Why does Nanshan Giant Buddha sit facing south?

Nanshan Giant Buddha is located in Nanshan Tourist Area, Longkou City, Yantai City, Shandong Province. It is the largest tin bronze sitting Buddha in the world, facing south. The construction of this giant Buddha originated from a legend. Legend has it that a long time ago, two mythical figures were born in the villages around Nanshan in Longkou City. One is the Dragon King of Nanshan and the other is the Dragon King of Beihai. The two dragon kings are very warm-hearted and kind, and often cast spells to solve problems for the people. As their fame spread far and wide, the two dragon kings were recalled to heaven by the jade emperor, but when they were on earth, the North Sea Dragon King found that his mana was not as good as that of the South Mountain Dragon King, and they became jealous. After the Dragon King of Nanshan went to heaven, the Dragon King of Beihai released all poisonous snakes and insects, which harmed the world. When the Dragon King of Nanshan knew about it, he turned into a dragon to save the people and handed over all the poisonous snakes and insects released by the Dragon King of Beihai. The Dragon King of Nanshan left a message: "I will come back to see you again." Later, in order to commemorate the Dragon King of Nanshan, people cast a big bronze Buddha and put it at the foot of Nanshan to keep the people safe.

As for why the Nanshan Giant Buddha faces north, it is said that it is because the cave of Nanshan Long Mai is extremely gloomy. The sunshine sprinkled on the Buddha's back every day is the Buddha's wheel above the Buddha's head, which can add a sense of solemnity and sacredness to the Buddha. In addition, the dripping Guanyin in the Guanyin Hall in the East China Sea opposite the Nanshan Giant Buddha also faces south. The two are far apart, yin and yang are harmonious, and one side gathers wealth and the other side gathers life. This design concept is also in line with the balance of Yin and Yang in the traditional culture of China and Taoist philosophy.

In a word, the design of Nanshan Giant Buddha sitting south facing north has both the implication of myths and legends and the concepts of Feng Shui philosophy and Taoist philosophy. Although the specific reasons may remain to be verified, this design undoubtedly adds a mysterious and solemn atmosphere to the Nanshan Giant Buddha and becomes a famous local tourist landscape.