Leshan Grand Buddha

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Geo: 29.5458, 103.774

A 140km drive brought us to Leshan and its Tang Dynasty, 1,200 years old, 71m tall Buddha carved into a limestone outcrop. The largest sitting Buddha in the world and a UNESCO site. Like at the 1,000 Buddha temple in Laos, this Buddha overlooked the confluence of rivers; three in this case.

Our guide, Oliver, chose well and our lunch was very good this time.

Then a visit to a park and to a period shopping alley, and also to the Tibetan quarter. Surprisingly, the 55 ethnic minorities in China (who comprise 8% of the population - the rest are Han people) seem to enjoy preferential policies. For example they enjoy exemptions under the 'one child' policy and the five autonomous regions have special rights. Pretty sure that the Tibetans and Uighurs don't see it that way, though...

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Photos

Grand Buddha
It seemed a long trip just to view this statue, so I was prepared to get a closer look by climbing the many steps.

Included by popular demand...
It has been suggested that this was my disappointed expression when the group decided not to climb the 1,000 steps to circumnavigate the Buddha.
I've been told I'm blogging for the group, so I have to be sensitive to their needs to make fun of me...

Wangjiang Bamboo Park
This 1,300 year old city park was established to commemorate a renowned female poet who had a passion for bamboo. It now houses over 100 species of the plant.

Mahjong in the park
A popular pastime for retired folks.

Kuanzhai shopping precinct
A mostly reconstructed part of the old city, decked out for tourists. We passed on the rabbit head snacks (those two front teeth!) but tried a sticky-rice pineapple and honey sweet that was pretty awful.
Our first guide Jennifer had impressed on our group the need for us to emulate "sticky-rice" during our walking tours in crowded areas. It must have sunk in because we have had no mishaps, or delays waiting for recalcitrant wanderers.

Comments

[John Lowe]

Sel, Rob, Thanks. Looks like lots of fun! We must have Chinese when you return.Keep the blog coming.I note the blog is now a three star. I will vote when I work out how!Cheers,Lowie

[Morag]

Alternative to chess in the park, great idea. Seems most restful or just a lucky moment without the throngs of bodies.

[Morag]

Looks nice, I like olde worlde, but think I'll stick with fried rice and leave the finger food to those more appreciative of it, freak! Had some rain it seems

[robselclark]

Thx for the encouragement, Lowie. You vote by carefully tapping (or clicking on, I guess) the fifth Star!