The Secret of the World's Second Tallest Buddha Statue

Next to Xuyang Town in Zigong City, Sichuan Province, lies a hidden giant stone Buddha carved from the Tang Dynasty to the Ming and Qing periods—the Rongxian Giant Buddha. This colossal grotto sculpture, facing south and north, has withstood the test of time and continues to attract countless tourists and history enthusiasts with its majestic presence.🏔️ The Rongxian Giant Buddha Grottoes consist of 16 niches, among which the most spectacular is the 14th niche that houses the Great Buddha, standing at 36.67 meters tall. It is the world's largest statue of Sakyamuni Buddha (the Buddha of the present) and is also known as the second largest stone-carved Buddha statue in the world.🕉️ Adjacent to it is the Great Buddha Temple, whose history can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. The temple structure is built along the mountain, centered around the Great Buddha, and unfolds to the left and right, forming a harmonious picture of religious architecture.🏯 Beyond the Great Buddha itself, the area where the Rongxian Giant Buddha is located is also home to many other historical relics. For instance, the Qing Dynasty's exquisite stone carving 'Damo Crossing the River' and the 'Xiao Terrace,' where it is said that the son of the Yellow Emperor, Xuanxiao, once rested, both testify to the profound cultural heritage of this place.🗿 In 2008, the Zigong World Geopark was officially approved by UNESCO, and the Rongxian Giant Buddha, together with the surrounding natural landscape, constitutes this unique geological park.🌱