Exploring the Leshan Giant Buddha, Leshan, China

Leshan, south of Chengdu in Sichuan Province, China, is home to the world's largest stone-carved Buddha. The 71-meter (230-foot) Giant Buddha is carved into a riverside cliff, surrounded by smaller carvings, temples, shrines, the Haoshang Bridge, and waterfalls. View it on foot via a 1.5-hour lined path or by ¥70 ferry (40 minutes total, excludes park entry) to see guardian figures. Visit late to avoid tour groups. Carved to protect boats from dangerous waters; winter low-water reveals a rubble island viewpoint via city buses and ferries.