Leshan Attractions - Things to Do

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

 Leshan Giant Buddha
 Mount Emei
 Jiayang Steam Train


Cultural Relics
Leshan Giant Buddha
Giant Buddha

Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
The world-famous 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 Maitreya Buddha can be seen seated at the heart of the Giant Sleeping Buddha.

When you are in Leshan Scenic area, many other attractions 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 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.

Giant Sleeping Buddha: It  is a natural wonder formed by Wurou Mountain, Lingyun Mountain and Guicheng Mountain. This Buddha lies on his back at the junction of the Min River, Qingyi River and Dadu River with his head towards the south and feet towards the north.

Wurou Mountain forms the Buddha's head; the base of the hill forms his hair worn in a bun; Jingyun Pavilion forms his eyelashes; and the crown of trees on the peak constitutes his forehead, nose, lips and jaw. The Buddha's body is made up of nine peaks along Lingyun Mountain as his massive chest, waist and strong legs. His turned-up feet are formed by the southern slope of the Guicheng Mountain. The most stunning view is from across the Minjiang River showing the Giant Buddha seated at the heart of the Giant Sleeping Buddha. It is a marvelous spectacle and imparts the idea of 'the Buddha existing within Buddha'.

Seen from the Leshan dock in the east of the ancient city of Leshan, the outline of the giant Buddha is very clear. It seems like a dignified Buddha peacefully sleeping on his back. The lifelike shape surrounded by beautiful mountain and waters offers a feast to the eyes. 

Stone Carving of Buddha on the cliff near the Giant Buddha
Stone Carvings near the Giant Buddha
Main Hall of Lingyun Temple
Main Hall of Lingyun Temple


Natural Landscape

Brick Hall in the Wannian Temple, Mount Emei
Brick Hall in the Wannian Temple, Mount Emei
Mount Emeishan Scenic Area
Mount Emei 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 things to do 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 Mount Emei 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.
 
Golden Summit of Mount Emei
Golden Summit of Mount Emei

The snow scenery on Mount Emei is very attractive as winter arrives. Unlike on other mountains, in winter the trees on Mount Emei remain green. That's the highlight! Another highlight must be Mount 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 on Skiing for your reference

Tips:
The best times to visit different scenic aspects of Mount Emei 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
- Last updated on Jul. 12, 2022 -
Questions & Answers on Leshan Attractions
Asked by SULAK SRIPHIROM from THAILAND | Jun. 06, 2019 22:37Reply
Is there the tourist bus from Emei Shan Railway Station to the mountain?
How much and the route detail?
Answers (1)
Answered by Andy from AUSTRALIA | Jun. 11, 2019 23:04
00Reply


Do you mean to the Emei mountain or Leshan Mountain?

From the railway station to the Emei mountain, Bus Line 5/7/8/12 are all available and the bus fare is CNY1. If you mean Leshan, you can take high speed train to Leshan Station, which takes about 15 mins and costs CNY11. Bus Line K1/3 can take you to the Giant Buddha and it takes CNY2.
Asked by Alvaro Brandon from SPAIN | Jul. 22, 2018 11:33Reply
Transportation inside Emeishan
Hi:
I wanted to know three things about Emeishan:
- Where do the different buses departing from Baoguo Temple take you.
- How long does it take for each trip.
- I assume that all the buses do a return trip to Baoguo Temple. Is that right?

Thanks in advance!
Answers (2)
Answered by Alvaro Brandon from SPAIN | Jul. 22, 2018 11:41
00Reply


Oh! One more thing. How long does it take to hike from the different places to the top?. We arrive to Emeishan at 13:36 with the train and we leave next day at 14:11. Is it possible to hike to the top somehow during those two days?. We want to avoid the 2h bus to Leidongping.
Answered by Cherry from FINLAND | Jul. 22, 2018 19:00
00Reply


1. The bus stops at Wuxiangang, Wannian Temple, and Leidongping.
2. It’s about 15 minutes and 30 minutes.
3. Yes, you are right.
4. If you want to hike to the top, you’d better take off at Leidongping. If you hike from the first two places, it will take about 5 to 7 hours to get the top. If you hike from Leidongping, 2 to 3 hours is necessary.
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