The 71-metre (237-foot) Leshan Buddha, in the southwestern province of Sichuan, is looking "somewhat battered" with a blackened nose, and with moss and dark streaks coating its face and body, official Xinhua news agency said.

The damage was due to acid rain, weathering and high humidity, Peng Xueyi, director of the Leshan Cultural Relics Management Institute, told Xinhua.

A team of scientists is currently carrying out preparation work for repairs next year, he said.