicting Vairocana Buddha[citation needed] located in Foquan Temple (Chinese: 佛泉寺; pinyin: fó quán sì; lit. 'Buddha Natural-Spring Temple') in the Zhaocun township of Lushan County, Henan, China, built between 1997 and 2008. It is located within the Fodushan Scenic Area, close to National Freeway 311. At 128 metres (420 ft), excluding a 25 metres (82 ft) lotus throne, it is the second-tallest statue in the world after the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, India, which surpassed it in 2018 with a height of 182 metres (597 ft).[2][3]

Key Information

Description

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Taking into account the 25 metres (82 ft) pedestal/building atop which it is placed, the monument has a total height of 153 metres (502 ft). As of October 2008, the hill on which the statue stands was reshaped to form two further pedestals, the upper one being 15 m tall. The total height of the monument is now said to be 208 m (682 ft).[4][5]

The overall project was estimated to cost about US$55 million, with US$18 million allocated to the statue itself. It was originally estimated to consist of 1,100 pieces of copper cast, with a total weight of 1,000 tonnes.[6]

The Spring Temple Buddha derives its name from the nearby Tianrui hot spring, whose water, at 60 °C (140 °F), is renowned in the area for its curative properties. The Foquan Temple, built during the Tang dynasty, houses the Bell of Good Luck, placed on top of the Dragon Head peak. This bronze bell weighs 116 tonnes.[7]

Inscribed within the statue's chest is a small swastika, the ancient Indian symbol of good fortune.

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  • Spring Temple Buddha
    Spring Temple Buddha
  • Spring Temple Buddha
    Spring Temple Buddha
  • Spring Temple Buddha
    Spring Temple Buddha
  • Spring Temple Buddha
    Spring Temple Buddha
  • Hand of the Buddha
    Hand of the Buddha
  • Foot of the Spring Temple Buddha
    Foot of the Spring Temple Buddha

See also

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Approximate heights of various notable statues:
  1. Statue of Unity 240 m (790 ft) (incl. 58 m (190 ft) base)
  2. Spring Temple Buddha 153 m (502 ft) (incl. 25 m (82 ft) pedestal and 20 m (66 ft) throne)
  3. Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World) 93 m (305 ft) (incl. 47 m (154 ft) pedestal)
  4. The Motherland Calls 87 m (285 ft) (incl. 2 m (6 ft 7 in) pedestal)
  5. Christ the Redeemer 38 m (125 ft) (incl. 8 m (26 ft) pedestal)
  6. Michelangelo's David 5.17 m (17.0 ft) (excl. 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) plinth)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Spring Temple Buddha

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Spring Temple Buddha is a monumental depicting , situated in the Fodushan Scenic Area of Lushan County, Province, . At 128 meters (420 feet) tall, including a 25-meter for a total of 153 meters, it is the second-tallest statue in the world after India's at 182 meters. The entire monument, including the underlying Diamond Seat and Sumeru Seat, reaches 208 meters. Constructed primarily from 15,000 tonnes of steel, 3,300 tonnes of copper alloy, and 108 kilograms of gold, the statue was completed in 2008. Construction began in 1997 with site development, and the project was announced in 2001, partly in response to the Taliban's destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in . Housed within a complex, it attracts visitors for its spiritual significance and architectural scale, having held the Guinness World Record for the tallest statue until 2018. The statue's construction was a major engineering feat in one of China's poorer regions, aimed at promoting tourism and cultural preservation. Its gilded surface and intricate design symbolize enlightenment in , with representing the cosmic aspect of . The lotus pedestal accommodates a , emphasizing its imposing presence amid the scenic . Despite debates over exact height measurements—often cited as 153 meters including the but extending to 208 meters with foundational elements—the Spring Temple Buddha remains a key landmark for religious and architectural admiration in contemporary .

Overview

Location and Setting

The Spring Temple Buddha is situated at Foquan Temple within the Fodushan Scenic Area, in Zhaocun Township, Lushan County, Province, , positioned on the western edge of the Central Plains. Its precise geographical coordinates are 33°46′30″N 112°27′03″E, placing it in a region central to 's historical and cultural heartland. The statue rises on Mount Yao, part of the eastern Funiu Mountains, where the surrounding landscape features rolling foothills, dense forests, and verdant valleys that contribute to the area's natural beauty and tranquility. This mountainous terrain, combined with accessible proximity to National Freeway 311, integrates the site into a broader scenic zone that attracts visitors seeking both spiritual and environmental immersion. The name "Spring Temple Buddha" originates from the adjacent Tianrui , which emerges at a of 60°C and is locally valued for its therapeutic mineral-rich waters, producing approximately 65,000 gallons daily. Historically, the location forms part of an enduring Buddhist enclave, with Foquan Temple established during the (618–907 CE), underscoring the site's deep roots in China's ancient religious traditions. This heritage enhances the environmental setting, blending natural elements with centuries-old spiritual significance to create a cohesive destination.

Dimensions and Materials

The Spring Temple Buddha statue stands at 128 meters (420 feet) tall, representing the figure of Vairocana Buddha alone. When including the supporting elements, the total height of the structure reaches 208 meters (682 feet), comprising a 20-meter base, a 25-meter lotus pedestal, and a 35-meter temple foundation. The is constructed using 3,300 tonnes of copper alloy for the cast figure, assembled from approximately 1,100 pieces, with an internal structure of 15,000 tonnes of and 108 kg of gold gilding on the exterior, providing both a striking golden appearance and a layer of protection against environmental elements. As of 2025, the Spring Temple Buddha ranks as the second-tallest statue in the world, having been surpassed only by the at 182 meters in (completed in 2018); it held the position of the tallest statue from 2008 until 2018. Due to its extraordinary height, the statue's engineering incorporates reinforcements designed to endure earthquakes and high winds, ensuring structural integrity in the region's variable conditions.

History

Site Origins

The Foquan Temple, the foundational religious site for what would become the Spring Temple Buddha complex, was established during the (618–907 CE) as a key Buddhist pilgrimage destination in Lushan County, Province. This ancient temple, recognized as a provincial-level cultural with over 1,300 years of history, originally served as a spiritual hub amid the scenic Fodushan area, drawing devotees to its sacred grounds. In the subsequent Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE), the temple underwent significant expansions, including the addition of new halls and the incorporation of notable relics such as a stone-carved , which solidified its role as a center for Buddhist practice and preservation. The site, like numerous Buddhist temples across , fell into disrepair during the (1966–1976), a period marked by widespread suppression of religious institutions and destruction of . Restoration efforts in the 1980s aligned with 's broader religious resurgence following the end of Maoist policies, allowing sites like Foquan Temple to reclaim their spiritual prominence amid renewed interest in traditional faiths. By the late , the Foquan Temple site's historical legacy inspired local authorities in County—one of China's poorest regions—to propose the Spring Temple Buddha project in 1997, aiming to revitalize tourism and pay homage to the area's enduring Buddhist heritage. This initiative was intrinsically linked to the nearby Tianrui , from which the temple derives its name ("Spring Temple"), renowned for its 60°C waters believed to possess curative properties that have long attracted visitors. The spring's natural purity reinforced the site's symbolic ties to enlightenment in Buddhist tradition, motivating the statue's development as a modern beacon of cultural revival.

Construction Process

Construction of the Spring Temple Buddha began in 1997, with the project formally announced in 2001 as a symbolic response to the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in by the . The full assembly, including the pedestal integration, culminated in the statue's unveiling on September 1, 2008. The project was financed primarily by the local government of County in Province, supplemented by private donations and anticipated revenue to stimulate in the impoverished region. The total cost for the temple complex reached approximately $55 million, with $18 million dedicated specifically to the itself. The construction process engaged thousands of workers, including engineers and artisans, who prefabricated over 1,100 copper alloy pieces in specialized workshops before transporting them to the site. These components were then lifted into place using heavy cranes and assembled around an internal steel framework for structural integrity. To facilitate ongoing maintenance and visitor access, an internal staircase and elevator system was incorporated within the statue during assembly. The remote mountainous location in County presented significant logistical challenges, necessitating upgrades to local roads and transportation infrastructure to enable material delivery and worker mobilization. Delays arose from difficulties in sourcing large quantities of copper alloy and coping with the area's harsh conditions, including heavy rains and high winds, which complicated on-site operations over the multi-year build.

Design and Architecture

Statue Composition

The Spring Temple Buddha depicts , the primordial cosmic Buddha central to , seated in a meditative pose that embodies enlightenment and the unity of all phenomena. This representation draws from Buddhist , featuring a serene facial expression with proportionally enlarged eyes measuring 6.2 feet (1.9 meters) high and 12.9 feet (3.9 meters) wide, designed to convey a gaze of compassion and wisdom visible from afar. The hands rest in the dhyana mudra, palms upward and nested in the lap, symbolizing deep meditation and the absorption of ultimate truth. Artistically, the statue's surface is clad in over 3,300 tonnes of alloy plating, accented with 108 kg of to create a radiant, iridescent finish that enhances its majestic presence against the landscape. The exterior, weighing approximately 1,100 cast pieces totaling around 1,000 tonnes, is meticulously joined to form a seamless skin that protects the underlying structure while allowing for intricate detailing in the robes and bodily proportions, such as hands reaching 62.3 feet (19 meters) high and 16.4 feet (5 meters) thick. These elements reflect traditional sculptural techniques adapted for monumental scale, prioritizing durability and aesthetic harmony over ornate embellishments. Internally, the features a hollow core supported by a robust framework weighing 15,000 tonnes, engineered to withstand environmental stresses and seismic activity while maintaining the figure's integrity. This internal skeleton enables the structure's immense height of 128 meters for the figure alone, distributing weight efficiently without solid filling, which would have been impractical. The incorporates features, including and an within the leading to viewing platforms, allowing visitors to ascend and observe panoramic vistas from elevated points. Among its distinctive aspects, the statue's copper-plated surface spans an expansive area, estimated at 11,300 square meters, underscoring the engineering feat required for uniform coverage and long-term preservation. The eyes, crafted with high-precision materials for lifelike depth, contribute to the statue's evocative symbolism of enlightenment piercing , a hallmark of .

Pedestal and Surrounding Structures

The pedestal of the Spring Temple Buddha consists of a multi-tiered foundation that elevates and symbolically grounds the towering statue. At its core is a 20-meter-high , crafted to represent purity and enlightenment in Buddhist , upon which the figure of Buddha stands. This throne is built atop a 25-meter diamond base, known as the throne, symbolizing indestructibility and the unyielding nature of the . Below these elements lies a temple foundation integrated into the structure, serving as a repository for sacred relics and contributing to the overall stability of the monument. Integrated within the is a functional featuring halls, rooms, and communal spaces that support daily Buddhist practices. This internal layout transforms the base into a living spiritual center, allowing residents to conduct rituals beneath the statue while maintaining seclusion from the external landscape. A notable feature is the 116-tonne , a massive instrument cast in 2000 and housed nearby within the Foquan Temple complex; it stands 8.108 meters tall with a of 5.118 meters at its widest point, rung to invoke blessings and recognized as the world's largest operational bell. The surrounding complex spans approximately 11,000 square meters, encompassing manicured gardens, ornamental , and winding pathways that facilitate contemplative walks amid the scenic foothills. Scattered throughout are additional smaller statues, including 6,666 miniature figures embedded in the diamond seat, enhancing the site's devotional ambiance. At the periphery lies the Yaoshan Fuquan pavilion, a expansive facility with 28 thermal pools drawing from the nearby Tianrui —renowned for its 60°C waters and purported properties—offering a blend of relaxation and cultural immersion. Architecturally, the pedestal and surrounding structures fuse modern engineering techniques, such as reinforced frameworks and large-scale construction, with traditional Chinese Buddhist motifs including upturned on pavilions and pagoda-inspired tiering that echoes ancient temple designs from the . This hybrid approach ensures seismic resilience and aesthetic harmony, allowing the ensemble to withstand environmental challenges while evoking timeless spiritual reverence.

Religious and Cultural Significance

Representation of Vairocana Buddha

is a central figure in and Buddhism, revered as the primordial Buddha who embodies the dharmakaya, or truth body, representing the and the essence of enlightenment beyond form and duality. As the cosmic Buddha, is the source from which all other s emanate, symbolizing the unified wisdom that pervades the universe. He first gained prominence in the Avatamsaka Sutra, a foundational text composed between the 1st century BCE and the 4th century CE, which describes his radiant body as encompassing infinite realms and interpenetrating all existence. In iconography, is typically depicted seated on a , signifying purity and spiritual awakening, with his hands forming the , or wheel-turning gesture, which illustrates the dissemination of Buddhist teachings across the cosmos. This contrasts with representations of the historical Shakyamuni Buddha, who embodies the sambhogakaya or enjoyment body and is shown in more narrative, earthly poses to recount his life and teachings. Vairocana's white hue and expansive form further emphasize his role as the illuminator of emptiness (shunyata), dispelling ignorance and revealing the interconnected nature of reality. The Spring Temple Buddha embodies to symbolize universal enlightenment, serving as a monumental focal point for contemplation on the boundless dharmakaya in contemporary Chinese Buddhist practice. This choice aligns with esoteric traditions like the Huayan school, which interprets the Avatamsaka Sutra to portray 's body as the entire universe, where every phenomenon interpenetrates without obstruction. The statue's design draws from historical precedents, such as the colossal figure in the Fengxian Temple at the , carved between 672 and 675 CE during the , which similarly exalted the cosmic Buddha as a state-sponsored emblem of imperial and spiritual harmony.

Broader Impact and Purpose

The Spring Temple Buddha, constructed in the late 1990s and completed in 2008, emerged as a symbol of 's revival in following the suppression during the (1966–1976), when religious practices and sites were heavily targeted. This period of renewal under post-Mao reforms allowed for the resurgence of Buddhist institutions and cultural expressions, with monumental projects like the statue serving to reassert religious heritage in public life. The statue's creation aligned with broader efforts to integrate into contemporary society, fostering a sense of cultural continuity amid rapid modernization. Integrated into the Fodushan Scenic Area, the statue has significantly boosted in rural Henan Province, one of China's poorer regions, by drawing visitors seeking spiritual and architectural marvels. It has generated employment opportunities in , guiding, and maintenance, while spurring development such as roads and facilities to accommodate growing footfall. The site attracts numerous tourists yearly, contributing to local through entrance fees and related services, though challenges like persistent highlight uneven benefits. In the global context, the Spring Temple Buddha exemplifies China's contemporary trend of erecting monumental Buddhist statues, surpassing ancient icons like the 71-meter from the 9th century, a carved into a cliffside. At 128 meters for the statue proper (with a total height of 208 meters including base), it held the title of the world's tallest statue from 2008 until 2018, when it was eclipsed, now ranking as the second-tallest overall as of 2025. This wave of constructions reflects national pride in and cultural prowess, positioning as a leader in preserving and innovating Buddhist legacies on a grand scale. The project has not been without controversies. Critics also argue that such opulent monuments contradict Buddhism's emphasis on spiritual humility and simplicity, viewing them as excessive displays driven more by commercial interests than genuine devotion, in defiance of guidelines against overbuilding religious sites.

Visitor Information

Access and Transportation

The Spring Temple Buddha is situated approximately 230 km southwest of , the capital of Province, , with serving as the nearest major city, roughly 50 km to the northeast. Transportation to the site includes from East Railway Station to Pingdingshan West (about 45–60 minutes), followed by a 50 km journey via bus or (about 1 hour) to the scenic area. Self-driving from takes around 2–2.5 hours via the Zheng-Yao Expressway, exiting at Yaoshan and following signs for an additional 15 km. International visitors typically fly into (no direct flights serve the site), then proceed by a 2.5-hour drive, or a combination of airport bus to and onward or (totaling 3–4 hours). The site operates year-round with daily hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission 4:00 PM) and an admission fee of CNY 120 (approximately $17) for adults as of 2025. Spring and summer visits are recommended to avoid harsh winter conditions, including potential snow-related access issues in the rural mountainous area. Given the remote location, travelers should allocate 1–2 days for the round trip, including time for transfers; wheelchair accessibility is limited primarily to the base level and main pathways, with stairs required for upper areas.

Facilities and Experiences

The Spring Temple Buddha site offers several on-site amenities to facilitate visitor access and comfort. An within the lotus-shaped provides transportation to upper levels, allowing guests to approach the closely and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding park and landscape. Nearby, the Yaoshan Fuquan Hot Springs Resort features an extensive indoor complex with 28 pools, facilities, rooms, and a , promoting relaxation after exploring the area. Vegetarian cuisine is available at the temple's dining hall, aligning with Buddhist traditions. Visitors can engage in various activities that enhance the spiritual and scenic experience. paths encircle the statue's base, enabling walking for reflection, while the internal staircase and elevator in the pedestal lead to the for quiet sessions. Photography is permitted from designated viewpoints around the site, capturing the statue's grandeur against Mount Yao's backdrop. bathing at the adjacent resort offers a therapeutic complement to the visit, with options for soaking in mineral-rich waters reaching up to 60°C. A typical visit lasts 2–4 hours, allowing time for ascending over 1,000 steps to the , exploring the temple grounds, and optional hot spring relaxation. During festivals, the site may feature nighttime illuminations, adding to the cultural ambiance, though specific events like lantern festivals vary annually. Safety and etiquette guidelines ensure a respectful environment. Strict no-climbing rules apply to the and to prevent damage and accidents, with access limited to designated paths and elevators. Visitors must wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees in temple areas, remove hats upon entering sacred spaces, maintain quiet, and avoid touching images or pointing feet toward them. requires permission inside halls, and no or loud behavior is permitted.

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