Around China Series 172 Taiyuan, Mengshan Giant Buddha

🌈Historical Background: The construction began during the Tianbao era of the Northern Qi dynasty, dating back about 1500 years, making it the largest cliff-carved Buddha of the Northern Dynasties period in China. Historical figures such as Li Yuan, Wu Zetian, Li Keyong, and Liu Zhiyuan have all visited to pay homage to the Buddha. At the end of the Yuan dynasty, the Mengshan Giant Buddha was destroyed. It was rediscovered in 1980. 🚗Highlights: A 4A-level tourist attraction, the Mengshan Giant Buddha stands 63 meters tall, presumed to be a seated statue of Sakyamuni. It is as famous as the Leshan Giant Buddha and the Bamiyan Buddhas, and is one of the three largest stone Buddhas in the world. 🎫Ticket Information: Tickets are 35 yuan. ✨Travel Tips: After entering the scenic area, you can take a scenic shuttle bus or walk along the plank road, which takes about 30 minutes on foot, all on flat and gentle slopes. The route passes by the Earth God Temple and the Guanyin Hall up to the mid-mountain. Then, ascend from the Kaifu Temple side, which involves climbing a short stretch of mountain road. First, visit the Iron Buddha Temple, the Lianli Pagoda (a rare flower pagoda), and the Kaifu Temple. Afterwards, continue forward past the pagoda forest, and after climbing for about 15 minutes, you will reach the Mengshan Giant Buddha platform. The entire scenic area can be toured in about 2 hours.