

Baxianshan Buddha. (Photo/newssc.org)
On Baxianshan Mountain in Pingshan County, located in southwest China's Sichuan province, there is a 32-meter-high standing Buddha, which has been named the Baxianshan Buddha. Since the Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan were blown up in 2001, this Buddha has become the world's largest standing Buddha. It features relief carving and reaches the height of a 10-storey building.
Some archaeologists estimate that the standing Buddha was carved during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), which would make it about 400 years old. However, the questions of who carved the Buddha and why that person did it are still unanswered. There is no documentation, and the origin of the Buddha is a mystery.
The "Encyclopedia of China" lists this Buddha among the ten biggest Buddhas in the world, saying that it has great artistic, cultural and research value. However, the book says nothing about its origin.
In order to better protect this Buddha, the government of Pingshan County, together with several historic preservation societies, is now revisiting the mystery, hoping to shed some light on the story of the Baxianshan Buddha.
The evolution of J-10 fighter
Top 10 Asian beauties in 2016
Train rides through blossoms
North Sea Fleet conducts drill in West Pacific Ocean
Breathtaking aerial photos of tulip blossoms in C China
Horrific: Pit swallows 25 tons of fish overnight
Police officers learn Wing Chun in E. China
Charming models compete in super model contest in Beijing
Beauties wearing Tang dynasty costume pick tea leaves
Top 20 hottest women in the world in 2014
Top 10 hardest languages to learn
10 Chinese female stars with most beautiful faces
China’s Top 10 Unique Bridges, Highways and Roads
The reality of VR shopping
War photographer and mother
Why does the Western media hate the GFW so much
The 15 vital questions couples should ask before marriageDay|Week