Lingshan Buddhist Scenic Area – Ticket Price, Opening Hours, Location, and highlights

The Lingshan Grand Buddha, standing at an impressive height of 88 meters, is the second tallest giant Buddha statue in China. Located in the Lingshan Scenic Area, it faces the majestic Taihu Lake and rests against the backdrop of Lingshan Mountain. With a frame crafted from 725 tons of bronze and assembled from 2000 cast bronze panels, the statue’s right hand forms the “Fearless Mudra” in Buddhism, symbolizing the relief of suffering for all sentient beings. In its left hand, it displays the “Wish-Granting Mudra,” signifying blessings for peace and happiness. The Lingshan Grand Buddha is a remarkable embodiment of spiritual significance and artistic craftsmanship.

Lingshan Zen Palace is a multifunctional cultural edifice that seamlessly combines tourism, conferences, exhibitions, and cultural experiences. Nestled against the mountainside, this architectural marvel spans an expansive 50,000 square meters, incorporating elements of Chinese Buddhist grotto art and traditional Buddhist architectural elements. Its exterior features five pagoda-style spires inspired by the “Hua Pagoda” from Dunhuang murals. The highlight of the Zen Palace is the daily performance of “Lingshan Auspicious Chant,” which employs cutting-edge multimedia technology to provide audiences with a captivating visual spectacle, further enhancing the cultural and spiritual ambiance of this magnificent structure.

The Five Seals Altar City, spanning an area of 8,000 square meters and standing at a height of 31.55 meters with six layers, is a magnificent cultural and religious complex. Within its sacred precincts, it venerates the Five Buddhas representing the five cardinal directions: Bao Sheng Buddha in the South, Amitabha Buddha in the West, Akshobhya Buddha in the North, Ashuku Buddha in the East, and Vairocana Buddha in the center. Its exterior is grand and resplendent, adorned with dazzling golden spires, massive golden vases, prominent sutra pillars, and prayer flags, showcasing the captivating beauty of Tibetan architecture. Inside, it is adorned with colorful murals, wood carvings, thangkas, and gilded decorations, beautifully highlighting Tibetan artistic craftsmanship. Visitors can participate in interactive cultural activities such as lighting butter lamps and spinning prayer wheels within this sacred space.

Xiangfu Zen Temple, a millennium-old ancient monastery, was first established during the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty. Throughout history, it has been a place of fervent Buddhist worship and a breeding ground for esteemed monks. According to legend, the Tang Dynasty’s Master Xuanzang, renowned for his journey to India to obtain Buddhist scriptures, once visited the temple. Struck by the resemblance of the temple’s main peak to the sacred Mount Sumeru from his pilgrimage, he bestowed upon it the name “Xiaolingshan,” meaning “Little Mount Sumeru.” During the Northern Song Dynasty, the temple was renamed “Xiangfu Zen Temple.” Sadly, the temple was destroyed by war in the 1930s but was painstakingly reconstructed in the 1970s, becoming a significant Buddhist sanctuary along the shores of Taihu Lake.

The Demon-quelling Bas-relief in Lingshan Buddhist Scenic Area depicts the story of Buddha’s triumph over demons on his path to enlightenment. This massive bronze bas-relief spans 26 meters in width and 8 meters in height. According to legend, after six years of rigorous meditation and asceticism, Shakyamuni Buddha sat under the Bodhi tree, vowing not to leave until he had comprehended the essence of the universe. In the sculpture, Buddha is shown in the center, touching the ground with one hand in the “Demon-quelling Mudra.” On either side, the relief portrays scenes where demons attempted to tempt, slander, and intimidate Buddha using desires, wealth, seduction, and fear. Unmoved by these challenges, Buddha overcame them one by one over seven days and nights, achieving enlightenment and causing the heavens and earth to tremble.

Maitreya Buddha’s Hundred Children Play in Lingshan Buddhist Scenic Area presents an endearing and gentle depiction of Maitreya reclining in a relaxed manner, wearing a warm and welcoming smile. Resting upon Maitreya’s colossal form are precisely one hundred mischievous and playful children, each one uniquely crafted and incredibly lifelike. Some are engaged in a game of human pyramid, others are participating in a tug-of-war, a few are playfully poking Maitreya’s navel with small branches, and even the cheekiest among them are depicted urinating on Maitreya’s body. This playful and heartwarming sculpture captures the joyful spirit of innocence and exemplifies the harmonious blend of artistry and spirituality found in the Lingshan Buddhist Scenic Area.

The Buddhist Culture Exhibition Hall in Lingshan Buddhist Scenic Area is a comprehensive showcase of China’s rich Buddhist heritage. Spanning 10,000 square meters, the exhibition hall delves into various aspects of Buddhist culture, including the Five Buddhas of Chinese Buddhism, as well as the three major Buddhist traditions: Tibetan, Theravada, and Mahayana. Through detailed textual descriptions, images, artifacts, and multimedia presentations, the hall provides a comprehensive overview of the historical origins, spread, evolution, and profound influence of Buddhism on Chinese culture and art. It serves as a testament to the vast and enduring nature of Buddhist culture, offering visitors a deep appreciation of its spiritual and historical significance.

Nine Dragons Bathing in Lingshan Buddhist Scenic Area is a magnificent bronze sculpture resembling a blooming lotus. Supported by four powerful figures, it stands above a circular white marble pool. Surrounding this grand pool are nine flying dragons and eight diverse offerings, forming a mesmerizing scene. When the music of “Birth of the Buddha” begins to play, the six large lotus petals slowly unfurl. From within the lotus, a 7.2-meter-tall golden statue of the Prince Siddhartha Buddha emerges, with one hand pointing to the sky and the other to the ground. Simultaneously, the nine dragons spray water columns, bathing the Prince Siddhartha Buddha in a stunning display of artistry and spirituality.

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