Live Your Best Lives
Lingyun Mountain is famous for its scenic views, Buddhist temples, and ancient carvings. Visitors can hike up the mountain trails, visit the Lingyun Temple, explore the ancient stone carvings, and enjoy panoramic views from the summit. It’s also a great spot for photography and relaxation in nature.
The Lingyun Mountain Scenic Area, encompassing nearly 20 square kilometers and encompassing the Lingyun Mountain Taoist City, Baishan Buddhist City, and Tushan Confucian Cultural Center, overlooks Mount Emei from afar, overlooking the Three Rivers. Its nine peaks, dotted with overlapping peaks, create a majestic spectacle.
According to unearthed cultural relics and historical records, since the time of Emperor Ming of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism have competed to build palaces and temples here. Before the Cultural Revolution, dozens of grand palaces, temples and altars still remained. The incense was prosperous and long-lasting, and scholars and ladies from far and near came to worship, and it flourished for a thousand years.
Lingyun Mountain boasts a rich and rich tradition of culture. Its spiritual beauty stems from its feng shui, topography, temples, stone carvings, and abundant natural ecology. Lush forests and bamboo groves lushly adorn the mountain year-round, while the crimson cliffs offer breathtaking beauty in all seasons. Below, three rivers converge, surging with turquoise waves. Cruise ships ply the waves, and the shimmering waters reach the heavens, creating a natural spectacle. Since ancient times, Lingyun has been hailed as the crowning beauty of Southwest China's landscapes, eulogized by literati and poets throughout the ages.
Suitable for all seasons
Here you can find the world's largest stone-carved Maitreya Buddha sitting on the cliff, as well as the magnificent Lingyun Ancient Temple, Su Dongpo's Study, the Zhiyi Cave from the Song Dynasty, the Zhuyi Cave from the Ming Dynasty, as well as the Haishi Cave, Lingbao Pagoda, the Forest of Steles, the Moon Pavilion, the ruins of Jiuding City from the Song Dynasty and other famous scenic spots.
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
Tickets are included in the Leshan Scenic Area ticket
All day
Lingyun Mountain is known for its rich cultural history, particularly as a site of Buddhist importance. The Lingyun Temple, situated on the mountain, dates back to the Tang Dynasty, and the mountain is famous for its ancient stone carvings, including the impressive Lingyun Buddha. It is a popular spiritual and cultural destination.
Lingyun Mountain is located in Leshan, Sichuan. It can be accessed by taxi or bus from Leshan city center. The mountain is about 30 kilometers from the Leshan Giant Buddha, making it easy to combine both attractions in one trip. For those driving, parking is available near the entrance to the mountain.
The mountain is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is in spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and the mountain is covered in lush greenery. It is best to avoid peak summer months to escape the heat.
The entrance fee to Lingyun Mountain is around 50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the mountain or through local ticket platforms online. Some tour agencies also offer packaged tours to the mountain.
It is not usually necessary to book tickets in advance unless visiting during peak tourist seasons or holidays. For a more relaxed experience, booking a few days in advance is recommended, especially if you want to secure a guided tour.
To fully explore Lingyun Mountain, including hiking, visiting the temples, and enjoying the views, plan to spend about 2-4 hours. If you prefer a more leisurely visit, you might want to allocate extra time for relaxation and photography.
The must-see highlights include the Lingyun Buddha carvings, the Lingyun Temple, the panoramic view from the top of the mountain, and the peaceful hiking trails through the forested areas. Don’t miss the stone inscriptions along the way, which are of historical significance.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. English-speaking guides are less common, but some tours may offer basic translation. Audio guides are not typically available, but some tour groups provide basic information in English.
The best viewpoints are from the summit of Lingyun Mountain, where you can capture expansive views of the surrounding area. The Lingyun Buddha carving itself is also an iconic photography spot. Early morning or late afternoon light provides the best conditions for photography.
Start at the entrance and hike up the main trail, stopping to visit Lingyun Temple and other significant landmarks. Once you reach the summit, take in the panoramic views before descending. If you have time, explore the surrounding forest areas for a more immersive nature experience.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Lingyun Mountain. The best experience is during daylight hours when you can fully appreciate the natural beauty and historical landmarks.
Lingyun Mountain can be crowded during weekends and holidays, particularly in spring and autumn. To avoid crowds, it is best to visit on weekdays or in the early morning during the off-season.
The mountain offers basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and water fountains. There are a few local vendors selling snacks and drinks, but it is advisable to bring your own water and snacks if you plan to hike for an extended period.
While there are paved paths at the base of the mountain, the main hiking trails are steep and can be challenging for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues. It is recommended that visitors with disabilities seek assistance or consider visiting the lower parts of the mountain, where access is easier.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted, but it is always a good idea to carry some cash, especially when buying snacks or small items from local vendors who may not accept cards.
There are no large restaurants inside the mountain area, but small food stalls near the entrance offer basic snacks. For better dining options, you can head to Leshan city, where you’ll find a variety of Sichuan cuisine restaurants.
Vegetarian options may be available at the local food stalls, though options are limited. For vegan or halal food, it is recommended to visit restaurants in Leshan city, where there are more diverse dining choices.
There are a few guesthouses and budget hotels near the base of Lingyun Mountain. For more comfortable accommodations, it is advisable to stay in Leshan city, where there are a wide range of hotels, including mid-range and luxury options.
Lingyun Mountain is close to the famous Leshan Giant Buddha, which is another must-see attraction in the area. You can easily combine both sites in a day trip, as they are located about 30 km apart. The nearby Wuyou Mountain and the scenic Qianfoya Temple are also worth visiting.
There are small souvenir stalls near the entrance of Lingyun Mountain offering local handicrafts, tea, and other traditional Sichuan souvenirs. Popular items include Buddhist-themed trinkets, incense, and small carved wooden statues.
After visiting Lingyun Mountain, you can take a taxi or a local bus to explore nearby attractions such as the Leshan Giant Buddha. Public buses and ride-sharing services like Didi are also available for convenient transportation.
