Leshan Travel Guide 2025/2026

Leshan, known as Jiazhou in ancient times, is located in the southwest of Sichuan Basin. With a long history, Leshan is a remarkable place with many outstanding people. Many literary men of past dynasties left intoxicating poems and footprints here. There are not only world-famous Leshan Giant Buddha, but also many delicious foods in Leshan.

Best Places to Visit in Leshan

Leshan Giant Buddha

Leshan Giant Buddha, carved out of a cliff, is the tallest stone Buddha statue in the world. It was listed on the World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1996. The giant Buddha is located at the junction of Qingyi, Mingjiang River and Dau River. It is in a sitting gesture and facing the Mount Emei. Water in the rivers is flowing below the feet of the statue.

The idea of constructing the giant Buddha was from a monk named Haitong. As the water in the rivers was turbulent making the ships only can travel down the river, Haitong suggested to construct a Buddha to calm down the wild river. For construction, the rock and mud on the mountain was excavated and poured in the river, which filled up the river bed, and the river really became calmer.

There are several drainage passages hidden in the hair, the collar, chest in the Buddha statue, and holes in the back of his chest and ears which could prevent the statue from weathering and erosion.

Emei Mountain

Mount Emei is located 7km southwest of Emeishan City. It is one of the four mountain ranges in China. Looking from distance, the range of Emei is just like the eyebrows of girl, hence the name. The highest peak of Mount Emei is Golden Summit with a altitude of 3099 m.

There are many scenic spots on the mountain such as Gaoguo Temple, Wannian Temple, Fohu Temple and so on. On the mountain, the temperature is different at different altitude. On the top of Mount Emei, the temperature usually 15℃ lower then at the foot.

On the mountain, some temples were built during the Eastern Han Dynasty. Buddhism was introduced here in Jin Dynasty. In Ming and Qing Dynasty, there were over 150 temples.

Best Time to Visit Leshan and Mount Emei

The best time to visit Leshan is spring and autumn with comfortable temperature and less crowds. Spring in Leshan is mild, during this time, you can appreciate the Leshan Giant Buddha or take the cruise on the river to admire the Leshan Giant Buddha in another perspective. In summer, it is hot and humid at Leshan with many tourists because July and August is the school summer vacation. In autumn, the temperature in Leshan is comfortable with clear skies, which is suitable for sightseeing. Kindly reminder, it is recommended that you avoid the National Day holiday in China to visit China because attractions in China will be full of domestic tourists during this time. In winter, Leshan is cold and windy with less crowds. If you want quiet atmosphere, you can visit Leshan in winter.

The best time to visit Mount Emei depends on your preference. If you want clear views of the Golden Summit, you can visit Mount Emei in spring and autumn. If you prefer snow scenery, peaceful atmosphere and skiing experiences, you can visit Mount Emei in winter.

In spring and autumn, Mount Emei is with good visibility. In spring, the weather is mild with flowers blooming, which is suitable for hiking or mountain climbing. In summer, Mount Emei can be an ideal place to avoid the heat in summer. While it is always misty in summer at Mount Emei with limited visibility. In autumn, Mount Emei is beautiful with autumn foliage, and the temperature is comfortable and skies are clear. Winter in Mount Emei is cold and peaceful. Golden Summit is a white world in winter, providing skiing experiences.

How to Plan A Trip with Leshan

Spend A Day Trip to Leshan from Chengdu

To visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, a day is enough. You can start your journey from Chengdu, visit the Leshan Giant Buddha and get back Chengdu.

Spend Two Days to Visit Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei

Can I visit the Leshan Giant Buddha and Emei Mountain in a day?
Many tourists ask whether they can visit Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei in a day. Actually, we do not suggest that you visit this two places in a day because you will be very hurry and tired. Generally speaking, it takes about 2 hours to get to Leshan Giant Buddha from Chengdu. And it is recommended that you spend 2-3 hours at Leshan Giant Buddha. And Mount Emei is about 50 kilometers from Leshan Giant Buddha, which takes about 1 hour to get to the Mount Emei from Leshan Giant Buddha. And it is also recommended that you spend 3-4 hours at Emei Mountain. If you finish these things in a day, you will be very hurry and tired with the sightseeing and walking.

How to arrange two days in Leshan Giant Buddha and Emei Mountain
First day: Chengdu-Leshan Giant Buddha
On the first day, you can get to the Leshan Giant Buddha from Chengdu, which takes about 2 hours’ drive. After arriving at Leshan Giant Buddha, you can choose climb the mountain to get close to the Giant Buddha. And you can also choose to take the river cruise to have a panoramic view of the Giant Buddha in the distance. After visiting the Leshan Giant Buddha, we will drive to the Mount Emei.

Second Day: Emei Mountain
Generally speaking, it is recommended that you spend a day to visit the Emei Mountain. To get to the Leidongping, it takes about 2.5 hours. Then you need to walk about 20-30 minutes to the cableway station. Then you can get on the cableway to get to the Golden Summit. Kindly reminder, you will usually wait in line to wait for the cableway at the Mount Emei, and the waiting time will depend on the actual situation. After getting off the cableway, you need to walk about 20-30 minutes to get to the Golden Summit. And you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Emei Mountain at the Golden Summit.

Recommend China Tour to Leshan: 8 Days Highlight Sichuan Tour (Chengdu-Huanglong-Jiuzhaigou Valley-Leshan-Mt. Emei-Chengdu)

►More famous attractions in Leshan please click Leshan Attractions

►Highly recommended Leshan Tours at Classic Leshan Tours