Sights in Leshan

The Buddha statue, carved into the mountainside, is the largest cliff-carved statue in China. Its grandeur and imposing presence are rare in the world. The ingenious ventilation and drainage system within the statue has preserved it for millennia, a testament to the ingenuity of the ancients. Taking photos by touching the Buddha's eyes, ears, eyebrows, and nose will bring you good luck, but these photos can only be taken with a borrowed lens. Don't forget to take a last-minute peek at the Buddha's foot.

The Nine-Curve Plank Road is located to the right of the Giant Buddha. It descends from the Buddha's right shoulder to its feet. The winding path offers diverse views of the Buddha, but is only wide enough for one person and has a steep slope. Waiting times to descend the path can be lengthy, ranging from one to two hours during peak season.

Cliff tombs are a prominent burial form in Sichuan. Square caves were artificially excavated along shallow hills to house the remains and burial objects. The Mahao Rock Tomb is a small tomb museum with an open-air display. Standing outside the cave, you can see the real scene inside the cliff tomb, including some coffins and funerary objects still inside. Curiosity lovers shouldn't miss this place.

Wuyou Temple, perched atop Wuyou Mountain, is considerably quieter than the bustling Leshan Giant Buddha. Shaded by trees, the temple offers a tranquil and elegant atmosphere, and boasts 500 arhats of various forms. The highlight of this experience is lingering until evening prayers, when the crowds have dispersed, to listen to the monks chanting and be bathed in the Buddha's light.

Lingyun Temple, located at the summit of the mountain where the Giant Buddha rests, is the starting point of the Nine-Curve Plank Road. From the entrance, you can climb 333 steps to reach it. Within the temple, you'll find the Lingbao Pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty. The Giant Buddha was built here to control the flow of water, and the Lingbao Pagoda not only serves as a symbol of the confluence of the Three Rivers, but also as a guide for ships. Visitors can climb the tower and enjoy the panoramic view of the confluence of the three rivers.

The Giant Buddha statue is enormous, and while close viewing offers a sense of its grandeur, it's difficult to see its entirety. The best place to admire the statue is from the opposite river, where the three rivers converge. A boat or speedboat offers a complete view of the statue. Boats can be boarded at Leshan Port for 70 yuan per person. Departure times are 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM in summer and 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM in winter. Speedboats depart from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, and the boat trip lasts approximately 20-30 minutes.

Leshan and Mount Emei are close in distance, so many people combine their trips. Mount Emei is one of China's four most famous Buddhist mountains, also known as the "Buddhist Paradise," where Samantabhadra Bodhisattva appeared. The mountain is dotted with temples of all sizes, renowned for their devotion to Samantabhadra. Many of these temples are nestled among tranquil and elegant trees, where you can hear Buddhist chanting and witness devout pilgrims. Beyond Buddhism, the scenic beauty of the mountains and rivers is truly captivating. Among the most famous of Emei's Ten Scenic Spots are the sea of ​​clouds and sunrise, Buddhist temples, and both tranquility and movement. Also worth mentioning are the monkeys of Mount Emei, who tease not only tourists but even Master Yan Chan.

Baoguo Temple is the largest temple in Mount Emei. It is the gateway to Mount Emei and the center of Buddhist activities in Mount Emei.

Baoguo Temple currently boasts five levels of halls: the Mountain Gate, Maitreya Hall, Main Hall, Seven Buddha Hall, and Samantabhadra Hall. All are situated on a central axis, rising gradually in steps, following the mountain's contours. The Mountain Gate features a three-tiered roof with flying eaves and angled corners. A wooden plaque inscribed with the inscription "Baoguo Temple" by Emperor Kangxi hangs in its center. Additionally, the Sutra Library houses a rich collection of cultural relics, paintings, calligraphy, biological specimens, and a full-scale model of Mount Emei, providing visitors with a rich understanding of the mountain.

Qingyin Pavilion is one of the eight major temples in Mount Emei. Connected to Hongchunping and Xianfeng Temple on the left, and to Bailong Cave and Wannian Temple on the right, it is a must-see for pilgrims and sightseeing. Despite its small size, the temple is nestled in a strategic location, surrounded by mountains and water, offering stunning scenery. It is a model of Chinese Buddhist garden architecture. Due to the limited terrain, Qingyin Pavilion has only one hall, dedicated to the Three Sages of the Huayan School: Sakyamuni Buddha in the center, Manjushri Bodhisattva on the left, and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva on the right.

Located near the "One Line of Sky" at the foot of Hongchunping and above Qingyin Pavilion, the Ecological Monkey Area is currently the largest natural wild monkey area in China, covering approximately 10 square kilometers. Plank roads, pavilions, and cable bridges are located within the area, making it convenient for visitors to observe and interact with the monkeys.

Wanfoding, the highest peak in Mount Emei, stands at 3,099 meters above sea level. Its name, meaning "the abode of Samantabhadra, surrounded by ten thousand Buddhas," means "the place where ten thousand Buddhas dwell." The scenic area boasts towering ancient trees, numerous birds and animals, and a well-preserved pristine landscape. The scenery changes throughout the year: in spring, see the azaleas, in summer, hear the birdsong, in autumn, admire the crimson leaves, and in winter, admire the jade trees. Attractions include the Wanfo Pavilion, the Alpine Azalea Forest, the Black Bear Valley, and the Immortal Turning Back.

Luocheng Ancient Town is famous for its main street, which, when viewed from above, resembles a large ship anchored on a hilltop. This street, known as Ship-Shaped Street, was even inspired by the Australians' model for a Chinatown, earning Luocheng Ancient Town international fame. In the center of the town stands an ancient opera stage, and within the rows of old houses on either side are countless teahouses where elderly residents relax and bask in the sun. The ancient architecture and leisurely atmosphere are the defining impressions of Luocheng Ancient Town.

The Jiayang Railway is a steam locomotive, a living symbol of the Industrial Revolution. Originally used to transport supplies to several towns along the railway line, it is now used for tourist passenger transport. Besides this century-old vehicle, a leisurely ride through the rapeseed fields in March is another must-see experience.

Deep in the canyon lies Miri Lake, where Alsophila spinulosa, a living fossil from the Jurassic period, grows on its banks. To see the trees, one must take a boat. The scenery of the lake and mountains on both sides is like a painting.

Xiba Ancient Town has long been a strategic hub for both land and water transportation, serving as a crucial stop on the Southern Silk Road and known as the "Xiba Water Wharf." Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, it has been a popular destination for Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Tens of thousands of Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, weathered by the elements, remain remarkably well-preserved. Here, you'll find ancient bluestone pavements, carved window lattices, and the occasional sight of a tofu shrew hawking her wares. Coming here feels like stepping back into the tranquil, ancient towns of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Alsophila Canyon is home to over 50,000 Alsophila spinulosa trees. These trees, contemporary with the dinosaurs and 200 million years old, are considered the "pandas of the plant world." A stream flows through the canyon, creating a pristine and tranquil scene. The scenic area is not fully developed, and the canyon is not fully open to the public. Tours are available by vintage car or boat, offering authentic, pristine scenery. For those who enjoy exploring these scenic spots before others, consider this a pristine jungle escape.

The famed "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) has made the Shunan Bamboo Sea famous, and Leshan also boasts a bamboo sea. Ten thousand acres of bamboo sway in the wind, resembling a vast expanse of azure waters. Most remarkable, within the bamboo sea, you can also see the crimson Danxia landforms, where the red and green create a natural and infinite harmony. The scenic area boasts numerous natural lakes, and the Wuliheng viewing platform is particularly recommended. To the right, you'll overlook the azure Danxia sea below the mountains. On the other side, nestled beneath the cliffs, lie several villages. White clouds linger over the distant mountains, and smoke curls from the villages. It's a paradise on earth, literally.

This is a three-story Chinese-style wooden structure with a small courtyard and a small back garden. The left room of the first courtyard is where Guo Moruo was born, and it remains well-preserved to this day, including the bed where he was born. Fans of Guo Moruo can make a pilgrimage here, but as it's about a half-hour journey from downtown Leshan, those with limited time may prefer to avoid it.

Known as China's Bermuda, this area attracts adventurous hikers. The vast, untouched forest is truly spectacular, with towering ancient trees, springs, and bizarre rock formations. However, the scenic area is still underdeveloped, and there have been numerous reports of hikers going missing. While enjoying the pristine beauty, visitors must strictly adhere to the scenic area regulations and avoid hiking in unopened areas.