10 tallest statues in the world travellers need to add to their travel wish-list

In the last few decades, a quiet global competition has been unfolding, not in skyscrapers, but in statues. Countries across Asia have invested heavily in building monumental sculptures that stretch close to the clouds, redefining skylines and breaking height records. These mega-structures are expressions of devotion, political legacy, and national ambition. However, in the current era, the world’s tallest statues are no longer ancient wonders but modern engineering feats that represent the current identity and sense of pride.

The Statue of Unity is the world’s tallest statue, standing at 182 meters, located on the banks of the Narmada River in the state of Gujarat. It is a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister of India and the main architect of the integration of over 500 princely states into the Indian Union. There is also a viewing gallery located 153 meters above ground level that provides a panoramic view of the Sardar Sarovar Dam.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons CC 3.0 / Nyx Ning Located in Henan province near the Foquan Temple, the Spring Temple Buddha represents Vairocana Buddha. The copper-coloured statue rises 128 metres on its own, and when the multi-tiered pedestal is included, the entire structure exceeds 200 metres in height. Completed in 2008, it remained the tallest statue in the world until India unveiled the Statue of Unity.

In Khatakan Taung near Monywa, Myanmar, Laykyun Sekkya depicts a standing Gautama Buddha and is one of the tallest freestanding statues globally. Finished in 2008, its golden exterior shines across the plains. At the site, visitors will also find a giant reclining Buddha at the base. The interior of the standing statue contains multiple levels showcasing murals and visual depictions of Buddhist teachings.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons CC 1.0 / Kunwar Nadaan

Located in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, this statue of 106 meters represents Lord Shiva in a calm and meditative position. It was finished in 2022 and is one of the latest large statues in India. The statue shows Shiva holding a trident and has Nandi the bull by his side. The surrounding complex includes landscaped areas, exhibition spaces and a sound-and-light presentation, making it both a spiritual and tourist attraction.

Built in 1993 in Ibaraki Prefecture, Ushiku Daibutsu represents Amitabha Buddha and stands 100 metres tall. Constructed in bronze, the statue commemorates Shinran, the founder of the Jōdo Shinshū school of Buddhism. Inside, visitors can explore several floors, including an observation deck at about 85 metres. The site also features gardens, ponds and seasonal floral displays.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons CC 3.0 / Alexandre Afanassiev

Located in Changsha in Hunan province, the Guishan Guanyin statue reaches 99 metres in height. It portrays the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara with eleven heads and one thousand arms, symbolising compassion extending in every direction. Completed in 2009 within the Ningshan Temple complex, it remains one of China’s most intricate and visually striking religious monuments.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons CC 4.0 / ARNOLD R A GUTIERREZ

Standing 98.15 metres tall in Batangas City, this is the tallest statue of the Virgin Mary in the world. Completed in 2021, the structure serves both as a monument and a functional building. Inside are chapels, viewing decks, museums and prayer halls. It symbolises unity and peace among Asian nations and has quickly become a major pilgrimage destination.

Located at Wat Muang Monastery in Ang Thong province, the Great Buddha of Thailand stands approximately 92 metres tall. Construction began in 1990 and concluded in 2008. The statue’s golden exterior dominates the surrounding rural setting. It is currently closed to visitors (closure in place since August 2024). It remains the tallest statue in Thailand.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons CC 2.0 / Sendai City

Overlooking the city of Sendai, this 92-metre statue depicts Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. It was completed in 1991 and was at one time considered the tallest statue of a goddess in the world. One can enter the statue and go through several levels of statues and religious exhibits. Its location on a hill makes it a landmark that can be seen throughout the city.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons CC 3.0 / Wakimasa

Also known as the Hokkaido Kannon, this 88-metre statue stands in Ashibetsu, Hokkaido. Completed in 1989, it contains more than a dozen accessible floors with shrines, meditation areas and devotional statues. Surrounded by parkland, the monument offers a peaceful atmosphere and remains one of Japan’s tallest religious statues.