11 Tallest Statues You Can Visit Around The World

Tall statues across the world are a representation of the country’s might and the ruler’s pride. It is a way for the people of the country to showcase their love and respect for the country that they call home. Other than being a mark of national pride, these tallest statutes are also a way for the nation to recognise and honour the life and contributions of that person. Not just that, these statues draw in a lot of tourism from all over the world that positively spikes up the tourism economy of that place.

In case you are wondering, then here are the top 11 largest statues in the world, arranged chronologically:

# Statue of Unity, India, 182 metres (597 ft)

Statue of unity is without a doubt one of the most prolific and imposing works of architectural wonders of recent times. Dedicated to the steel man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, statue of unity currently occupies the spot for being the tallest statue in the world. Standing tall at a height of almost 600 feet, the statue is constructed on a river island called sadhu bet, facing the Narmada dam. Surrounded by a 12 km long artificial lake the statue complex is divided into 5 zones, out of which only 3 zones are accessible to the general public. Home to an audio-visual gallery, a museum, memorial garden, mezzanine and roof etc. this place is a must visit during your trip to Gujarat.

# Spring Temple Buddha, China, 128 metres (420 ft)

Initially known for being the tallest statue in the world, the spring temple Buddha of China is a colossal statue depicting the Vairocana Buddha. Located in Henan, completed in 2008 the statue stands tall at a height of 502 feet. The term spring temple Buddha is derived from the name of a nearby natural hot water spring which is known for its medicinal and disease curing properties. This iconic statue is situated on top of a small hillock where the statue is placed on a small, lotus-like chiselled pedestal. Weighing over 1,000 ton and built using 1,100 different copper cast pieces, the spring temple Buddha is one of the most famous tourist destinations in China.

# Laykyun Sekkya Buddha, Myanmar, 116 metres (381 ft)

As of 2018, Laykyun Sekkya, standing tall at a height of 381 feet, is the 3rd tallest statue in the world. Located in Monywa Myanmar, this crowning glory of Burma, can be seen standing on a large crown with golden layer covering every inch of it and radiating its glory to a large distance. Every Buddhist element is carved out on this statue in great detail and with immense intricacies. The statue was built solely by the donation and contributions made by the local people of Myanmar. One can travel up to the 27th floor of the statue and offer their prayer in a small temple built within it. The surroundings are covered in expansive greenery and lush trees. Within the complex, the landscape is covered with over 9,000 Bodhi trees.

# Guanyin of Nanshan, China, 108 metres (354 ft)

The 354 feet high, imposing statue of the bodhisattva Guanyin is located on the southern coast of China’s island province of Hainan. The statue is mainly noted for its 3 prime aspects: one side of it dances inland while the other 2 face the gushing and ferocious South China Sea. This statue stands as a blessing and also serves as a protective shield by Guanyin of China and the whole world. The statue can be seen cradling a sutra in left hand while gesturing the Vitarka mudra with the right hand. The second statue is seen with their palms crossed, holding a string of beads while the third-hand holds a lotus flower.

# Statue of Belief, India, 107 Metres (351 feet)

Standing tall at a height of 351 feet, and situated in the vibrant state of Rajasthan, statue of belief is the tallest Shiva statue in India. On this iconic structure Lord Shiva can be seen in a peaceful seated position on a 110 feet tall pedestal. The statue is so massive that it can be easily spotted from at least 20 kms away. Visitors can walk into the statue where they can educate themselves about the glories of Lord Shiva in the exhibition halls. Other elements of the statues include a public viewing gallery, herbal gardens, and laser fountain and food court. A grand Nandi installation facing the statue will be greeting the visitors on the entrance.

# Emperors Yan and Huang Statue, China, 106 metres (348 ft)

Carved out from a mountain on the gushing yellow river, the rock sculpture of emperors Yan and Huang is a stunning work of skilled architectural wonderment. One can just stand and gape at the immensity of it all. The overall mountain structure stands tall at a height of 348 feet on top of a 55-metre broad base platform. The sculptures depict two mythical emperors, Yan Di and Huang Di. The construction lasted for about 20 years and it commemorates the political life of these two emperors. The Chinese people consider themselves to be the descendants of these two mythical emperors hence making this place very important.

# The Motherland Monument, Ukraine, 102 m (335 ft)

This iconic monumental statue in Kyiv, Ukraine, is not only one of the tallest statues in the world but it is also a part of the national museum of the history of Ukraine in World War 2. The stainless steel statue stands tall at a height of 335 feet tall including its base structure that supports it. The entire statue is quite a dramatic structure and invokes a curious feeling on observing it closely. The statue can be seen holding a sword on one hand while the other hand holds a shield embellished with the hammer and the sickle emblem of the Soviet Union. One can learn more about the statue by visiting the memorial hall of the museum that displays marble plaques carrying the names of over 11,600 soldiers who died during the war, earning the title of hero of the Soviet Union and the hero of socialist labour.

# Ushiku Daibutsu, Japan, 100 metres (330 ft)

Completed in 1993 and standing tall at a height of 390 feet, the Ushiku Daibutsu Statue in Japan is one of the tallest statues in the world. The statue is a depiction of the Amitabha Buddha and is made entirely out of bronze. The elevator present within the statue takes visitors up to the observatory deck which is about 85 metres tall in height. Built to commemorate the birth of Shinran, the founder of Jodo Shinshu or the true pure land school of Buddhism. The 100-metre-tall torso of the Buddha is divided into 20 different tiers and is a grand engineering marvel. The statue complex is surrounded by lush, green and manicured lawns that imposes a peaceful vibe to the entire environment.

# Sendai Daikannon, Japan, 100 metres (330 ft)

Sendai Daikannon is not only one of the largest statues in the world but it is also the tallest goddess statue in Japan. The large statue that rises up at a height of 330 feet, the statue is dedicated to byakue Kannon. Completed in 1991, the statue depicts a manifestation of bodhisattva Kannon meaning the white-robed Kannon bearing a cintamani gem in her hand. The name of the statue is derived from the city the statue is located in and is one of the most iconic symbols of world peace. This statue of the goddess of mercy, the Daikannon is located on top of a small hill overlooking the whole city and blessing everyone who can see them.

# Guishan Guanyin, China, 99 metres (325 ft)

Guishan Guanyin in Ningxiang, Hunan province is known for being the 4th tallest statue in China and is one of the most iconic bodhisattva statues in the world. Found in the minyin temple complex, a chan Buddhist temple, this iconic statue is a gilded bronze monument that depicts the bodhisattva Guanyin meaning the eleven-headed thousand-armed Guanyin. Standing tall at an astounding height of 325 feet the statue is one of the most iconic heritage remnants of the Chinese past. Ity was made not only with the help of the government but also with the help of the contributions made by the local residents. It is a stunning sight to behold and will leave you in awe.

# Peter the Great Statue, Russia, 98 metres (322 ft)

Gracing the western confluence of the Moskva River and Vodovody canal in central Moscow, the statue of Peter the great is an iconic landmark of Russia. This 322 feet high statue was created to commemorate 300 years of the Russian navy which was first established by Peter the Great himself. Inaugurated in 1997 and weighing over 1,000 tons, the statue is shrouded in criticism and debate. No matter what the criticism is, the statue is one of the tallest in the world. It was allegedly based on a design which was originally created to mark the 500th anniversary of the first voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1992. The statue also stands as a symbol of Peter’s conquest of an unruly nation.