Lingshan Grand Buddha
灵山大佛
An 88-meter bronze statue of Shakyamuni stands on Mashan in Lake Tai. The Nine Dragons Bathing the Buddha fountain show, the dome of Lingshan Fanggong and the Five Indias Mandala make it a grand Buddhist cultural park.
The Lingshan Grand Buddha stands within the Lingshan Scenic Area on the Mashan Peninsula in Wuxi. Completed in 1997, the statue is 88 meters tall including the lotus throne and base. It is cast in bronze, weighs over 700 tonnes, and is one of the tallest bronze standing statues of Shakyamuni in the world. Together with the Tiantan Buddha in the south, the Leshan Giant Buddha and others, it is known as the “Five Buddhas of the Five Directions.” Xiao Lingshan, where the statue stands, is said to have been named by a disciple of Xuanzang in the Tang dynasty. Main highlights: Nine Dragons Bathing the Buddha takes place at 10:00, 14:00 and 16:00 each day (extra shows in peak season). To music, a giant lotus unfolds, a statue of the young prince rises, and nine dragons spray water (about 15 minutes). Lingshan Fanggong (Lingshan Sanskrit Palace), completed in 2008, is a magnificent hall whose dome, columns, Dongyang wood carvings and glazed-tile art are extremely ornate. It hosts the “Lingshan Auspicious Hymn” show (about 30 minutes; ticketed, so collect tickets in advance). The Five Indias Mandala is in Tibetan style. Xiangfu Chan Temple is a historic monastery. Take the lift up the base beneath the lotus throne to “hug the Buddha’s foot” and look out over Lake Tai. Suggested route: entrance → Xiangfu Chan Temple → Nine Dragons Bathing the Buddha (check the time) → the Grand Buddha → Fanggong → Five Indias Mandala, about 4 hours in total. Entry is about 210 yuan (includes Nine Dragons and Fanggong; collect tickets for the “Lingshan Auspicious Hymn” in advance). Getting there: Metro Line 2 to Meiyuan Kaiyuan Temple station, then bus 88 or 89 for about 40 minutes. A taxi from downtown takes about 45 minutes, and Wuxi railway station has a dedicated sightseeing shuttle. Notes: the park is large with many steps, so you can rent an electric cart. Arrive 30 minutes early to secure a spot for Nine Dragons. It is about 3 km from Nianhuawan, so the two can be combined in one day.
Opening hours
Peak season 07:30–17:30; off-season 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Nianhuawan (Nianhua Bay)
- Three Kingdoms City
- Water Margin City
- Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Isle)
- Wuxi Sunac Land
- Meiyuan Plum Garden
- Li Garden (Liyuan)
- Wuxi Zoo & Taihu Happy Park