Must-read Travel Guide: Mount Emei, Chengdu
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!
Famous for the phrase "Emei is the most beautiful mountain under heaven," Mount Emei offers majestic sea-of-clouds sunrise views at the Golden Summit, tranquil mid-mountain streams, and lively wild macaques.
Getting There
By Car: ~2 hours from Chengdu; ~1 hour from Leshan.
High-Speed Rail:
Chengdu East Station (成都东站) ➔ Emeishan Station (峨眉山站) (~1 hr 35 mins)
Leshan Station (乐山站) ➔ Emeishan Station (峨眉山站) (~15 mins)
Direct tourist buses and taxis are available from Emeishan Station to the Huangwan Visitor Center.
Note：Emei Station (峨眉站) and Emeishan Station (峨眉山站） are different train stations. Remember to buy tickets to Emeishan Station (峨眉山站)
Tickets & Transportation
Scenic Entrance Ticket: Peak Season: 160 RMB/person | Off-Peak Season: 110 RMB/person (Valid for 2 days; advance reservation required via official platforms).
Sightseeing Bus: Round-trip across the mountain: 90 RMB/person (Purchase the ticket to Leidongping if heading to the Golden Summit).
Cable Car:
Golden Summit Cable Car: Up 65 RMB | Down 55 RMB
Wannian Cable Car: Up 65 RMB | Down 45 RMB
Highlight Attractions
✨ Golden Summit 峨眉金顶 (Jinding) : Elevation 3,077m. Home to Huazang (华藏寺) Temple, the gilded statue of Ten-Direction Samantabhadra, and Sheshen Rock. On clear days, you may witness the sea of clouds, sunrise, or even the rare "Buddha's Light."
Huazang Temple
🌲 Leidongping 雷洞坪: The final bus terminal and starting point for walking up to the Golden Summit cable car station. Packed with inns and restaurants.
Leidongping in Winter 🐒 Ecological Monkey Zone 自然生态猴区 : Habitat for wild Tibetan macaques. Keep your belongings secure; do not feed or tease the monkeys.
🛕 Wannian Temple 万年寺 : A thousand-year-old ancient temple housing a Ming Dynasty Beamless Brick Hall and a Song Dynasty bronze statue of Samantabhadra riding an elephant.
🌊 Qingyin Pavilion 清音阁 & Yixiantian 一线天 ("First Thread of Sky"): Located in a valley where two rivers converge under twin bridges. A short walk along the cliffside boardwalk brings you to the narrow gorge.
⛩️ Baoguo Temple 报国寺: Situated at the base of the mountain with a entrance plaque handwritten by Emperor Kangxi; serves as the traditional starting point for hiking up the mountain.
Recommended Itineraries
【Easy 1-Day Tour】
Best For: seniors, children, or tight schedules)
Route: Huangwan Visitor Center（黄湾游客中心） ➔ Sightseeing Bus to Leidongping （雷洞坪）➔ Walk to Jieyin Hall （接引殿）➔ Cable Car to Golden Summit （金顶）➔ Visit Samantabhadra Statue （普贤菩萨雕塑）➔ Cable Car + Bus down ➔ Baoguo Temple （报国寺）
【Highlights 1-Day Tour】
Best For: energetic travelers returning same day
Route: Huangwan Visitor Center （黄湾游客中心）➔ Sightseeing Bus to Leidongping （雷洞坪）➔ Walk to Jieyin Hall （接引殿）➔ Cable Car up/down Golden Summit （金顶）➔ Bus to Wannian Temple （万年寺）➔ Walk to Qingyin Pavilion, Yixiantian, and Monkey Zone （清音阁、一线天、生态猴区）➔ Bus from Wuxiangang down （五显岗）➔ Baoguo Temple （报国寺）
【Classic 2-Day Tour】
Best For: Balanced pace + Sunrise opportunity)
Route:
Day 1: Baoguo Temple （报国寺）➔ Wuxiangang （五显岗）➔ Qingyin Pavilion （清音阁）➔ Yixiantian （一线天）➔ Monkey Zone （生态猴区）➔ Bus to Leidongping/ Cablecar to Golden Summit (Overnight) （雷洞坪或金顶）
Day 2: Watch sunrise at Golden Summit （金顶日出）➔ Cable Car/Walk down ➔ Wannian Temple （万年寺）➔ Qingyin Pavilion（清音阁） ➔ Return trip
【Hardcore Hiking Route】
Best For: experienced hikers; ~30 km, 12–14 hours)
Route: Baoguo Temple （报国寺）➔ Qingyin Pavilion （清音阁）➔ Hongchunping （洪椿坪）➔ 99 Bends (Strenuous) （99道湾）➔ Xianfeng Temple （仙锋寺）➔ Xixiang Pool （洗象池）➔ Leidongping （雷洞坪）➔ Golden Summit（金顶）
Where to Stay
Golden Summit Area: Step right out to the viewing platforms for sunrise! Higher prices (800–1,500+ RMB/night), ideal for travelers prioritizing convenience and views.
Accommodation in Golden Summit Leidongping Area: Moderately priced (300–600 RMB/night) with high value. If you want to catch the sunrise, you will need to wake up around 6:00 AM to catch the early cable car.
⚠️ Essential Survival & Safety Tips
🙈 Monkey Zone Warning:Frequent monkey areas: Qingyin Pavilion Monkey Zone, Xixiang Pool Forest, and along the trail between Leidongping and Jieyin Hall.Do not keep snacks or drinks in plain sight. Do not tease or touch the monkeys. If a monkey grabs your bag, let go to avoid injury.
🎒 What to Pack:Clothing: Even in summer, the summit is windy and cold at dawn; bring a windbreaker or thick jacket.Equipment: Rain poncho (weather changes quickly), trekking pole, power bank, and insect repellent. Bring a headlamp or flashlight if night hiking.
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