Wuxi Tour A From Shanghai-Grand Buddha at Ling Shan,Linshan Town-Nianhua Bay/Nianhua Wan

Wuxi Tour A From Shanghai-Grand Buddha at Ling Shan,Linshan Town-Nianhua Bay/Nianhua Wan

Pick up from Your hotel in Shanghai or Suzhou or Wuxi
Grand Buddha at Ling Shan——-The Grand Buddha is located on the north shore of Lake Tai, near Wuxi, Jiangsu. It is one of the largest Buddha statues in China and also in the world.The Grand Buddha at Ling Shan is a bronze Amitabha standing Buddha outdoor, weighing over 700 metric tons (690 long tons; 770 short tons). It was completed at the end of 1996. The monument is 88 meters (289 ft) in total height, including 9 m lotus pedestal.The majority of the attractions sit along a southeast-northwest axis from the main gate to the Grand Buddha statue with some sights to the east. Besides the temples, statues and gardens, you can also attend some meaningful Buddhist performances.

1.Nine Dragons Bathing Shakyamuni
According to the Buddhist classic Abhiniskramana-sutra, the Buddha Shakyamuni could speak and walk when he was born. A lotus grew and bloomed on every step he made when he walked seven steps in the four directions. Then, he pointed to the sky with one hand and pointed to the ground with the other hand and said “I am the honored lord of the world”. At that time, two pools appeared in the garden and nine dragons appeared in the sky spitting out water to bath Shakayamuni.

Travelers can enjoy the real scene of “Nine Dragon Bathing Shakyamuni” which does not only exist in the legendary story. With the Buddhist music starting, the six pieces of lotus flowers are blooming and the 7.2-meter-tall Golden Buddha is appearing with one hand pointing to the sky and the other pointing to the ground. The nine dragons are spitting out water for about 10 meters high to bath the sacred Buddha. Sometimes if weather permits, you can even see the rainbow over the water. Travelers can even taste the holy water outflowing from the mouths of phoenixes standing around the fountain. It is said that the holy water can bring luck and health to you.

Time to Enjoy Nine Dragons Bathing Shakyamuni: 10:00; 11:30; 14:45; 16:45.

2.Brahma Palace
The Brahma Palace is situated at the foot of Lingshan Hill with magnificent architecture, harmonious layout, tall colonnade, soaring dome and large-scale hall. The architecture is an example to present profound Buddhism with a blend of traditional cultural elements and modern features. Entering inside the palace, travelers can appreciate the exquisite Dongyang woodcarving, elegant murals by Dunhuang skilled painters, grand oil paintings, quaint cloisonne Sumeru lamps and lots of art treasures scattered in Brahma Palace.

The inspiring performance called “Ode to Auspice” is held every day in the Altar of Brahma Palace. Time to Enjoy “Ode to Auspice”: 10:35; 11:30; 14:00 and 16:00 (Monday to Friday); 10:35; 11:30; 13:00; 14:00; 15:00 and 16:00 (Saturday and Sunday). Travelers should come 20 minutes ahead for checking in.

3.Five Mudra Mandala
Gorgeous golden roof, huge gilding aquaria, striking prayer flags… This is the scene of Five Mudra Mandala with unique and original Tibetan architecture. It occupies 8000 square meters, like a standard football field. And it stands 31.55 meters tall with six stories. This is the well-known type of mandala – the mandala of the “Five Buddhas”, archetypal Buddha forms embodying various aspects of enlightenment. The “Five Wisdom Buddhas” are enshrined in five directions, including Rratnasambhava in the south, Amitabha in the west, Amoghasiddhi Buddha in the north and Akshobhya in the east and Vairocana Buddha in the center. The inner decoration of Five Mudra Mandala is holy, pure and solemn with painted sculptures, mural, woodcarvings, Thangka, gold-platint, all presenting spectacular Mandala art.

4.Buddha’s Hand Square
On the left side of Buddha’s Hand Square is the largest palm of Buddha in the world and on the right side of the square is a Maitreya Buddha with 100 children playing with him on his body.

5.Largest Buddha Hand in the World: The 11.7-meter high and 5.5-meter wide statue of the hand is a 1:1 replica of the right hand of the Grand Buddha of Lingshan. You can imagine how magnificent the Lingshan Buddha is. You can either observe or touch the big hand. This right hand is the “giving Abhaya Mudra” which means to overcome suffering and make all living creatures free of fear. Buddha’s Hand in Chinese is “Foshou” which is the homophonic phrase of “Fushou” (happiness and longevity). Visitors believe that touching this big hand will bring good fortune and longevity.

6.100 Children Playing with Maitreya Buddha: This 8.5-meter-long bronze Maitreya Buddha is always smiling with 100 children playing on his body. Some of them are making a human pyramid, some doing tug-of-war, some poking Buddha’s belly with tree branch, and some peeing on the body… The Maitreya Buddha does not mind what the children do on his body and he tolerates, forgives and loves all the children. He is always magnanimous, so he owns the true happiness.

Later Day Visit Linshan Town-Nianhua Bay/Nianhua Wan——-Lingshan Township’s Nianhua Bay is a Zen-inspired resort town where you can go on a journey of spiritual discovery. The town is built in ancient Chinese style, with Zen as the central theme. During the day, you can visit the Zen music halls, the flower chamber, the music gazebo and Nianhua flower garden and tower, and other architectures. You can check out the arts and crafts shops. When you get tired, you can sit down somewhere to get a drink or grab a bite. In the evening, you can photograph the quiet night of Nianhua Bay and take a look at the novelty 3D water screen movie on Nianhua Lake.