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Located in the southwest of the Sichuan Basin, Leshan, formerly known as Jiazhou, has a history dating back over 2,000 years. Because there was a mountain to the south of the city, it was renamed Leshan in the early Qing Dynasty. It is a national historical and cultural city and the only city in China with three World Heritage sites (Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, Mount Emei Scenic Area, and Dongfeng Weir).
Leshan, once a land of vibrant and fragrant crabapples, earned the nickname "Fragrant Crabapple Country." Its unique natural and cultural landscapes are Leshan's primary tourist attraction. Here, we can witness nature's uncanny creativity, sculpting the majestic Sleeping Buddha of Leshan; while Buddhist culture, through the efforts of generations, has created a rich artistic atmosphere, including the Leshan Giant Buddha.
Leshan has distinct four seasons, and spring and autumn are the best time to visit.
Leshan Giant Buddha
"Buddha is a mountain, and the mountain is a Buddha." The Buddha can seat more than a hundred people. It is 18 meters taller than the Pamiang Buddha in Afghanistan (53 meters high), which was once known as the largest Buddha in the world. It is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world to date.
Mount Emei
Located in Emeishan City, Sichuan Province, China, it is a famous tourist destination and a renowned Buddhist mountain. It is a national-level mountain scenic area in China that combines natural scenery with Buddhist culture. Mount Emei is one of the four famous Buddhist mountains in my country.
Dongfeng Weir
It is a world irrigation engineering heritage located in Jiajiang County, Leshan City, Sichuan Province. It is also the only world irrigation engineering heritage in Sichuan Province. Together with Tongji Weir in Lishui, Zhejiang, Ziqiaojie Terraces in Xinhua, Hunan and Mulanbi in Putian, Fujian, it was listed in the first batch of World Irrigation Engineering Heritage List in my country.
Recommended play time: 2-3 days
Leshan is most famous for the Leshan Giant Buddha, a massive statue carved into a cliff during the Tang Dynasty (8th century). The statue represents the Maitreya Buddha and was created to calm the turbulent waters of the rivers below. It holds cultural and religious significance, particularly in Chinese Buddhism, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Leshan is located in Sichuan Province, about 120 kilometers southeast of Chengdu. You can take a bus or train from Chengdu to Leshan (about 1.5–2 hours). Once in Leshan, taxis and local buses can take you to the Giant Buddha and other attractions.
The Leshan Giant Buddha is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Avoid public holidays, especially Chinese New Year, for a more relaxed experience.
The entrance fee for the Leshan Giant Buddha is around 90 RMB for the standard ticket. There are also combined tickets available for other nearby attractions, such as the Lingbao Temple and the riverboat tour. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance.
It is not required to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons or holidays. Booking a few days in advance should suffice, especially if you are planning to join a guided tour.
A visit to the Leshan Giant Buddha can take around 2–3 hours, including time for the boat tour and walking around the temple grounds. If you plan to explore nearby temples and Mount Emei, you may need an additional day.
Guided tours are available in both Mandarin and English. Audio guides are also offered in various languages, including English, and can be rented at the entrance for a small fee.
Start by visiting the Giant Buddha, where you can take the boat tour to view the statue from the river. Afterward, explore the surrounding temples and hike to the top for a different perspective. End your visit with a trip to the nearby Leshan Museum if you are interested in learning more about the history of the Buddha and the region.
Night visits are not generally available, but you can enjoy the beauty of the Buddha illuminated at night from certain vantage points. There are no regular light shows, but special cultural events may take place during festivals.
The Leshan Giant Buddha can get crowded during weekends and holidays, especially in the summer and around Chinese New Year. For a more peaceful experience, visit during the off-season (winter or early spring) and try to go early in the morning on weekdays.
There are public toilets, water stations, and food stalls near the entrance and around the Giant Buddha area. Rest areas are available, and small shops sell souvenirs and snacks. For a wider variety of food options, visit nearby restaurants in the city center.
The Leshan Giant Buddha is accessible for elderly visitors and children, but be prepared for some steep stairs. However, those with mobility challenges may find it difficult to access certain areas, such as the boat tours or hiking trails. There are some accessible paths around the Buddha and the temple grounds.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted, especially in larger shops and restaurants. Credit cards may not be accepted at all places, so it's a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases.
There are a number of local restaurants and cafes near the entrance to the Giant Buddha, offering Sichuan cuisine, including hotpot and noodles. For a wider range of options, head into the city center of Leshan.
Vegetarian options are available at many of the local restaurants in the area, as Sichuan cuisine often includes vegetarian dishes like tofu and vegetable stir-fries. Halal food may be available in larger cities nearby, such as Chengdu.
There are several hotels and guesthouses near the Leshan Giant Buddha, including mid-range options and budget hostels. For more luxurious stays, you can find accommodations in the city center of Leshan or Chengdu, about 1.5–2 hours away by car.
There are many souvenir shops near the Leshan Giant Buddha selling religious items, local crafts, and Buddhist memorabilia, such as prayer beads, statues, and incense.
You can continue your journey to nearby destinations like Chengdu or Mount Emei by bus or train from Leshan’s central station. Taxis and private cars are also available for more convenience.
