a lot of tourist visits. From 2001 to 2003, it was ranked the second most popular attraction amongst the provincial heritage sites with 1.4 to 1.5 million visitors per year. In 2004, there was a breakthrough which led the numbers to drastically go up to 2.1 million visitors. From 2005 to 2007, it had around 2.3 to 2.8 million visitors per year, which was more than all the other sites. The most convenient way to get to the Giant Buddha from Leshan Town is through the local bus 13. Upon arrival, it is necessary to purchase a ticket at the price of CNY 90 per person (including Wuyou Temple & Mahao Cliff Tomb). The opening hours are 7:30am–6:30pm from April until October and 8:00am–5:30pm from October until March. The weekends and holidays are much busier compared to weekdays. Apart from the main attraction, there are dozens of pathways throughout the mountain that can be explored by foot. People come from all over the world to worship Maitreya. To get a close-up view of him, there is a pedestrian pathway that allows visitors to appreciate the changing view of Buddha’s body through multiple perspectives. It is important to note that the plank pathways there are steep and narrow. To get a more panoramic view of him, there are sightseeing boats available at the price of CNY 70 per person. Since these boats have a capacity of 35 passengers, there may be a waiting line. Gallery See also Laykyun Sekkya Great Buddha of Thailand The Big Buddha (Hong Kong) Buddha Dordenma statue Great Buddha Buddhist art Chinese Buddhism Great Anti-Buddhist Persecution Tang Dynasty List of colossal sculpture in situ References External links UNESCO Leshan Grand Buddha - Da Fo Outdoor sculptures in China Colossal Buddha statues Mountain monuments and memorials World Heritage Sites in China Rock art in China Major National Historical and Cultural Sites in Sichuan Tang dynasty art 8th-century establishments in China Buddhist buildings in Sichuan Tourist attractions in Leshan