In Leshan there are two main scenic areas which were included in the China World Cultural and Natural Heritage List in 1996. These two scenic areas are the pride of Leshan residents.

Cultural Relics

Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
The world-famous Leshan Giant Buddha is carved into the western river cliff face of Lingyun Mountain overlooking the confluence of the Min, Qingyi and Dadu rivers. This classic statue is of great religious significance and was created in the belief that it would influence the turbulent waters of the rivers and protect shipping. It stands as a great tribute to the skills of the stone carvers who created it and is part of a long tradition of religious stone-carving works. The so called 'Giant Sleeping Buddha' lies across Wuyou Mountain, Lingyun Mountain and Guicheng Mountain and it is a marvelous natural spectacle. When viewed from Leshan dock, the outline of the Giant Sleeping Buddha can be clearly seen. The man-made Leshan Maitreya Buddha can be seen seated at the heart of the Giant Sleeping Buddha.

When you are in Leshan Scenic area, many other scenic spots await your patronage: the Oriental Buddha Park located among Leshan mountain ranges is a themed park featuring joss stone inscriptions; Lingyun Temple on Lingyun Mountain; Mahao Cave-Tomb Museum in Leshan contains China's earliest joss stone inscription; Wuyou Mountain is where the head of the Giant Sleeping Buddha is located and many pavilions have been built here.

Natural Landscape

Mount Emeishan Scenic Area
Mt. Emeishan is located to the southwest of Leshan City and is one of China's four mountains sacred to Buddhism. It is regarded as the 'wonderland of celestial being' and many scenic spots here are worthy of a visit.

Four Scenic Regions: These are the Baoguo Temple, Wannian Temple, Qingyin Pavilion, and Golden Summit. From the Golden Summit, tourists can experience the magic of the 'Buddha Rays' which can be viewed between 14:00 to 18:00 during fine weather in autumn and winter. When you climb Emeishan Mountain, you will find dangerous paths, steep rocks, surprising springs and waterfalls. These all may give you the feeling that your journey is as difficult as reaching for the sky. However, you are sure to be delighted by the flocks of monkeys on Mt. Emeishan as they are very lovely and well-mannered. When the tourists give food to them, they pick it up turn and turn about and never squabble to be first.

The snow scenery on Mt. Emeishan is very attractive as winter arrives. Unlike on other mountains, in winter the trees on Mt. Emeishan remain green. That's the highlight! Another highlight must be Mt. Emei Ski Resort (Leidongping Ice -skating Recreation Site) which is located at the ropeway area under the golden summit. The surrounding environment is fairly good and the Italian ski equipment provided caters for the needs of those who enjoy winter sports. For those who like skiing, this is really an excellent resort. It is normally open from October until March, and each January the grand 'South Ice-Snow Festival' takes place here.

Tips:
The best times to visit different scenic aspects of Mt. Emeishan are shown in the table below:

Scenery	The Best Time to Visit
Sunrise	06:00 (in summer) 07:00(in winter)
Cloud sea	09:00-10:00 15:00-16:00
Buddha rays	09:00-10:00 15:00-16:00
Watching monkey flocks	June - September
Skiing	November - March
Azalea blossom	May - June
Autumnal Shades of red and gold	October