Statue of Laozi

Introducing the Statue of Laozi

Maoshan is renowned for its Taoism. In 1998, Jurong City erected a statue of Laozi, the founder of Taoism, in the Daozu Square of Maoshan's Yuanfu Wanning Temple. Standing 33 meters tall and weighing 106 tons, the statue is welded from 226 specially crafted copper plates, making it the tallest Taoist statue in the world and a Guinness World Record. The statue of Laozi is dignified and benevolent, with ears hanging down to his shoulders and a long beard brushing his chest. He holds a Tai Chi fan in his right hand, his left raised to his chest, his gaze brimming with wisdom. He appears to be imparting the true meaning of his legendary work, the Tao Te Ching.

As soon as the Laozi statue was completed, a swarm of intelligent wasps arrived and built a sheltered nest in the palm of the statue's left hand. Strangely, the wasp nest has grown with the wind, now reaching a length of about one meter and a width of nearly thirty to forty centimeters. People jokingly say this scene symbolizes the influx of visitors from home and abroad, signifying the prosperity of Mount Mao. Behind the Laozi statue stands a 100-meter-long cultural corridor, built into the mountainside and second to none in China. Through paintings, stone carvings, murals, and panel carvings, it vividly illustrates the essence of Taoist culture and vividly illustrates Laozi's profound philosophical ideas.

Climate and best time to travel

The warm temperate humid monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

The bronze statue of Laozi in the Maoshan Scenic Area is located midway up Jijin Peak. Just below and in front of the statue is the Maoshan Yuanfu Palace. The statue, 99 feet tall and weighing 106 tons, is constructed from 226 welded bronze plates. Sitting midway, Laozi appears benevolent, his hand twirling his long beard, his eyes piercing with a piercing gaze, as if he has grasped the mysteries of physics.

It is recommended to play for 3 hours.

Tickets

70 yuan/person (included in the Maoshan Scenic Area ticket)

Attraction opening hours

The scenic area is open from 8:00 to 17:00. For details of the opening hours of the scenic spots, please refer to the on-site announcement of the scenic area.

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Most Popular FAQs for Statue of Laozi

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Statue of Laozi in Zhenjiang is a tribute to Laozi, the ancient Chinese philosopher and founder of Daoism. It stands as a symbol of his lasting influence on Chinese thought, particularly the Dao De Jing, which is one of the most important texts in Chinese philosophy.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The statue is located in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, near the Yangtze River. It can be easily reached by taxi, bus, or walking from nearby landmarks. The nearest public transport stops are accessible from the city center.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The statue and surrounding park are accessible at all hours, but the best time to visit is during the daytime, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, for the best lighting and clearer views of the statue.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There is no entrance fee to visit the Statue of Laozi. The site is open to the public free of charge.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No tickets are required for the Statue of Laozi, as it is a public monument. No prior booking is needed.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Visiting the statue and its surroundings typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. If you plan to take a walk in the park or explore the nearby area, you may want to allocate 1 to 1.5 hours.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see highlight is the Statue of Laozi itself, standing tall amidst a serene park. The views of the Yangtze River from the area also provide beautiful scenery for visitors.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours may be available in Chinese, but audio guides or informational plaques in English are not commonly provided. It’s recommended to explore independently or use mobile translation tools if needed.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots include views of the statue from the base and various angles along the walking paths. The surrounding river and landscape also provide great photo opportunities.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by walking up to the statue to take in its grand scale. Then, stroll through the surrounding park to enjoy the scenery and take photos. There is no specific route inside the park, so feel free to explore at your own pace.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are not specifically highlighted, and there are no light shows or special tours available at the statue. However, the area is peaceful and could be visited at night for a more tranquil experience.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The Statue of Laozi is generally not crowded, but weekends and public holidays may attract more visitors. For a quieter experience, consider visiting early on weekdays.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The park around the statue has basic facilities such as public restrooms. However, there are no food or drink vendors directly on-site. It’s best to bring water and snacks if needed. The nearest shops are located in the city center.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The site is generally accessible, with paved paths suitable for elderly visitors and those with disabilities. However, there may be some areas with uneven ground, so it’s best to take caution when walking around.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Since there is no entrance fee, cash or mobile payments are not needed for entry. However, if you plan to buy souvenirs or food nearby, mobile payments (like Alipay and WeChat Pay) are widely accepted in Zhenjiang.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• There are local Chinese restaurants around the city center, offering traditional dishes.
• For a more casual experience, some small cafes and snack bars can be found nearby.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Some restaurants in the city center offer vegetarian and vegan options, though halal food may be more limited and should be checked in advance.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Budget hotels and guesthouses are located within walking distance from the statue.
• For more upscale accommodations, consider hotels in the city center, which are a short drive away.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Zhenjiang Museum, Jinshan Temple, and the Zhenjiang Yangtze River Bridge are great nearby attractions.
• These sites provide a mix of cultural, historical, and scenic experiences to complete a day trip.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are no souvenir shops at the statue itself, but nearby tourist spots offer traditional Chinese crafts, local tea, and cultural memorabilia as souvenirs.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Taxis and buses are readily available to continue your journey within Zhenjiang or to nearby attractions.
• Zhenjiang Railway Station provides connections to major cities in Jiangsu and other provinces.