Leshan Giant Buddha Budget Travel Guide

3-Day 2-Night Travel Itinerary for Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan (Budget 5000 RMB)
Get up close to the world's largest stone-carved Maitreya Buddha statue
Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the confluence of three rivers
Taste authentic Leshan cuisine
Experience the Buddhist cultural atmosphere
Day 1: Arrive in Leshan and feel the city's charm
Morning: Arrive in Leshan by high-speed train or plane; high-speed train is recommended for being more economical and convenient. High-speed train ticket costs about 150 RMB per person, taking about 1.5 hours.
Noon: Check into a hotel, preferably near the Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area for easy sightseeing. Within budget, choose a comfortable hotel, around 300 RMB per night.
Afternoon: Explore Leshan city, recommended attractions:
Leshan Confucian Temple: Experience Confucian culture, entrance fee about 20 RMB per person.
Laoxiaoding Park: Overlook the entire city of Leshan, free admission.
Evening: Taste Leshan specialty foods, recommended:
Qiaojiao Beef: Fresh and flavorful soup, about 50 RMB per person.
Sweet Skin Duck: Crispy skin and tender meat, about 40 RMB per person.
Tofu Pudding: Spicy and fragrant, about 10 RMB per person.
Day 2: In-depth tour of Leshan Giant Buddha
Morning: Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area, recommended to combine boat tour and hiking for a comprehensive view. Entrance ticket plus boat ticket about 120 RMB per person.
Boat tour: Get a close-up view of the entire Buddha statue and feel its grandeur.
Hiking: Climb along the winding plank road to observe the Buddha’s details up close and appreciate its exquisite craftsmanship.
Noon: Have lunch inside the scenic area, options include vegetarian meals or simple dishes, about 50 RMB per person.
Afternoon: Visit Wuyou Temple and Mahao Cliff Tombs to experience Buddhist culture and Han Dynasty cliff tomb culture. Entrance fee about 50 RMB per person.
Evening: Watch the live performance "Only Emei Mountain" to feel the Buddhist culture and Leshan’s humanistic history. Ticket price about 200 RMB per person.
Day 3: Leisure and return
Morning: Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely morning. You can take a walk near the hotel or try local snacks.
Noon: Depending on your return schedule, choose a suitable high-speed train or flight back.
Transportation: Round-trip high-speed train about 300 RMB per person, local transportation about 100 RMB per person.
Accommodation: 2 nights about 600 RMB per person.
Meals: About 300 RMB per person.
Tickets: About 390 RMB per person.
Others: Flexible expenses such as shopping about 200 RMB per person.
Total: About 5000 RMB per person
The Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area is quite crowded; it is recommended to buy tickets online in advance to avoid queues.
There are many steps in the scenic area; comfortable shoes are recommended.
Leshan has a humid climate; bringing rain gear is advised.
Respect Buddhist culture and be mindful of your words and actions.
If time allows, you can add an extra day to visit Mount Emei and experience the charm of this famous Buddhist mountain.
If your budget permits, you can choose higher-end hotels and dining to enhance your travel experience.
Wish you a pleasant trip!