Top 10 Tallest Statues in the World and the Countries Where They Are Located
The tallest statues in the world reflect incredible craftsmanship, cultural pride and human imagination. These monumental structures rise above cities, hilltops and riverbanks, drawing visitors from across the globe. Many of them honour spiritual figures, national heroes or key moments in history. From India to Japan, China and Southeast Asia, these statues have become important landmarks and major tourist attractions. Here is a detailed look at the tallest statues in the world and the countries that built them.
Statue of Unity, India
Standing at an unmatched height of 182 metres, the Statue of Unity is currently the tallest statue in the world. Located on the banks of the Narmada River in Gujarat, it honours Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister. The monument celebrates his role in unifying more than 500 princely states after Independence. A viewing gallery sits 153 metres above the ground, offering sweeping views of the Sardar Sarovar Dam and the lush valleys around it.
Spring Temple Buddha, China
The Spring Temple Buddha in Henan province is another engineering marvel. The copper statue of Vairocana Buddha rises 128 metres, while the structure’s total height crosses 200 metres when the pedestal is included. It stands close to the Foquan Temple and the Tianrui hot spring, creating a peaceful spiritual setting for visitors and pilgrims.
Laykyun Sekkya, Myanmar
Located in Khatakan Taung near Monywa, the Laykyun Sekkya statue is one of the tallest standing Buddha statues in the world. Completed in 2008, it features a golden Gautama Buddha towering over the plains. The site also includes a massive reclining Buddha at the base. Visitors can walk inside the tall structure and explore several floors decorated with murals depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life.
Vishwas Swaroopam, India
Popularly known as the Statue of Belief, Vishwas Swaroopam rises 106 metres above Nathdwara in Rajasthan. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the statue shows him in a meditative pose with a trident beside him and a grand Nandi nearby. Completed in 2022, the site includes landscaped gardens, viewing galleries and an evening sound-and-light show, making it a significant cultural attraction.
Ushiku Daibutsu, Japan
The Ushiku Daibutsu in Ibaraki Prefecture stands 100 metres tall and is made of bronze. Built in 1993 to commemorate the birth of Shinran, it also houses a multi-level museum. Visitors can take an elevator to an observation deck at 85 metres, which overlooks gardens filled with ponds, flowers and even a small animal park.
Guishan Guanyin, China
In Hunan province, the Guishan Guanyin statue stands 99 metres high and represents Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin), the Bodhisattva of compassion. The statue features eleven heads and a thousand arms, symbolising care and protection in every direction. Completed in 2009 inside the Ningshan Temple complex, it continues to attract thousands of pilgrims every year.
Mother of All Asia – Tower of Peace, Philippines
This 98.15 metre statue in Batangas City is the tallest statue of the Virgin Mary in the world. Called the Mother of All Asia – Tower of Peace, it promotes harmony across Asian nations. The structure includes chapels, museums, prayer halls and viewing areas across multiple floors. Completed in 2021, it quickly became a major spiritual and tourist landmark.
Great Buddha of Thailand, Thailand
The Great Buddha of Thailand rises 92 metres at the Wat Muang Monastery in Ang Thong province. Painted in bright gold, this seated statue dominates the rural surroundings. Built between 1990 and 2008, it is the tallest statue in Thailand. The site is currently closed for visitors and has been shut since August 2024.
Sendai Daikannon, Japan
The Sendai Daikannon in Sendai city stands 92 metres tall and depicts Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Completed in 1991, it once held the record for the tallest goddess statue in the world. Visitors can enter the statue and ride an elevator through several floors filled with smaller statues and murals. Its hilltop location makes it visible from many parts of the city, especially during misty weather.
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Importance of These Statues
These towering structures represent more than size. They showcase engineering excellence, cultural depth and the devotion of the people who built them. Many of them serve as major pilgrimage centres, museums and tourist destinations, contributing to local economies and preserving heritage for future generations. The tallest statues in the world continue to inspire awe and curiosity, reminding us of humanity’s ability to dream big and build even bigger.
