Liugui Buddha Introduction
The imposing Liugui Buddha, also known as the Liugui Rainbow Mountain Buddha, is located in the Xinkai Village of the Liugui District, near the famous Bulao Hot Springs area. The Buddha statue stands at 24 meters tall and weighs 167 tons, with the beautiful Laonong River winding in front and the majestic Central Mountain Range behind it, creating a natural landscape that highlights the Buddha's compassionate and solemn appearance. Up close, it is truly magnificent. Originally a tranquil and serene area, it gained popularity online when photography enthusiasts creatively captured the Liugui Buddha alongside the "World's Largest Hand" at the entrance, making it a well-known landmark in the Liugui area and attracting many visitors who created various stunning photographs. During the construction of the Buddha, a worker accidentally fell from the head of the statue, dropping about 16 meters and hitting the Buddha's hand. Initially, he was seriously injured, but after a few days of treatment, he miraculously began to recover. This incident was regarded as a miracle, leading to the addition of a pair of Buddha hands the same size as the statue, dubbed the "World's Largest Hand," placed at the entrance for visitors to take photos and pray for safety. Inside the Buddha's bronze figure, visitors can tour the facility; the basement level houses a nearly 7-ton jade stone, known as the treasure of the mountain, said to bring good luck when touched. Ascending to the second floor, one can explore the internal steel structure of the Buddha, while the corridor behind the Buddha houses 12 zodiac Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattvas, where worshipers can pray and make wishes according to their zodiac signs. The Liugui Buddha began construction in 2000 and was completed after 15 years. During its construction, it withstood the devastation of Typhoon Morakot, effectively blocking the landslides behind it and saving the village below. Today, the scars of the landslide can still be seen behind the Buddha, and numerous miraculous tales have been shared. Regardless of their truth, this place truly serves as a sanctuary for the soul, allowing one to leave behind the mundane world.
