Joanna James
Well known for housing the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue which rises to an astonishing 289 feet in the air, one arriving at the Mr Lingshan Grand Buddha Scenic Area will be treated to an array of sights and sounds which pay homage to the Buddha. Found on the southwest tip of Wuxi, China, the Scenic Area is both a charming and magical escape that must be gone on when one is on holiday in Wuxi. Here is what you need to look out for.
Alongside the famed Buddha statue is a slew of appeals and landmarks that would beckon the culture buff in you to quicken your pace and waste no time in experiencing the air of peace and tranquillity which envelops the Scenic Area. The Five Mudra Mandala, Xiangfu Temple, Brahma Palace and Nine Dragons Bathing Sakyamuni are amongst the noteworthy parts of one of Wuxi’s most loved sites. In terms of making the most of your visit, consider spending as much time as permitted within each of these attractions.
After you’ve ascended the 216 steps that lead up to the foot of the Grand Buddha, vistas of White Tiger Mountain and Green Dragon Mountain will be seen to the right and left of the main statue respectively. A lotus pedestal hewn out of 2,000 sheets of bronze will be unmistakable as you venture longing for many more pleasing facets and stepping inside the pedestal of the statue, the 3-floor museum made out of Nanmu wood will welcome you. Herein, one will learn of the teachings of Buddhism coupled with the influences that it continues to project across and within the local culture.
A sight for sore eyes would be the magnificently appointed Brahma Palace which is located southeast of the Grand Buddha. Spread out over 3 floors, the Palace merges the brilliance of traditional Chinese art with that of Buddhist cultural influences. Upon entry, the white jade elephant in the lobby will stir your curiosity into moving in the direction of the towering domes, high porch pillars and the grand halls that comprise Brahma Palace. With elaborate decorations including Dongyang woodcarvings to behold, the columns and girders that beautify the Palace chronicle a vast array of stories associated with Buddhism.
Often at the centre of many a pilgrimage, the aura and grace surrounding Xiangfu Temple cannot truly be summed up in words alone. Built during the Tang Dynasty, the shrine features the Hall of Heavenly Kings which is at the entrance. From here, one will do well to examine the drum tower and bell tower while in this section of the Scenic Area. In fact, the latter is where the biggest bell in South China is kept while the Mahavira Hall cannot be ignored for it contains eye-catching sculptures of Sakyamuni and 16 arhats.
The 6-storeys that make up the Five Mudra Mandala are an art lover’s dream come true. Nestled on an island surrounded by Fragrance Lake, the Five Mudra Mandala is replete with a golden roof, 5 different Buddha statues and a particular style of architecture that best represents and reflects that of Tibetan Buddhism. A large collection of woodcarvings, frescoes and paintings are found here that would make for quite the introduction to Buddhist artwork and architecture.
Considered a music fountain that portrays the birth of Sakyamuni, the said attraction is complete with a pool and a bronze 6-petal lotus flower. As the melodies begin, the lotus blooms and the gilded statue of Sakyamuni rises from the centre after which the nine dragons found around the pool spout water. As the music fades away, the petals of the lotus close and in turn, water is seen pouring out from the 8 phoenixes that are found around the pool. According to the locals, the water is considered a blessing and visitors are encouraged to drink out of the pool. If thinking of heading over to Mt. Lingshan Grand Buddha Scenic Area shortly, it would serve your interest well to have booked into a good type of Wuxi accommodation options. One such example is Ascott Central Wuxi from where such expeditions can be planned out at one’s own leisure.
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