Statues are an integral part of a country's cultural heritage and are often built to honor historical figures, religious gods and goddesses, and commemorate important events. Over the years, some countries have gone the extra mile and built statues that are not only grand but also among the tallest in the world. In this article, we take a look at the Top 10 tallest statues in the world.
- Statue of Unity, India - 182 meters
The Statue of Unity is a colossal statue of Indian independence leader Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel located in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is the world's tallest statue, standing 182 meters (597 feet) tall. The statue was built to commemorate Patel's contributions to the unification of India and his role in the country's independence from British rule.
Designed by Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar, the Statue of Unity is made of bronze and is located on an island facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River. The statue was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31, 2018, and has since become a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors every year.
In addition to honoring Patel's legacy, the Statue of Unity is intended to symbolize the strength and unity of the Indian people. It is also seen as a symbol of the country's growing global influence and its commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.
- Height: 182 meters
- Location: India
2. Spring Temple Buddha, China - 153 meters
The Spring Temple Buddha is a statue located in the Zhaocun township of Lushan County, Henan, China. It is the tallest statue in the world, standing at 128 meters (420 feet) tall, including its 25-meter (82-foot) base. The statue depicts a Buddha seated in the lotus position, symbolizing peace, enlightenment, and spirituality.
The Spring Temple Buddha was built in response to the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan by the Taliban in 2001. The statue was completed in 2008, after five years of construction, and has since become a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.
In addition to its religious significance, the Spring Temple Buddha is also seen as a symbol of China's growing economic and cultural power. The statue was built with the latest engineering and construction technologies, and its scale and intricate design demonstrate the country's technological and artistic capabilities.
The statue is made of bronze, with a frame of steel and a base of concrete. The Buddha's facial features and hair are said to be based on traditional Chinese Buddhist sculptures, while its robes are adorned with intricate designs that depict scenes from Buddhist mythology. The statue is surrounded by a large park, complete with gardens, fountains, and a museum, making it a destination for both religious pilgrims and tourists.
- Height: 128 meters
- Location: China
3. Laykyun Sekkya, Myanmar - 116 meters
The Laykyun Sekkya is a statue located in Monywa, Myanmar (also known as Burma). It is one of the tallest statues in the world, standing at 116 meters (381 feet) tall, including its base. The statue depicts the Buddha in a standing position and is made of bronze, with a steel frame and concrete base.
The Laykyun Sekkya was built in 1996 by the government of Myanmar as a symbol of Buddhism and peace. The statue is located at the entrance of the Khatakan Taung pagoda, which is one of the largest pagodas in the country and is surrounded by a large park and gardens.
In addition to its religious significance, the Laykyun Sekkya is also seen as a symbol of Myanmar's cultural heritage and its commitment to preserving its traditions. The statue is a popular tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors each year, who come to admire its size and beauty, as well as to pay homage to the Buddha.
Visitors to the statue can climb a spiral staircase to reach the observation deck located at the statue's feet, which offers views of the surrounding area and the pagoda. There are also a number of other Buddhist monuments and sculptures located in the park, making it a destination for both religious pilgrims and tourists.
- Height: 116 meters
- Location: Myanmar
4. Ushiku Daibutsu, Japan - 120 meters
The Ushiku Daibutsu is a bronze statue located in Ushiku, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the tallest statues in the world, standing at 120 meters (394 feet) tall, including its base. The statue depicts the Amitabha Buddha, who is associated with compassion, wisdom, and longevity.
The Ushiku Daibutsu was built in 1993 to commemorate the birth of the Buddha and to promote peace and understanding. The statue is located in a large park and is surrounded by gardens, water features, and other Buddhist monuments.
In addition to its religious significance, the Ushiku Daibutsu is also seen as a symbol of Japan's cultural heritage and its commitment to preserving its traditions. The statue is made of bronze and is considered a masterpiece of Japanese sculpture, with intricate designs and fine details.
Visitors to the Ushiku Daibutsu can take an elevator to reach the observation deck located at the statue's chest, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. There is also a museum located in the base of the statue, which showcases Buddhist art and artifacts, making it a destination for both religious pilgrims and tourists.
- Height: 120 meters
- Location: Japan
5. Guishan Guanyin, China - 108 meters
The Guishan Guanyin is a statue located on Mount Guishan in Yiyang, Hunan Province, China. It is one of the largest statues of Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, in the world, standing at 108 meters (354 feet) tall, including its base.
The Guishan Guanyin was built in 2010 and is made of bronze, with a steel frame and concrete base. The statue depicts Guanyin in a standing position, with one hand raised in a gesture of protection and the other hand holding a vase filled with the "waters of wisdom." The statue is located on top of a hill overlooking the city of Yiyang and is surrounded by a park and gardens.
In addition to its religious significance, the Guishan Guanyin is also seen as a symbol of China's growing economic and cultural power. The statue was built with the latest engineering and construction technologies, and its size and intricate design demonstrate the country's technological and artistic capabilities.
Visitors to the Guishan Guanyin can take an elevator to reach the observation deck located at the statue's chest, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. There are also a number of other Buddhist monuments and sculptures located in the park, making it a destination for both religious pilgrims and tourists.
- Height: 108 meters
- Location: China
6. Guan Yin of the South Sea of Sanya, China - 108 meters
The Guan Yin of the South Sea of Sanya is a statue located in Sanya, Hainan Province, China. It is one of the largest statues of Guan Yin, the bodhisattva of compassion, in the world, standing at 108 meters (354 feet) tall, including its base. The statue was built in 2005 and depicts Guan Yin standing on a lotus flower, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.
The Guan Yin of the South Sea of Sanya is made of bronze and is located on a hill overlooking the South China Sea. The statue is surrounded by a park and gardens and is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.
In addition to its religious significance, the Guan Yin of the South Sea of Sanya is also seen as a symbol of China's growing economic and cultural power. The statue was built with the latest engineering and construction technologies, and its size and intricate design demonstrate the country's technological and artistic capabilities.
Visitors to the Guan Yin of the South Sea of Sanya can take an elevator to reach the observation deck located at the statue's chest, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and the South China Sea. There are also a number of other Buddhist monuments and sculptures located in the park, making it a destination for both religious pilgrims and tourists.
- Height: 108 meters
- Location: China
7. Great Buddha of Thailand, Thailand - 92 meters
The Great Buddha of Thailand, also known as the Wat Muang Mai Great Buddha, is a statue located in Ang Thong Province, Thailand. It is one of the tallest statues of the Buddha in the world, standing at 92 meters (302 feet) tall, including its base. The statue depicts the Buddha in a standing position, with his hands in a meditative gesture.
The Great Buddha of Thailand was built in 2008 and is made of concrete and covered in gold leaf. The statue is located in a large park and is surrounded by gardens and other Buddhist monuments. The park also features a temple, a museum, and a meditation center, making it a destination for both religious pilgrims and tourists.
In addition to its religious significance, the Great Buddha of Thailand is also seen as a symbol of Thailand's cultural heritage and its commitment to preserving its Buddhist traditions. The statue is a popular tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors each year, who come to admire its size and beauty, as well as to pay homage to the Buddha.
Visitors to the Great Buddha of Thailand can take an elevator to reach the observation deck located at the statue's chest, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. There is also a museum located in the base of the statue, which showcases Buddhist art and artifacts.
- Height: 92 meters
- Location: Thailand
8. Sendai Daikannon, Japan - 100 meters
The Sendai Daikannon is a statue of the Buddhist deity Kannon (also known as Guanyin or the Goddess of Mercy) located in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the largest statues of Kannon in the world, standing at 100 meters tall. The statue was built to promote peace and offer solace to those affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami in 2011. It is a popular tourist destination and attracts many visitors from both within Japan and abroad. The statue features an observation deck, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Height: 100 meters
- Location: Japan
9. Emperors Yan and Huang, China - 100 meters
Emperors Yan and Huang are two legendary Chinese sovereigns who are said to have ruled during the remote antiquity of Chinese history. They are often mentioned together in Chinese literature and are considered to be the first two rulers of the Chinese civilization.
Emperor Yan is said to have been a wise and just ruler who brought order to the realm, and was known for his knowledge of fire and metal-working. Emperor Huang, on the other hand, is said to have been a great inventor and builder, who invented the plough and the cart, and also established a system of writing.
Despite their legendary status, the actual existence of Emperors Yan and Huang remains a subject of debate among historians, as there is limited historical evidence of their existence. Nevertheless, they are still regarded as important figures in Chinese mythology and are widely revered in Chinese culture.
- Height: 100 meters
- Location: China
10. Shakyamuni Buddha, China - 88 meters
Shakyamuni Buddha, also known as the Gautama Buddha or simply the Buddha, was the founder of Buddhism and is considered by Buddhists to be the supreme teacher of the Dharma. He lived in ancient India over 2,500 years ago and is considered one of the greatest spiritual leaders in history.
According to Buddhist tradition, Shakyamuni Buddha was born as Prince Siddhartha, the son of a king, in present-day Nepal. He lived a life of luxury in his early years but became disillusioned with the material world and the suffering he saw around him. He eventually left his princely life behind to seek a solution to the problem of suffering and to attain enlightenment. After six years of intense meditation and spiritual practice, he achieved enlightenment under the bodhi tree and became known as the Buddha, or the "Awakened One."
The Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the Dharma, or the path to liberation from suffering and the attainment of enlightenment, to all who would listen. His teachings, which form the basis of Buddhism, have been passed down from generation to generation and continue to be followed by millions of people around the world. Shakyamuni Buddha is considered to be the embodiment of wisdom and compassion, and his life and teachings remain a source of inspiration and guidance for Buddhists today.
- Height: 88 meters
- Location: China
These are some of the tallest statues in the world, each with its unique history, cultural significance,
