Leshan area - 1 day or 2 days?

Question

Hello,

In April I will be in ChengDu and I am planning to dedicate two days to Leshan area. I wonder what makes more sense, so that I am not in a hurry, but I am not missing must-see places:

Option 1: going to Leshan in the morning, and staying there until early afternoon next day, then back to Chengdu.

Option 2: splitting these two days between Emeishan and Leshan, but my hard stop is really early afternoon on the second day.

I appreciate your suggestions!

In Option 2 better to go first to Emeishan and then Leshan, or opposite? Also, which place is better to spend a night?

Thanks

Robert

Answer

Hello Robert,

Your plan for the Leshan and Emeishan area can be adjusted depending on your priorities: whether you want a relaxed pace or to see both major attractions.

Option 1: Focus on Leshan Only

Spending two days in Leshan allows you to explore the Leshan Giant Buddha area without rushing. This includes:

Walking around the Giant Buddha and the surrounding park.
Taking a boat ride for a different perspective of the Buddha.
Exploring nearby temples and scenic spots along the river.

Staying overnight in Leshan town is convenient and allows a morning visit on the second day when it’s less crowded. You can return to Chengdu in early afternoon comfortably.

Option 2: Split Between Emeishan and Leshan

This option is suitable if you want to experience Mount Emei but are constrained by time.

Go first to Emeishan: Spend the afternoon exploring lower scenic areas or the first few temples on the mountain. Staying overnight on Emeishan (near the base or at a mid-mountain hotel) allows you to see sunrise views and finish your visit early next morning.
Then proceed to Leshan in the morning: Dedicate a few hours to the Giant Buddha and nearby attractions before heading back to Chengdu by early afternoon.

Recommendation:

If your priority is a relaxed pace without rushing, choose Option 1 and dedicate two days to Leshan. This is also less tiring if you are not keen on climbing Emei.
If you want to experience Mount Emei, go with Option 2. Go to Emeishan first, spend the night there, and then visit Leshan in the morning. Staying on Emeishan is better than in Leshan in this case because it minimizes back-and-forth travel and allows you to see the mountain early when it’s less crowded.

Additional Tips:

Check transportation schedules between Emeishan and Leshan; buses or private cars take about 1–1.5 hours.
April is spring in Sichuan, so weather can be variable; bring layers and waterproof gear if visiting Emei.
Start early in the morning for either Emei or Leshan to avoid crowds and maximize sightseeing.

In summary, for a relaxed visit with ample time, Option 1 is best. For a quick combined experience of both sites, use Option 2 with Emeishan first, overnight there, and Leshan in the morning.

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