23 Creepy Colossal Monuments That Put Humanity In Perspective

10. Guanyin of Nanshan – China’s Triple-Faced Guardian

Unlike most religious statues that face in a single direction, the Guanyin of Nanshan in China is a unique triple-faced statue that symbolizes peace, wisdom, and compassion. Standing at an astounding 108 meters (354 feet), this serene figure of Guanyin, the bodhisattva of mercy, towers over the shores of Hainan Island, its golden and white surfaces shimmering under the sun. Each of the three faces represents a different aspect of Buddhist enlightenment: one gazes forward towards the ocean, blessing the people; another looks towards the land, offering wisdom; and the third symbolizes the unification of past, present, and future. The statue stands upon a lotus-shaped platform, emerging from the sea like a celestial apparition, adding to its otherworldly beauty. Visitors must cross an elaborate causeway to reach the base of the statue, where a Buddhist temple complex awaits, filled with ornate carvings, intricate shrines, and flowing incense. Many believe that standing beneath Guanyin’s watchful gaze brings blessings and protection, making this monument not just a marvel of scale but also a deeply spiritual experience.