Liouguei Big Buddha Introduction
The imposing Liugui Buddha, also known as the Liugui Rainbow Mountain Buddha, is located in the Xinkai Village of Liugui District, near the famous Bulao Hot Springs area. Standing at 24 meters tall and weighing 167 tons, the Buddha is majestically flanked by the winding Laonong River in front and the magnificent Central Mountain Range behind it. The natural beauty of the surroundings accentuates the Buddha's compassionate and solemn presence, which is awe-inspiring up close. The originally serene park gained popularity when photography enthusiasts creatively captured the Liugui Buddha alongside the "World's Best Hand" at the entrance, leading to its viral fame online and becoming a well-known landmark in the Liugui area that attracts numerous visitors, resulting in a variety of stunning photographs. During the Buddha's construction, a worker accidentally fell from the head of the statue, dropping about 16 meters and hitting the Buddha's hand. His injuries were severe, but after a few days of treatment, he miraculously began to recover. This incident was regarded as a miracle, and afterward, a pair of Buddha hands the same size as the statue was added at the entrance for visitors to take photos and pray for safety. Inside the bronze statue, visitors can explore the underground floor, which houses a nearly 7-ton jade stone, considered a treasure of the mountain; it is said that touching the jade can bring good luck. Ascending to the second floor allows visitors to observe the internal steel structure of the Buddha. The corridor behind the statue houses the Twelve Zodiac Bodhisattvas, where worshippers can light incense and make wishes according to their zodiac sign. Construction of the Liugui Buddha began in 2000 and took 15 years to complete. During the process, it withstood the impact of Typhoon Morakot, effectively blocking the landslide and saving the villages below. Today, the traces of the landslide can still be seen behind the Buddha, along with many stories of miracles that have spread by word of mouth. Regardless of the truth of these tales, this location truly serves as a place for people to find peace and escape from the mundane.
