China: Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 靈山大佛 LingShan Da Fuo

Located at the south of the Longshan Mountain, near Mashan town of Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China, the Grand Buddha (simplified Chinese: 灵山大佛; traditional Chinese: 靈山大佛; pinyin: Língshān Dà Fó) is one of the largest Buddha statues in China and also in the world.

At more than 88 metres high, the Grand Buddha at Ling Shan is a bronze Sakyamuni standing Buddha outdoor, weighing over 700 tons. It was completed in the end of 1996.

The 5 stars treatment is in the Brahma Palace. Opulent decor blinded the devotees as if you're stepping into the heaven gazing the Buddha. The whole experience is surreal and what's big is really big.

Besides the Brahma Palace, the next interesting attraction should be the musical fountain that depicts the birth of Buddha. The lotus that opens and closes in the middle of the fountain makes it looks like you're in an amusement park, very entertaining!

All in all, fantastic is under-rated.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Buddha_at_Ling_Shan
www.lingshan.org

Korea: Gyeongju, Seokguram

The Seokguram Grotto is a hermitage and part of the Bulguksa temple complex. It lies four kilometers east of the temple on Mt. Tohamsan, in Gyeongju, South Korea. It is classified as Nationa Treasure No. 24 by the South Korean government and is located at 994, Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsanbuk-do. The grotto overlooks the Sea of Japan (East Sea) and rests 750 meters above sea level. In 1962, it was designated the 24th national treasure of Korea. In 1995, Seokguram was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the Bulguksa Temple. It exemplifies some of the best Buddhist sculptures in the world.

It is said to have been built by Gim Daeseong and originally called Seokbulsa (석불사, Stone Buddha Temple). Construction began in 742 when Gim Daeseong resigned his position in the king's court or in 751, the 10th year of the reign of King Gyeongdeok of Silla.

The main Buddha is a highly regarded piece of Buddhist art. It is 3.5 meters in height and sits on a 1.34 meter tall lotus pedestal. The Buddha is realistic in form and probably represents the Seokgamoni Buddha, the historic Buddha at the moment of enlightenment. The position of the Buddha's hands symbolizes witnessing the enlightenment. The Buddha has an usnisa, a symbol of the wisdom of the Buddha. The drapery on the Buddha, such as the fan-shaped folds at the crossed-legs of the Buddha, exemplifies Korean interpretations of Indian prototypes. Unlike other Buddhas that have a halo attached to the back of the head, the Buddha at Seokguram creates the illusion of a halo by placing a granite roundel carved with lotus petals at the back wall of the rotunda. The pedestal is made of three parts; the top and bottom are carved with lotus petals while the central shaft consists of eight pillars.

Accompanying the main Buddha, in relief, are three bodhisattvas, ten disciples, and two Hindu gods along the wall of the rotunda. Ten statues of bodhisattvas, saints, and the faithful are located in niches above the bas-reliefs. The ten disciples were disciples of Seokgamoni and are lined five on each side of the Avalokitesvara. Their features suggest a Greek influence. The two bodhisattvas are of Manjusri and Samantabhadra. The two Hindu gods are Brahma and Indra.

The Four Heavenly Kings guard the corridor. There are also images of Vajrapanis, which are guardian figures and they are on the walls of the entrance to the corridor, in the antechamber. Eight Guardian Deities adorn the antechamber.

Another notable figure is the Eleven-faced Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. It is on the back wall of the rotunda and stands 2.18 meters in height. This figure is the only one of the bas-reliefs facing forward, the others face the side. The Avalokitesvara wears a crown, is dressed in robes and jewelry and holds a vase containing a lotus blossom.

Two statues from the niches and a marble pagoda that was believed to have stood in front of the Avalokitesvara are missing from the grotto and are believed to have been looted by the Japanese.

It is now one of the best known cultural destinations in South Korea. A viewing of the sunrise over the sea is especially popular.

Thailand: Ayutthaya, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol is located near the main Ayutthaya ruins and a short distance from the walls of Ayutthaya. It is famed for an impressively large statue of the Reclining Buddha inside the temple compound. Built by King U Thong (Ayutthaya’s first ruler) in 1357, the temple is also known as "Chao Phaya Thai Temple" and has a large Chedi that dominates the skyline. The Chedi was built in 1592 to celebrate King Naresuan’s single-handed defeat of the then Burmese Crown Prince after an elephant back duel. The size of the Chedi was intended to match that of Phu Khao Thong – a Pagoda purportedly built by the Burmese which is visible in the distance from the temple.

The temple became the home of Buddhist monks ordained and trained at the Monastery
of Phra Wanaratanathen in Ceylon (present Sri Lanka). The Sangha group was mainly
engaged in meditation. The king conferred the title of "Right side Supreme Patriarch” to the head of the group, Somdet Phra Wanarat. The monastery became known as “Wat Chao Phya Thai” - The Monastery of the Supreme Patriarch.

In 1592 King Naresuan (r. 1590-1605) defeated the Burmese Army at Nong Sarai by
killing the Burmese Crown Prince in single-handed combat on elephant. In the battle the King and his brother King Ekathotsarot got separated from their army officers. On return to Ayutthaya the King wanted to punish to death his officers, but the Supreme Patriarch intervened and requested the punishment to be suspended; which King Naresuan granted. “The Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya” although, state nothing about the construction of the great chedi. It is assumed that, on this occasion, King Naresuan ordered the restoration and enlargement of the temple and the principal chedi. The chedi was named Phra Chedi Chaya Mongkhon. Presumably this celebration gave rise to the temple’s new name, Wat Yai Chaya Mongkhon - The Great Temple of Auspicious Victory.

This is a great site to visit and wander around so give yourself plenty of time for a visit.

Indonesia: Lovina, Banja Hill, Brahma Vihara Arama

Brahma Vihara-Arama known more as "Banjar Buddhist Temple" is the biggest Buddhist temple in Bali. It is located on a hill at Banjar Tegeha village, district of Banjar with serene and peaceful surrounding over viewing Lovina Beach. A split-level monastery, its unique feature is on the very top - a replica (albeit small version) of the sacred Borobudur Bhuddist Temple. There are 4 entrances, North, South, East and West with each Buddha welcoming you into the temple. It reminds me of the 4 Face Buddha without joining the body. Each Buddha illustrate different mudra.

It has elements of Balinese Hinduism which include a Balinese Hindu kulkul (wooden bell) tower.

Visitors should wear a sarong or long pants. Donations accepted.