Big Buddha

The Lingshan Buddha, aka "Big Buddha", is a must see if you visit Wuxi!  This bronze icon, entirely made of tin and cooper, weighs more than 700 tons and is 250 feet tall (100 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty)!  It was built in 1997 by Japanese investors and is quite the attraction.  The left side the Buddha features the  “Shi Wu Wei” seal. This is supposed to reduce suffering in the world. The right side features the “Yu Yuan” seal, dedicated to delivering happiness. The character on the Buddha's chest represents solemnity and virtue.

We only had to climb about 217 steps to get to the Buddha ...

Yep - Bethany carried Ava the whole time (GREAT work out)!

This picture really shows just how big the Buddha is ... can you see the people standing at the base of the statue?

If you like the smell of incense, then this is a place for you!  Incense were everywhere and Chinese people were lighting candles and praying, bowing and kneeling to the Buddha all around us.   

Luckily the fountain was fixed so we got to see the water show!