Must-read Travel Guide: Leshan Giant Buddha
Heading south from Chengdu along the Chengle Expressway, you'll encounter a thousand-year-old rock-carved wonder built into the riverside cliffs, alongside a celestial mountain wrapped in misty clouds and Buddhist heritage. This comprehensive blog guide integrates transport, tickets, routes, survival tips, and local food recommendations to help you navigate Leshan and Mount Emei effortlessly!
Detailed Guide to Leshan Giant Buddha
"The mountain is a Buddha, and the Buddha is a mountain." Carved directly into the cliffside, the 71-meter-tall Grand Buddha stands solemnly at the confluence of the Minjiang, Qingyi, and Dadu rivers.
Getting There
By Car: ~1.5 hours from Chengdu via the Chengle Expressway.
High-Speed Rail + Taxi: Chengdu East Station（成都东站） ➔ Leshan Station（乐山站） (~45 mins). Take a 20-minute taxi ride to the scenic area from the station.
💡 Pro-Tip: Ask your taxi driver to drop you off at "Hongyuan Hotel" (宏源酒店). It’s a 2–3 minute walk to the North Gate and avoids the heavy traffic near the main entrance!
Tickets
Mountain Entry Ticket (Includes Giant Buddha + Wuyou Temple + Mahao Cliff Tombs): 80 RMB/person
Cruise Tour Ticket: 70 RMB/person
Recommendation: If time permits, opt to hike first, then take the boat tour to get both up-close and full panorama experiences.
Main Attractions
Leshan Giant Buddha Statue 乐山大佛雕塑 Carved directly into the cliffside, this solemn and sacred 71-meter-tall statue has stood guarding the confluence of three rivers for over a millennium. Standing at the feet of the Buddha and gazing up at its colossal stature is an overwhelmingly awe-inspiring experience!
Lingyun Temple 凌云寺 Also known as Grand Buddha Temple, this is the most essential ancient temple to visit in the area and sits at the highest point of the site. Incense burns bright here; step inside to pray, make a wish, and feel the ancient temple's tranquility and grandeur.
Jiuqu Plank Road 九曲栈道/ Lingyun Plank Road 凌云栈道 Featuring 217 steep stone steps, this path will test your stamina. Hold onto the railings as you descend slowly, taking in the marvelous craftsmanship of Tang Dynasty artisans. This is also a prime photo spot with the Giant Buddha—don't miss it! Note: The plank road is one-way downhill only with no turning back. Those with a fear of heights should proceed with caution; avoid walking this path on heavy rainy days.
Lingyun Plank Road 
Jiuqu Plank Road Buddha Head Plaza 佛头平台 Overlook the magnificent spectacle of three rivers converging and catch a full panorama of the Buddha’s head. Come early to beat the crowds and skip photo lines.
Buddha Feet Platform 佛脚平台 Here, you can stand right near the Giant Buddha's toes. Looking up, you will see the 71-meter statue reaching straight into the sky—majestic, grand, and deeply moving.
Buddha Feet Flatform
Recommended Routes
Hiking Route (Up-Close Experience): North Gate Entrance ➔ Lingyun Temple ➔ Buddha Head Viewpoint ➔ Jiuqu Plank Road (Downhill) ➔ Buddha Feet Platform ➔ Mahao Cliff Tombs ➔ East Gate Exit No backtracking; best for travelers with good physical stamina.
Boat Tour Route (Relaxed Panorama): Navigate directly to the South Visitor Center or Wuyou Temple Dock to board. Provides an unobstructed panoramic view from the river. Ideal for seniors, children, or visitors on a tight schedule.
Combined Hiking + Boat Route (The Ultimate Experience): North Gate Entrance ➔ Lingyun Temple ➔ Buddha Head Viewpoint ➔ Jiuqu Plank Road ➔ Buddha Feet Platform ➔ South Gate ➔ Wuyou Temple Dock (Boat Tour)
Recommended Itinerary Combinations with Emei Mountain
1-Day Leshan Highlights Tour
Route: Depart Chengdu ➔ Boat or hike at Leshan Giant Buddha ➔ Lunch enjoying local specialties (Qiaojiao Beef, Bobo Chicken, Sweet-skinned Duck) ➔ Afternoon stroll in Suji Ancient Town or hiking up the mountain ➔ Return to Chengdu.
2-Day Leshan + Mount Emei Sunrise Express
DAY 1: Chengdu ➔ Leshan Giant Buddha Hike (2–3 hrs) ➔ Leshan lunch ➔ Transfer to Mount Emei ➔ Visit Baoguo Temple ➔ Bus up to stay overnight at Leidongping or Golden Summit.
DAY 2: Watch sunrise at Golden Summit ➔ Cable car down ➔ Visit Wannian Temple, Qingyin Pavilion, and Yixiantian en route down ➔ Bus to base and return to Chengdu by high-speed rail or bus.
2-Day Leshan + Mount Emei Complete Experience
DAY 1: Depart Chengdu ➔ Full Leshan "Hike + Boat Tour" experience ➔ Enjoy local Leshan cuisine ➔ Travel to Mount Emei and check into a hotel near Baoguo Temple at the mountain base.
DAY 2: Morning bus from Huangwan to Leidongping ➔ Cable car to Golden Summit ➔ Descend and visit Wannian Temple and Qingyin Pavilion ➔ Bus back to mountain base ➔ High-speed rail/bus back to Chengdu.
AnywhereChina Tour
If you don't know what's the best way to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha and have problem navigating around, a local guide will really help. Your guide will suggest the best way for touring according to your physical condition and interests. He/she will find the best viewing point for you.
Contact us to customize your tour by telling us your needs and interests.
You can also check our most popular tour with the Leshan Giant Buddha below:
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