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The Ten-Directions Samantabhadra Statue is a 48-meter-tall, 660-ton bronze and gilded Buddha statue, consisting of a pedestal and the Ten-Directions Samantabhadra statue, located on the Golden Summit of Mount Emei.
The ten heads of Samantabhadra are arranged in three layers, representing the ten mental states of the human mind. Within the sacred image is a 484-square-meter Buddhist hall, housing a bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha surrounded by white marble Buddha statues. The term "Shifang" symbolizes Samantabhadra's ten great vows and his boundless aspirations, which can bring happiness to all Buddhas of the ten directions and three times, as well as to all sentient beings.
The Golden Summit's Samantabhadra statue is the largest and tallest in the world, a rare masterpiece of Buddhist art. Incidentally, the summit can be quite cold even in July and August, so you'll need to bring a jacket.
Subtropical humid monsoon climate;
Mount Emei is suitable for all seasons, and the Golden Summit is best seen at sunrise.
Included in the Mount Emei scenic area ticket
Peak season: 185 yuan/person; off-season: 110 yuan/person
Golden Summit Cableway
Peak season: 65 yuan/person for upward journey, 55 yuan/person for downward journey
Off-season: 30 yuan/person for upward journey, 20 yuan/person for downward journey
Peak season (May 1st - October 7th): 06:00-18:30
Off-season (October 8th - April 30th of the following year) 07:00-17:30
The Statue of Samantabhadra, located in Leshan, Sichuan, is a monumental Buddhist figure that represents Samantabhadra, the bodhisattva of universal good. The statue is one of the largest and most significant Buddhist statues in China, embodying both religious and cultural importance. The statue is part of a broader religious complex, drawing pilgrims and visitors for its spiritual significance and impressive architecture.
The Statue of Samantabhadra is located in Leshan, Sichuan Province. To get there from Chengdu, you can take a bus or a train to Leshan (approximately 2 hours). Once in Leshan, a taxi or local transport will take you to the statue. The site is also accessible by walking from the town center, though it's a bit of a hike.
The Statue of Samantabhadra is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the area is less crowded. Early mornings or late afternoons are also ideal to avoid peak crowds.
The entrance fee for visiting the statue and the surrounding complex is approximately 80-100 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through official platforms, especially during peak seasons to avoid long queues.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak seasons (especially during Chinese holidays). It is best to book at least 1-2 days in advance if you're visiting during high tourist periods, although last-minute tickets are generally available during off-peak times.
To fully explore the Statue of Samantabhadra and the surrounding areas, including the boat ride and nearby temple visits, 2-3 hours should be sufficient. However, if you plan to explore the region's natural beauty and other nearby attractions, a full day might be ideal.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and there may be limited options for English-speaking guides. Audio guides are also available for rent in various languages, including English.
The best photography spots are from the boat ride across the river, offering a full view of the statue, as well as from the surrounding viewpoints that provide panoramic views of the Leshan region. Early morning light can create stunning photographic opportunities.
Start by visiting the statue, followed by a tour of the nearby temples. Afterward, take a boat ride for an exceptional view of the statue from the water. If you have time, consider hiking around the area to explore more scenic spots.
Night visits are not typically offered, though the area is beautiful at night when lit by soft lighting. There are no scheduled light shows or special nighttime tours, but the tranquil atmosphere can be appreciated during quieter evening hours.
The statue can get crowded, especially during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, try to visit on weekdays, particularly early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
There are toilets, rest areas, and food stalls near the statue and temples. You can find local snacks and bottled water, though there are limited options for full meals. Souvenir shops are also available, offering religious items and local crafts.
The statue area is accessible, but there are some steps and uneven pathways that may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. It's advisable to check the accessibility conditions before visiting, especially for those with mobility concerns.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Cash is also accepted, though it is recommended to use mobile payments for convenience.
Vegetarian options are available, especially in the local restaurants serving Sichuan vegetarian dishes. Halal food may be harder to find but is available in larger cities like Chengdu.
Souvenir shops sell religious artifacts, including Buddha statues, incense, and prayer beads. Other items include local handicrafts, Sichuan spices, and teas.
After visiting the Statue of Samantabhadra, you can take a taxi or public transportation to Leshan city center or the Leshan Giant Buddha. For further travel, buses and trains to Chengdu are available, and the Chengdu-Shanghai high-speed rail connects to various cities.
