Statues have always been a part of human history, with civilizations across the world erecting monuments to honor their gods, rulers, and heroes. From ancient times to the present day, these impressive structures have fascinated people with their sheer size and magnificence. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 7 largest statues in the world and the stories behind them.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Spring Temple Buddha
- Statue of Unity
- Laykyun Setkyar
- Ushiku Daibutsu
- Guan Yin of the South Sea of Sanya
- Sendai Daikannon
- Great Buddha of Thailand
- Conclusion
- FAQs
1. Introduction
Statues are a testament to human creativity and imagination, as well as our desire to create something that will outlast us. Over the centuries, civilizations have erected statues of all shapes and sizes, from the small and delicate to the massive and awe-inspiring. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the largest statues in the world and explore what makes them so impressive.
2. The Spring Temple Buddha
The Spring Temple Buddha is currently the largest statue in the world, standing at a height of 128 meters (420 feet). Located in China’s Henan province, this statue depicts Vairocana Buddha and was completed in 2008. The statue is made of copper and rests on a 20-meter (66-foot) tall pedestal. Visitors can climb to the top of the statue for a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
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3. Statue of Unity
The Statue of Unity is a monument to India’s first Deputy Prime Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The statue stands at a height of 182 meters (597 feet) and was completed in 2018. Located in the western state of Gujarat, the statue is made of bronze and rests on a 58-meter (190-foot) tall pedestal. Visitors can take a high-speed elevator to an observation deck at the top of the statue for a view of the surrounding area.
4. Laykyun Setkyar
The Laykyun Setkyar is a statue of the Buddha located in Myanmar. It stands at a height of 116 meters (381 feet) and was completed in 2008. The statue is made of concrete and covered in gold leaf. Visitors can climb to the top of the statue for a view of the surrounding area.
5. Ushiku Daibutsu
The Ushiku Daibutsu is located in Japan and stands at a height of 120 meters (394 feet). Completed in 1993, the statue depicts Amitabha Buddha and is made of bronze. Visitors can take an elevator to an observation deck inside the statue’s head for a view of the surrounding area.
6. Guan Yin of the South Sea of Sanya
The Guan Yin of the South Sea of Sanya is located in China and stands at a height of 108 meters (354 feet). Completed in 2005, the statue depicts Guan Yin, the Buddhist goddess of compassion. Visitors can take an elevator to an observation deck at the top of the statue for a view of the surrounding area.
7. Sendai Daikannon
The Sendai Daikannon is located in Japan and stands at a height of 100 meters (330 feet). Completed in 1991, the statue depicts the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Visitors can take an elevator to an observation deck inside the statue for a view of the surrounding area. The statue is made of bronze and features a traditional Japanese design. Visitors can also explore the small museum located inside the pedestal.
8. Great Buddha of Thailand
The Great Buddha of Thailand, also known as the Big Buddha, is located in Ang Thong province and stands at a height of 92 meters (302 feet). Completed in 2008, the statue is made of reinforced concrete and covered in gold paint. Visitors can climb to the top of the statue for a view of the surrounding area.
Travel Tips
If you’re planning a trip to see one of these massive statues, here are a few travel tips to keep in mind:
- Check the weather: Some of these statues are located in areas that can experience extreme weather conditions, so be sure to check the forecast and pack accordingly.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Many of these statues require climbing stairs or walking uphill, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring a camera: These statues are not only impressive in person, but they also make for great photo opportunities.
- Respect local customs: Many of these statues have religious or cultural significance, so be sure to respect local customs and dress appropriately.
Other Tourist Attractions
In addition to these massive statues, many of the locations mentioned in this article have other tourist attractions worth visiting. For example, the Great Buddha of Thailand is located near the ancient city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Statue of Unity in India is located near the Sardar Sarovar Dam, one of the largest dams in the world. The Ushiku Daibutsu in Japan is located near the Narita-san Shinsho-ji Temple, a popular pilgrimage site.
Conclusion
Statues have always been a way for humans to express their creativity and pay tribute to their heroes and gods. The seven statues we’ve explored in this article are among the largest in the world, and each has a unique story and meaning behind it. From the Spring Temple Buddha in China to the Great Buddha of Thailand, these massive structures are a testament to human ingenuity and determination.
FAQs
- What is the largest statue in the world?
- The largest statue in the world is the Spring Temple Buddha in China, standing at 128 meters (420 feet) tall.
- What is the Statue of Unity?
- The Statue of Unity is a monument to India’s first Deputy Prime Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It stands at a height of 182 meters (597 feet) and is located in Gujarat, India.
- How tall is the Laykyun Setkyar?
- The Laykyun Setkyar in Myanmar stands at a height of 116 meters (381 feet).
- What is the Ushiku Daibutsu?
- The Ushiku Daibutsu is a statue of Amitabha Buddha located in Japan. It stands at a height of 120 meters (394 feet).
- What is the Great Buddha of Thailand?
- The Great Buddha of Thailand, also known as the Big Buddha, is a statue located in Ang Thong province, Thailand. It stands at a height of 92 meters (302 feet) and is made of reinforced concrete.