Spring Temple Buddha
中原大佛
Standing 128 meters tall (153 meters total including its lotus throne and pedestal base), the Spring Temple Buddha in Lushan County, Henan Province, is the tallest statue in the world — surpassing the Statue of Liberty and the Leshan Giant Buddha. The colossal figure depicts Vairocana Buddha, the primordial Buddha of the Mahayana tradition. Construction began in 1997 and was completed in 2008, requiring 1,100 separate copper-cast sections, 108 kg of gold plating, and approximately 3,300 tons of copper-tungsten alloy. The statue sits within the Fodushan Scenic Area at an elevation of around 750 meters. A six-storey building is housed within the pedestal, and a spiral staircase leads to a viewing platform near the statue's waist. The surrounding complex includes a Buddhist monastery, hot spring resort (the 'Spring' in the name refers to nearby natural hot springs), and a large cultural park. The site was formerly called Tianrui Diqu and the nearby Tianrui Hot Spring remains a draw for visitors. At night, floodlighting makes the golden figure visible from great distances across the Henan plain. The project cost approximately 55 million USD and was funded through private investment and local government support.
✨ Historical Significance
Why Spring Temple Buddha Matters
Ranked #54 among the world's top 100
The world's tallest statue at 128 m (420 ft) freestanding height, 153 m (502 ft) total with pedestal and throne. Recognized in the Guinness World Records. Surpasses the Ushiku Daibutsu (100 m, Japan) and the Leshan Giant Buddha (71 m, China). Represents modern China's Buddhist cultural renaissance and the revival of Henan Province as a major Buddhist heritage destination.
Built
2008
Location
China
Annual Visitors
500,000
Coordinates
33.6503°, 112.4794°
📅 Plan Your Visit to Spring Temple Buddha
Best Season
Spring & Autumn
Recommended months: April to May, September to October
Temperature
Average: 15–25°C (59–77°F)
Visit Duration
Recommended: 1–2 hours
Entry Fee
$5–$20 USD
Dress Code
Remove shoes before entering. Cover shoulders and knees. Avoid sleeveless tops and shorts. Some temples require long pants/skirts.
Getting There
Located in Lushan, China. Reach Lushan by domestic flights, trains, or buses from major cities. Local transport (taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing) available from Lushan center to the site. Check local transport options for the most convenient route.
📍 Location of Spring Temple Buddha
Lushan, China · 33.6503°N, 112.4794°E
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
💡 Travel Tips for Visiting Spring Temple Buddha
Remove your shoes before entering any temple or pagoda building. Carry a bag for your shoes.
Visit early morning (6–8 AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures and golden light for photography.
Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY). Carry small bills for entrance fees and donations.
Language: Mandarin Chinese. Learn basic greetings in the local language — locals appreciate the effort.
Best time to visit: April to May, September to October. Most visitors need a visa (apply in advance).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Spring Temple Buddha
Everything you need to know before visiting Spring Temple Buddha.
1Where is Spring Temple Buddha located?
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Spring Temple Buddha is located in Lushan, China. GPS coordinates: 33.6503°N, 112.4794°E. It is ranked #54 in our Top 100 World Pagodas list.
2When was Spring Temple Buddha built?
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Spring Temple Buddha was built in 2008. The world's tallest statue at 128 m (420 ft) freestanding height, 153 m (502 ft) total with pedestal and throne. Recognized in the Guinness World Records. Surpasses the Ushiku Daibutsu (100 m, Japan) and the Leshan Giant Buddha (71 m, China). Represents modern China's Buddhist cultural renaissance and the revival of Henan Province as a major Buddhist heritage destination.
3What is the best time to visit Spring Temple Buddha?
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The best time to visit Spring Temple Buddha in China is during April to May, September to October. This is the Spring & Autumn when weather is most comfortable for sightseeing, with average temperatures of 15–25°C (59–77°F).
4How much does it cost to visit Spring Temple Buddha?
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Entry fees for Spring Temple Buddha are approximately $5–$20 USD. Prices may vary by season and nationality. Check the official website for current rates.
5How long should I spend at Spring Temple Buddha?
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Plan to spend 1–2 hours at Spring Temple Buddha. Take time to appreciate the architecture and historical significance.
6What should I wear when visiting Spring Temple Buddha?
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Remove shoes before entering. Cover shoulders and knees. Avoid sleeveless tops and shorts. Some temples require long pants/skirts.
7How many people visit Spring Temple Buddha each year?
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Spring Temple Buddha receives approximately 500,000 visitors per year, making it one of the popular pagodas in China.
8How do I get to Spring Temple Buddha?
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Located in Lushan, China. Reach Lushan by domestic flights, trains, or buses from major cities. Local transport (taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing) available from Lushan center to the site. Check local transport options for the most convenient route.
9Do I need a visa to visit China?
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Most visitors need a visa (apply in advance). The local currency is Chinese Yuan (CNY). China is in the UTC+8 timezone.
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🎯 Nearby Attractions
- •Potala Palace in Lhasa
- •Jokhang Temple in Lhasa
- •Leshan Giant Buddha in Leshan
- •Local museums and cultural centers in Lushan
- •Traditional markets and local cuisine near Lushan