Mount Emei's Ninety-Nine Turns

峨眉山九十九道拐

The 99-turn path is arguably the most challenging section of the Emei Mountain hike, starting at Lingxiao Pavilion and ending at Shouxing Bridge. With one turn after another, one slope after another, there's no end in sight.
If you still have the strength to face such a steep slope, the scenery in this section is actually very nice. Various vegetation grows on both sides of the road, and it is called the Rare Plant Gallery of Mount Emei.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: On the ascent route of Mount Emei, Emeishan City, Sichuan Province, China (中国四川省峨眉山市峨眉山上)

  • History: The 99 Bends is a famous switchback road carved into Mount Emei’s steep slopes. Historically, it has been used by pilgrims, monks, and travelers to reach the higher sections of the mountain, including the Golden Summit (金顶). Its construction demonstrates ancient engineering skills adapted to challenging terrain.

  • Architecture: Unlike a traditional building, this attraction is a carefully engineered mountain road with 99 sharp turns. It features guardrails, stone steps, and retaining walls. The switchbacks are often lined with lush forests, bamboo groves, and occasional small shrines.

  • Cultural Value: The 99 Bends is an essential part of the Mount Emei pilgrimage route. It symbolizes perseverance and spiritual journey in Buddhist culture. Many pilgrims stop along the bends to rest, meditate, or take photos, honoring both nature and religion.

  • Other Information: The road is famous for its panoramic views and unique perspective on Mount Emei’s landscape. Each bend offers a slightly different vantage point, ideal for photography and appreciating the mountain scenery.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: 06:30 – 18:00

  • Ticket Price: Entrance included in Mount Emei Scenic Area ticket
    Cable car or shuttle bus along the route: 120-160 RMB depending on the section

  • Best Photo Spots: At the hairpin turns with sweeping views of the valley below
    Midpoint of the switchbacks where forests and cliffs frame the road
    Early morning or late afternoon for mist and sunlight effects

  • Time Reference: Allow 2-3 hours to hike or take shuttle vehicles along the 99 Bends; morning visits are less crowded and safer due to cooler temperatures.

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury: Emei Golden Summit Hotel (峨眉山金顶酒店) – near the upper section of the mountain
    Emei Shanshui Hotel (峨眉山山水大酒店) – base of the mountain
  • Mid-range: Baoguo Temple Guesthouse (报国寺客栈) – near the mountain base
    Emei Mountain Yunfeng Hotel (峨眉山云峰酒店)
  • Budget & Boutique: Local mountain hostels along the ascent trail (沿山徒步旅舍)
    Backpacker hostels in Emeishan City (峨眉山市背包客旅舍)

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes: Buddhist vegetarian meals (素斋)
    Sichuan spicy tofu (麻辣豆腐)
    Local mountain vegetables (本地山野菜)
  • Famous Spots: Restaurants near Baoguo Temple (报国寺附近餐馆)
    Cafeterias at shuttle bus stops along the 99 Bends (九十九道拐沿途餐厅)

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • Buddhist prayer beads (佛珠)
  • Mount Emei specialty teas (峨眉山特产茶叶)
  • Handmade postcards and photos of 99 Bends (九十九道拐明信片/摄影作品)
  • Small Buddhist charms and amulets (佛教护身符)

Transportation

  • By Car: Drive from Emeishan City to the base of Mount Emei, then ascend via shuttle or private vehicle
  • By Shuttle Bus: From Baoguo Temple (报国寺) to scenic spots along 99 Bends; buses operate regularly within Mount Emei Scenic Area
  • By Cable Car: Sections of the road have cable car connections for less strenuous access
  • By Foot: Popular for hikers and pilgrims; follow marked trails from the base

Nearby Attractions

  • Baoguo Temple (报国寺) – 1.5 km downhill, accessible by shuttle bus or hiking trail
  • Fuhu Temple (伏虎寺) – 1.8 km from start of 99 Bends, accessible by hiking trail

Tips for Visitors

  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes; the road is steep and winding
  • Carry water and light snacks
  • Use trekking poles if hiking; they help on steep sections
  • Be cautious of shuttle buses on narrow bends
  • Visit in the morning for less crowd and better light for photography
  • Altitude is moderate but exertion is high; pace yourself
  • Respect nature and religious sites along the road

Recommended itineraries

  • One-Day Hiking Tour:
    D1: Baoguo Temple → 99 Bends ascent → Fuhu Temple → Optional overnight at mountain lodge
  • Two-Day Adventure & Culture:
    D1: Baoguo Temple → 99 Bends → Fuhu Temple → Overnight at Baoguo Temple Guesthouse
    D2: Continue Mount Emei trail to Golden Summit (金顶) → Descend via cable car
  • Three-Day Relaxed Tour:
    D1: Base of Mount Emei → Baoguo Temple → Short hike on lower 99 Bends → Overnight at local homestay
    D2: Full ascent along 99 Bends → Fuhu Temple → Overnight near mid-mountain
    D3: Cable car to Golden Summit → Sunrise view → Return to Emeishan City

User Reviews

By pufferfish |

Mount Emei's Ninety-Nine Turns is a heart-pounding challenge for hikers. Nearly 2,000 steep steps wind their way through dense forest, like a dragon soaring through the clouds. Mossy stone steps contrast beautifully with gnarled ancient trees, and amidst the lush greenery, you might even encounter a monkey blocking the path. This is the steepest section before reaching the summit, where the steps often incline over 60 degrees. It's recommended to bring a trekking pole and plenty of water. Even with trembling legs and drenched in sweat, pausing to gaze back at the rolling sea of clouds, you'll truly appreciate the beauty of every turn. The entire hike takes about 1.5 hours, making it a true test of your stamina!

By scholar's spirit |

The Ninety-Nine Bends is one of Mount Emei's most famous treacherous slopes, starting at Shouxing Bridge and ending at Lingxiao Pavilion. Legend has it that when Puxian came to Mount Emei to establish his monastery, he passed by this area. Seeing the steepness, rockiness, and rocky terrain, he commanded his servants to command his 3,000 strong men to simultaneously build one step each. In a flash, the three thousand stone steps were completed, resulting in exactly ninety-nine bends, giving the slope its name. Bend after bend, slope after slope, one slope leading to the end, only to suddenly turn and find another. The vertical drop reaches 300 meters, with a total length of 2,500 meters, approximately 1,840 stone steps, and 69 bends. The lush vegetation along the path, rich in rare species, makes it an essential location for studying biodiversity and is known as the Rare Plant Corridor of Mount Emei.

By Travel expert Meng Nan |

The mountain road is winding with mountains and water, it is particularly spiritual and not crowded, very beautiful

By Cold feet |

Measure it with your feet. The scenery is beautiful, but a little tiring.

By Fu Jianhan |

A must-have for mountain climbing. It is very suitable for energetic young people and mountaineering enthusiasts.

By MemoryFish |

Shrouded in a fairy-like aura, the small forest made me feel as if I were in Qingcheng Mountain. From Hongchunping to Xianfeng Temple, I'd pass the legendary "Ninety-Nine Bends." Even before I got close, the mountain seemed to be getting steeper. Every time the bamboo pole reached the steps, it felt like it bore my entire weight. I really wanted to climb them.

By Great Rivers and Oceans |

The 99 Bends, which start at Lingxiao Pavilion and end at Shouxing Bridge, are the most challenging section of the Emei Mountain hike, earning a five-star rating for toughness. If you enjoy challenging your physical strength and willpower, this trail won't disappoint, and after completing the climb, you'll feel an immense sense of exhilaration. If you begin your ascent from the mountain's base at noon, it's best to stay overnight at Hongchunping so you're fully refreshed for the 99 Bends the next morning.

By Not Returned |

I went to climb Mount Emei. This section was the last difficult part of the first day. It was really hard to climb. The slope was very steep and there were many steps. I really climbed up a lot of meters in a short time.

By The delicate flowers on the other side stand upright |

Turn and turn, the road is endless! It's okay! ^_^^_^^_^

By Travelers Without Borders |

It has a profound historical and cultural heritage and a vast human geography. It is a great place to travel!

By McDull |

After coming out of Hongchunping, you will pass through this mountain road, which is very steep and winding, and is particularly difficult to climb. However, after climbing the mountain road behind, you will find that it is a piece of cake.

By ly |

This is the only way to go down the mountain. Along the way, there are towering trees and winding paths.

By mewkuma |

The eighteen bends on the mountain road that must be taken to reach the top of Mount Emei are really amazing. Several people in our car got carsick 2333

By Suxian Jinlin |

The mountain roads of Mount Emei don’t actually have many special features. Walking along them, you can’t tell which scenic spot is which.

But the environment is quiet, the woods are lush, and the air is very good

By Call me for dinner |

The winding mountain walking trail follows the same principle as the winding mountain road, and requires a certain amount of physical strength to walk down.

By plum คิดถึง |

It's a really steep uphill road with lots of twists and turns, so you must have a hiking pole.

By Dusk Rain |

The scenery is really nice, but the path is a bit off, so be careful if you go there after rain.

By On the road |

Floating lightly, turning back ninety-nine times, the more it turns, the more it pulls.

By A little bad temper.* |

The scenery of Mount Emei changes with every step, and each step is worth remembering.

By Rui Rui Rui sharp |

The Ninety-Nine Turns is arguably the most difficult section of the Emei Mountain hike, starting from Lingxiao Pavilion and ending at Shouxing Bridge.

By San San is late |

As the saying goes, the scenery along the way is beautiful, but you have to consider your own strength! Haha

By Carrot Sword |

Actually, I have forgotten what the scenery was like at that time because it has been several years.

By Millet |

Hiking on Mount Emei is a must-experience. The mountain road has 18 bends, which is really tiring, but after climbing it, I really feel that there is nothing I can't conquer.

By Rhapsody of Blue and Red |

The road is difficult to walk on, you should pay attention to safety when climbing, you should go and experience it

By freeflying |

Mount Emei is very beautiful, and the monkeys are so fat! !

By Traveler |

This is a famous dangerous slope in Mount Emei, starting from Lingxiao Pavilion and ending at Shouxing Bridge. It is full of bends and slopes, and when you reach the end of one slope, you suddenly see another slope. Legend has it that when Samantabhadra first came to Mount Emei to build a temple, he passed by this place and saw that the mountain was high and steep, the slope was steep and the rocks were slippery, making it extremely dangerous. He instructed Lingzu Bodhisattva to command his 3,000 strong men to build a step at the same time. 3,000 stone steps were built in an instant. When Lingzu inspected the project, he counted them and found that there were exactly 99 bends in the stone steps. This is why the slope got its name. It is very beautiful.

By Seven sides |

If you come to Emei Mountain and don't climb the Ninety-Nine Bends, you won't be able to experience the sour and refreshing feeling.

By Small |

I climbed with my mom, who climbed much faster than me. It took us about an hour or two.

By Matthew |

This is a must-go place for climbing Mount Emei. Climbing up there will basically require you to peel off a layer of skin. It is a big adjustment for your physical strength and endurance. It is recommended to take a rest before climbing and then climb up in one go.

By Ming Sun and Moon |

The Ninety-Nine Turns of Mount Emei are the only way to hike up the mountain. It is very tiring, but the scenery is beautiful.

By Unlimited imagination |

Ninety-nine bends, the name sounds very domineering, right? Walking here is really a dilemma. As the saying goes, the road you choose must be walked to the end even if you have to crawl!

By myshunny |

I was very tired after climbing up. I didn't take the cable car, but the scenery along the way was beautiful. I was tired but happy.

By Free flight |

This is a famously steep slope on Mount Emei, starting at Lingxiao Pavilion and ending at Shouxing Bridge. It's a series of twists and turns, one slope after another, and when you reach the end of one slope, suddenly the path twists and turns, revealing yet another. The stone steps have ninety-nine turns, hence the name. It's incredibly beautiful, but the climb is incredibly tiring. If you're not physically fit, we recommend taking the cable car.

By Fish that can swim |

It is truly 99, dangerous and steep. I especially admire the people who carry the sedan chair.

By Condensation Rain |

Mount Emei has ninety-nine turns, turning to despair. Various long and steep stairs, one after another.

By Zhang Feiteng |

The Ninety-Nine Bends of Mount Emei is a magical place. There are people taking photos there, but your own camera cannot capture the whole thing.

By Ouni |

It's high and steep, and you'll be exhausted if you climb it. Be careful if you don't have enough energy.

By Cat in the Alley |

My legs were almost broken from climbing, but the scenery was great. I took a sedan chair when I went down the mountain, and there were many people watching.

By Elephant |

The scenery is really great if you climb slowly. You can enjoy it slowly, and it is best to climb with friends to avoid being bored.

By Busy Old Wu |

The slopes are steep and the stairs are steep, so it's tiring whether going up or down the mountain. But it feels pretty good.

By Flower meets food |

I like Sichuan, whether it is the scenery, food or accommodation, they are all good.

By Saibei Lone Wolf/db |

I felt exhausted, but there was a small soy milk shop on the road, and the taste was authentic.

By China-TravelNote users |

Mountain climbing is my forte, so this isn't a big deal. It's just that time is limited. I promised my wife that in a few years, when the kids are older, we'll hike all of Mount Emei in two days. Let's call it a revisit.

By Mai's Divination |

I don't know if there are exactly 99 turns, I haven't counted them, but generally speaking, 99 means a lot!

By catwalk! |

Mount Emei is one of the most beautiful mountains and rivers in Sichuan. If you have not climbed Mount Emei, you can say that you have not been to Sichuan.

By Small road |

As the saying goes, "It's easy to go up the mountain, but hard to go down." The Ninety-Nine Turns can really help you exercise.

By Dongjia |

In one word, exhausted. It took me 2 days to get to the top, 1 day to get down, and my legs hurt for a week after I got home. Oh my god...

By Apple's Distance and Poetry |

This place almost made me dizzy. It was all continuous uphill, all stairs, uphill at 40 to 50 degrees, and I kept going up and up.

By Cai Cai |

It is worthy of being called Ninety-Nine Turns. I really admire the construction. However, I still insisted on climbing up. I think everyone who has climbed up can give themselves a thumbs up manually.

By People can fly |

It is a necessary path for climbing a mountain. It is very difficult to climb and tests one's will.

By Luo Ermei |

The stone steps are too long and climbing is too tiring. People without physical strength should not try it lightly.

By Happy Ranger |

This is a famous steep slope in Mount Emei, starting from Lingxiao Pavilion and ending at Shouxing Bridge. It is full of bends and slopes, and when you reach the end of one slope, you suddenly see another slope. It happens that there are 99 bends in the stone steps, hence the name. It is very beautiful. It is really tiring to climb.

By Nazi |

I went there many years ago and have no impression of it! ! ! ! !

By steaming |

I don't know if there are ninety-nine turns, but I just keep walking.

By 😎Mr. Chen |

I went there two days ago and was too tired to lie down, so I got up and walked!

By Will meet |

This place, well, if you climb it once by yourself, you will remember it forever, hahaha.

By Boss, give me a bottle of Nutri-Express. |

This is a very difficult section of Mount Emei to climb. I went there in 2005 when I was a freshman in college. It’s a wonderful memory.

By Good times |

The 99 bends are a very enjoyable climb, not as exaggerated as everyone says. The scenery is beautiful and the air is fresh, which is great for people who have a habit of exercising.

By Phantom Cat |

This section of the trail is known to be extremely difficult, and you need to register your time before entering. It's quite winding, and while the scenery isn't bad, it's not breathtaking either. It's not as good as the second loop of the Xihai Grand Canyon in Huangshan.

By Mihooku |

I was really exhausted after walking all the way. I got tracheitis when I went up the mountain and arthritis when I went down the mountain. It was true.

By I'm going to fly |

The most difficult place to go on the west line is the steep and winding road.

By Mountains, seas, deserts |

It is best not to look up, as the name says,

By Autumn |

If you choose this attraction, it is best to arrange it on the downhill route, which can save a lot of effort.

By Mr. Abacus |

It means that one is really exhausted and it is a test for people.

By Sarah |

From then on, she got a new nickname: Miss Sore Legs.

By Tianya Wind |

It is best to hike up Mount Emei. It is tiring, but the scenery along the way is beautiful, and the experience and feelings will be more profound.

By Carving laziness |

Except for being a little tired, everything else is good. The scenery is also very good

By Sugar Beans |

People who are prone to motion sickness, please note: it is best to travel on an empty stomach.

By Lazy boy running around |

Walking up the mountain along this road is awesome.

By DGMT |

I can only say that you should never take this road. If you are a mountaineering enthusiast, it is a different story. The completely vertical mountain road for nearly two hours will exhaust your patience.

By Young |

It was a very physically demanding journey, and I almost had to turn a corner to rest and give up.

By That woman |

If you don't hike Mount Emei, you won't come here. The scenery is okay, but the key is that you have to keep climbing. Without your friends' encouragement, I guess none of us would be able to make it up. For hikers, this is definitely recommended.

By 3 km east of Makalu |

I was so tired, but it would be a shame to take a car directly to the top of the mountain without taking this road. Half of the beauty of Mount Emei lies in this road.

By gtgrgtgrdo |

There are many turns and the mountains are high, so it's quite tiring. Just walk slowly and don't rush.

By Rain |

I strongly recommend young people to hike Mount Emei. The Ninety-Nine Turns is a place that can make you despair. You must try it.


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