Work started on the statue in 713 AD and was completed in 803. The body of the Buddha has a hidden water drainage system to prevent erosion. Repair work will be undertaken on the drainage system as well as the exterior of the figure. The statue was included on the United Nations World Cultural Heritage list in 1996. Mayor Huang Leshan Mayor Huang Mingquan said the city government would take measures to improve the air and water quality in the area where the Buddha statue is located.
Acid rain is a key factor in the damage to the carving.