The Great Buddha at Leshan requires little introduction.  It is the world's largest carved Buddha.  The three rivers that converge in front of the great sculpture once caused considerable strife for the sailors and boats attempting to traverse them.  Haitong, a local Buddhist monk, inspired the building of the Buddha in order to protect the many boats that struggled in the turbulent waters.  Its construction required more than a century.  Walk along side, float in front of it, or gaze from afar at its true size. The Great Buddha's simple, curvilinear features and grand stature will be impossible to forget.