You could say this is art of the highest level, both literally and figuratively speaking. Statues have always been a way for people to show their devotion to religion and a way to remember historical figures. Apparently the bigger they are, the better, so here are the seven tallest statues in the world: 7. Statue of [...]

6. Sendai Daikanon

Sendai Daikannon

This 100-meters-high statue lies in the city of Sendai, Japan, next to a 12-story hotel that looks like a small house in comparison. Sendai Daikanon was built in the 1980s by a local businessman, for tax purposes.

This huge representation of boddhisatva Kannon has an elevator that takes tourists to the top, where they can enjoy some truly spectacular sights. If you’re in top physical condition, you can take the stairs on your way down, and admire the endless small Buddha statues that adorn the hallway.

5. Statue of Huang Di and Yan Di

Statue of Huang and Yang

Located in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan province, China, the statue of Huang Di and Yan Di is 106 meters tall. Completed in 2007, it is considered, by many experts, a monument that commemorates Chinese politics and economy.

Hunag Di and Yan Di are two legendary kings regarded as the earliest ancestors of the Chinese people.

4. Guanyin Statue of Hainan

Guanyin Sanya

Measuring 108 meters in length, the Guanyin Statue, in China’s Hainan province, is the second tallest statue in the world. It took six years to complete, and it was enshrined in 2005, with the participation of 108 eminent monks.

The statue has 3 facades, one is facing mainland China, while the other two face the South China Sea, representing the goddess’ blessing on China and the entire world.

3. Ushiku Daibatsu

Ushiku Daibatsu

Standing a total of 120 meters tall, this depiction of Amitabha Buddha is still the tallest statue in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. Ushiku Daibatsu was completed 1n 1995 and since then it has become one of the most popular landmarks in Japan.

Located in Ushiku, Ibaraki prefecture, Ushiku Daibatsu stands on a 10 meter high concrete platform and a 10 meter-high lotus flower. Tourists who want to admire the surroundings can take an elevator to 85 meters-high observation deck.

2. Laykyun Setkyar

Laykyun Setkyar

The second tallest standing statue in the world is located in the village of Khatakan Taung, Myanmar. According to Myamarese authorities this is actually the tallest statue on Earth, but its official size, 116 meters, only makes it the runner up.

Construction of the Lakyun Setkyar statue began in 1996 and the completion ceremony took place on February 21^st, 2008. It is now gaining popularity as one of Myanmar’s greatest tourist attractions.

1. Spring Temple Buddha

According to Wikipedia, the statue depicting Vairocana Buddha in Lushan, China, is the tallest statue in the world. The official height of the Spring Temple Buddha is 128 meters, but if we take into account the height of the pedestals on which it stands, it is said it now 208 meters tall.

Announced after the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan, the exact time of the statue’s completion is unknown, and English information about it is very scarce. You can take a look at the Spring Temple Buddha here.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

All of these places have a lot to offer to those willing to take a chance and visit them, but, compared to other, just as beautiful, destinations they pose a higher risk. Just to be clear this is not a list of the most dangerous places on Earth; countries like Iraq, Sudan or Liberia haven’t [...]

And one mustn’t ignore the dreaded FARC rebels, famous for kidnapping people and releasing them when nobody really thinks they’re alive anymore. Those are the lucky ones, many others are simply killed. There are thousands of people kidnapped in Colombia every year.

1. Haiti

Haiti

One of the most beautiful countries in the Caribbean, Haiti is also the lawless, poorest and most dangerous. Riots, killings and kidnapping used to take place on a daily basis but, after the deployment of UN troops in the area, the country gained some political and social stability.

Still, the inefficiency of the police and judiciary system help maintain Haiti in a state of crisis. Even the UN Council called for aid in stabilizing the country that is now confronted with problems caused by devastating hurricanes. Of the 57 million demanded by international humanitarian organizations to help the Haitians, only one had been raised at the end of September 2008.

Famine and the lack of shelter could throw Haiti back into the chaos it fought so hard to climb out of.

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5