Live Your Best Lives
The Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area is located on the outskirts of Leshan City, at the confluence of the Minjiang, Qingyi, and Dadu Rivers, facing Leshan City across the river. The area, encompassing the essence of Leshan's landscapes and cultural heritage, is part of the Mount Emei National Scenic Area and a renowned tourist destination.
Lingyun Mountain, nestled close to the Minjiang River, is home to Lingyun Temple, built during the Tang Dynasty. A giant Buddha statue, 71 meters tall and 8.5 meters wide at the instep, was carved into the mountain, making it the world's largest Buddha. The statue was created by Hai Tong, a renowned monk from the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty, and took 90 years to complete. The statue, a seated Maitreya Buddha, is majestic and imposing, earning the poet's praise: "The mountain is a Buddha, and the Buddha is a mountain."
In recent years, the giant sleeping Buddha of Leshan, formed by Wuyou, Lingyun, and Guicheng Mountains, has been discovered. Seen from across the river, it resembles a giant Buddha statue lying supine on the Three Rivers, stretching over 1,300 meters in a straight line. The discovery of this giant reclining Buddha has added to the allure of the Great Buddha Scenic Area.
Leshan has distinct four seasons, and spring and autumn are the best time to visit.
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
90 yuan/person
April 1st - October 7th: 07:30-18:30
October 8th - March 31st: 08:00-17:30
Leshan Giant Buddha, built during the Tang Dynasty (713–803 AD), is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents a significant religious, cultural, and historical landmark in China.
Located in Leshan, Sichuan Province, the site can be accessed by bus or taxi from Leshan city center or nearby Chengdu. Walking trails allow exploration around the Buddha and temple areas. There is no metro service directly to Leshan.
The site is open daily from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is spring and autumn for comfortable weather and clearer views, ideally early morning to avoid crowds.
The entrance fee is around 90 CNY for adults. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online via official tourism websites and authorized travel platforms.
Booking is recommended during peak tourist seasons (holidays and weekends), ideally 1–3 days in advance, especially for online ticketing to avoid long queues.
2–4 hours are generally sufficient to explore the main Buddha area, take a boat ride, and visit nearby temples. A full day allows for a more relaxed visit with photography and surrounding scenery exploration.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some travel agencies provide English-speaking guides. Audio guides may be offered in multiple languages at certain entrances or through rental devices.
Start at the main entrance, visit Lingyun Temple, walk down to the Buddha viewing platforms, take a boat ride for frontal views, then explore the cliffside trails and nearby temples.
Night visits and light shows are generally not available. Special religious ceremonies may be held occasionally at temples, which can be witnessed respectfully.
The site can be crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Weekdays and early mornings are the least crowded times for a more serene experience.
Facilities include public toilets, rest areas, food stalls, souvenir shops, and small cafes near the entrance and along trails.
Parts of the site are accessible with ramps, but climbing to the top involves many steps, which may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can explore under supervision.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used at entrances, shops, and eateries. Credit cards may be less commonly accepted.
Local restaurants and cafes near the entrance and along main paths offer Sichuan cuisine and light snacks. Several small eateries serve meals for tourists.
Vegetarian options are available, especially at temple-affiliated eateries. Halal options are limited but may be found in larger local restaurants in Leshan city.
Hotels range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels near the Buddha site and in Leshan city. Some provide views of the river and Buddha.
Souvenir shops offer Buddhist artifacts, postcards, miniature Buddha statues, local handicrafts, and traditional Sichuan crafts.
Taxis, buses, and private vehicles are available to continue to Mount Emei, Leshan city center, or Chengdu. Local buses connect to nearby scenic spots efficiently.
