Located in Sichuan Province, this city is home to the world's largest stone Buddha statue, carved into Mount Lingyun during the Tang Dynasty. The figure sits 71 meters tall.
Leshan sits 120 km from Chengdu in Sichuan Province, where the Min, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers meet. The city's 71-meter Giant Buddha watches over the waterways from its red sandstone cliff face. On nearby Mount Emei, you'll find the gold-roofed Golden Summit Temple at 3,077 meters and the ancient Wannian Temple with its Ming Dynasty porcelain sculptures. At night, the streets come alive with food vendors serving malatang (spicy soup) and boboji (spiced chicken) from steaming carts.
Exploring the Giant Buddha
The 71-meter Buddha took 90 years to complete, from 713 to 803 CE. You can see it up close by walking down the cliff-side stairs or taking a 30-minute boat ride from Baxiandong Dock. The cliff path takes you past intricate carvings on the Buddha's head and shoulders, while boats stop 100 meters away for photos. Arrive before 9 AM to avoid long queues and get clearer views. The stairs can become crowded by midday, with wait times up to 2 hours during peak season.
Mount Emei's Temples and Trails
Mount Emei has over 30 temples across its slopes. At the summit, the Golden Summit Temple's copper tiles gleam in the sunlight. The Wannian Temple's square courtyard contains Ming Dynasty porcelain figures and ancient stone carvings. Three cable car lines connect different sections of the mountain. The hiking paths between temples cut through dense pine and cedar forests. Wild monkeys live here - they can grab bags and cameras, so keep your belongings close and don't carry exposed food.
Street Food Areas
From 5 PM, food vendors line Zhanggongqiao and Jiaxing Road. You'll find qiaojiao niurou (beef hotpot) simmering in copper pots with Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil, and xiba doufu (Xiba tofu) made according to traditional family methods. The streets remain busy until midnight, with most locals eating between 6 PM and 9 PM.
Transportation in Leshan
High-speed trains run hourly from Chengdu, taking 60 minutes to reach Leshan station. Bus 13 connects the city center to the Giant Buddha entrance every 15 minutes. Regular buses run to Mount Emei's visitor center. City buses cost ¥2 per ride, while taxi meters start at ¥8.
When to Visit
March to May and September to November have clear skies and temperatures of 15-25°C. July and August bring heavy rain, making mountain paths slippery. Winter temperatures stay above 5°C, but mountain fog can reduce visibility to a few meters. Set aside one full day for the Giant Buddha area and its nearby temples. Add another day if you want to explore Mount Emei's lower sections, or two more days to reach the summit.
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