Kun Iam Statue
Macau
This 66-foot-tall (20-meter-tall) statue of Guan Yin, Buddhist goddess of mercy, is one of only a few such statues where the goddess faces inland rather than toward the sea. Designed by Portuguese architect Cristina Rocha, the statue stands atop the lotus-shaped Kun Iam Ecumenical Center, home to a library and museum of religious objects.
The bronze Kun Iam Statue is one of Macau’s most recognizable landmarks, and as such, often features on sightseeing tours of the city (including day trips from Hong Kong). While many visitors stop only long enough to snap a photo, those with a special interest in Eastern religion will be rewarded with a visit to the ecumenical center, where it’s possible to learn more about Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
The Kun Iam Statue is a must-see for first-time visitors, spiritual travelers, and those interested in religious philosophy.
Admission to the ecumenical center is free.
Free internet access is available in the library.
The Kun Iam Statue is located about a 15-minute walk from the MGM Grand along the waterfront separating Macau City from the Cotai Strip. Several public bus routes pass nearby.
While the Kun Iam Statue is always visible, the ecumenical center within is open Saturday to Thursday from 10am to 6pm. For the best photo of the statue, visit at dusk as the sun is setting and the statue is illuminated for the night.
The Kun Iam Statue was inaugurated in spring of 1999, with support from UNESCO, as a way to celebrate and promote friendship and respect among all civilizations. Guan Yin was chosen, as she embodies love, mercy, and compassion.
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