Qianfo Mountain is named after “Qianfo Cave,” the most religiously and artistically valuable site in Jinan’s historical landmarks. The mountain stretches for several miles north to south, with over 200 caves carved into the cliffs, housing over 1500 Buddha statues, from the Northern Wei to Tang dynasties. Cliff carvings from various eras, created by monks using hammers and chisels, depict Buddhist stories, showcasing both the robust style of Northern Wei sculptures and the elegant style of Tang Dynasty scholars. The “Big Belly Maitreya” statue, 12 meters high, is a charming creation of Qing Dynasty artisans.
