Leshan Giant Buddha｜A Thousand-Year-Old Buddha Overlooking the Rivers

🚩 Scenic Area Overview

The Leshan Giant Buddha, a seated Maitreya Buddha statue carved during the Tang Dynasty, stands 71 meters tall at the confluence of the Min River, Qingyi River, and Dadu River. Having watched over humanity for more than 1,300 years, this UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site is not only a sacred place of faith but also a stunning blend of natural beauty and cultural marvels.

🚌 Transportation Guide

1️⃣ From Chengdu
High-speed train: Depart from Chengdu East Station/South Station → Leshan Station (approximately 50 minutes, ticket price ¥50). Upon arrival, transfer to K1 bus or take a taxi (about 20 minutes) directly to the scenic area.
Self-driving: Take the Chengdu-Leshan Expressway (approximately 2 hours) and navigate to "Leshan Giant Buddha Tourist Center."

2️⃣ Local Transportation

Bus: Take bus routes 3 or 13 from Leshan city center to "Dafo Temple Station."
Ferry Buddha Viewing: Board a ferry at "Baxian Cave Pier" (¥70/person) for a panoramic view of the Buddha from the river. Pair this with a land tour for a complete experience.

🎫 Tickets and Opening Hours

Tickets: Land route ¥80 (includes the Buddha, Wuyou Temple, and Mahao Cliff Tombs); Water route ¥70 (ferry only).
Opening hours: April–October 07:30–18:30; November–March 08:00–17:30.
Booking tips: During peak season (May–October), it is recommended to book 1–2 days in advance via the official platform to avoid queues.

🗺️ Classic Tour Routes

Half-Day Highlights
Enter through the North Gate → [Dragon Pool and Tiger Cave] → [Lingyun Temple] → [Buddha Head Viewing Platform] → Descend via the Nine-Bend Plank Road to the Buddha Foot Platform → [Haishi Cave] → [Mahao Cliff Tombs] → [Wuyou Temple] → Exit through the South Gate.

Highlights:

Lingyun Temple: A Tang Dynasty temple with thriving incense offerings, ideal for seeking peace and blessings.
Nine-Bend Plank Road: A "sky ladder" on the cliffside, offering a close-up view of the Buddha's grandeur.
Buddha Foot Platform: Touch the thousand-year-old rock walls and marvel at the majestic confluence of three rivers.

📸 Photography Spots

1️⃣ Buddha Head Viewing Platform: Capture the Buddha's head with the river in the background; best during morning mist for a dreamy effect.
2️⃣ Su Garden Corridor: Frame the Buddha's body and red cliffs through ancient architecture for a sense of timelessness.
3️⃣ Wuyou Mountain Summit: Get a bird's-eye view of the entire Buddha; the golden hues of sunset add a magical touch.

🍜 Must-Try Leshan Cuisine

1️⃣ Qiaojiao Beef: Try "Feng Si Niang Qiaojiao Beef" for tender meat and flavorful broth, paired with spicy crispy intestines for an authentic taste.
2️⃣ Sweet-Skin Duck: "Zhao Duck" or "Ji Liu Niang" offers crispy sweet skin and savory meat.
3️⃣ Bobo Chicken: Sample the dual flavors of red oil and Sichuan pepper at "Ye Popo" or "Gu Zhen Ji."
4️⃣ Tofu Pudding: "Xiao Dou Haitang" serves egg-infused tofu pudding with over ten toppings.
📍 Food Streets: Zhanggongqiao, Jiaxiang Road, Dongda Street.

⚠️ Tips and Reminders

Clothing: Wear non-slip athletic shoes as the scenic area has many stairs and slopes. Bring a sun hat and sunscreen during summer.
Crowd Warning: The Nine-Bend Plank Road is narrow; queues during peak season can take 1–2 hours. Enter before 08:00 for a smoother experience.
Cultural Respect: Avoid loud noises inside Lingyun Temple and refrain from using flash photography when capturing Buddha images.

📌 Nearby Attractions

Leshan Confucian Temple: A serene Qing Dynasty architectural complex hidden in the old town.
Mount Emei: Take a bus from Leshan Bus Station (about 1 hour) for a combined "Buddha + Golden Summit" two-day tour.

As the Buddha's saying goes: "With a scenic heart, every place is a pure land."
May the compassionate gaze of this thousand-year-old giant Buddha guide you to a place of inner peace and clarity. 🌅