Leshan Giant Buddha & Mount Emei
Journey through Sichuan's cultural and natural landmarks, from the world's largest ancient Buddha to the sacred peaks and monasteries of Mount Emei.
Area
Sichuan & Yangtze River
Type
Community & Culture
History
Travel from Qingcheng Mountain to Leshan, a journey of approximately two and a half hours through the Sichuan countryside. Set beside the river, Leshan is best known for two of China's most significant cultural landmarks: the Leshan Giant Buddha and nearby Mount Emei.
On arrival, visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest ancient stone Buddha in the world. Carved into the red sandstone cliffs more than 1,300 years ago, the 71-metre-high statue was commissioned in AD 713 by the monk Haitong in an effort to calm the dangerous river currents below. The sheer scale of the sculpture is remarkable, with even the Buddha's smallest toenail large enough to accommodate an adult. As you explore the site, learn about its history, construction and lasting significance within Chinese Buddhism. Although the site is popular with domestic visitors, its historical importance and dramatic setting make it one of Sichuan's most rewarding cultural experiences.
Later, continue to Emeishan, approximately 45 minutes from Leshan. Mount Emei is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China and is renowned for its temple-crowned peaks, mountain scenery and long spiritual history. Home to monasteries, resident monks and native wildlife, including the area's well-known monkeys, the mountain has been an important centre of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries and is home to the first Buddhist temple established in China outside the Himalayan region. Your guide will return you to your hotel at approximately 7:00pm.Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationChengdu Airport Hotel
Just a five-minute walk from the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, the Chengdu Airport Hotel is ideal for guests with an early departure or late arrival. Tastefully appointed rooms, an indoor pool, spa and fitness centre make it a welcoming base.
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View AccommodationNiccolo Chengdu
Niccolo Chengdu is a sophisticated and contemporary hotel set at the heart of Chengdu’s celebrated International Finance Square, renowned for its high-end shopping malls, restaurants and bars.
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View AccommodationJZ Hotel Emei
A luxury retreat hidden away in the eastern Himalayan highlands, JZ Emei Hotel is the perfect location for exploring the UNESCO-listed Mount Emei and the surrounding forests with their unique flora and fauna, hot springs and wild landscapes.
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View AccommodationHongzhushan Hotel
At the foot of Mount Emei, Hongzhushan Hotel pairs forest, lakes, and hot springs with a short walk to Baoguo Temple, gateway to one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains.
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View AccommodationMövenpick Hotel Enshi
A modern contemporary five-star with design blending Eastern and Western elements, sparked with Swiss hospitality and convenient base to access the Enshi Grand Canyon.
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View AccommodationCrowne Plaza Yichang
Located in the city centre, Crowne Plaza Yichang is situated within reasonable vicinity to key entertainment centres and attractions in Yichang. It is an ideal base for an overnight before you embark to explore the surrounding Hubei region.
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View AccommodationWanda Reign Wuhan
Set on the beautiful location by the East Lake, Wanda Reign Wuhan offers modern amenities, varied F&B options and the unique Reign Butler service.
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View AccommodationBuddha Zen Hotel
Drawing inspiration from the nearby Wenshu Zen Buddhist monastery, the Buddha Zen Hotel is a traditional boutique hotel in the historic Wen Shu Fang area of Chengdu, offering you a chance to immerse yourself in Sichuan’s Tibetan-influenced culture.
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View AccommodationUpper House Chengdu
The Temple House is the latest addition to the Swire Group and is just as unique as its sister properties in Beijing and Shanghai. A fusion of traditional charm and modern elegance, this stunning property is the perfect base for exploring Chengdu.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceDujiangyan Panda Base and Dujiangyan Dam
Gain a deeper understanding of Sichuan through close encounters with giant pandas and a visit to one of China's greatest engineering achievements, still shaping the landscape more than 2,000 years after its construction.
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View ExperienceQingcheng Mountain & Tai Chi Experience
Discover the spiritual traditions of Qingcheng Mountain through Tai Chi, Taoist heritage and mountain trails leading to sweeping views across Sichuan's countryside.
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View ExperienceTemples and Trails of Mount Emei
Explore the sacred landscapes of Mount Emei, walking among ancient monasteries, forested slopes and mist-shrouded peaks on one of China's most important Buddhist mountains.
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View ExperienceSichuan Flavours & Chengdu Heritage
Discover Chengdu through its culture and cuisine, exploring the city's history before learning the flavours and techniques that define Sichuan cooking.
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View ExperienceShennong Peak & Longtan Valley
Discover Shennongjia's key spots, including Shennong Peak Scenic Area, Shennong Valley and Banbi Rock. Afterwards, you have the opportunity to come face-to-face with the golden apes at Longtan Valley.
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View ExperienceRed Grassland
Red Grassland is an ideal scenic places for photography. Be astonished by the impressive visual impact of the red, blue, white and yellow in the colorful Red Grassland. The tour is only available between 24 September and 12 October.
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View ExperienceChonggu Temple & Pearl Lake
Arriving into Yading Nature Reserve, you will enjoy a hike to Chonggu Temple for a view of the Xiannairi holy peak. Afterwards, you will visit Pearl Lake.
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View ExperienceTenglong Cave & Qingjiang River
For the active travellers who enjoy challenging hikes, we will explore Tenglong Cave with its famous natural stone forest and hike along the Qingjiang River Bank.
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View ExperienceFull Day Tour of Chengdu and Panda Experience
Enjoy a full day tour of Chengdu exploring the wonder of the Wenshu Temple, take a visit to the ancient Jinli Street, and of course spending time at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base to marvel at these majestic and rare animals.
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View ExperienceMonasteries, Teahouses & Sichuan Opera
Experience Chengdu through its spiritual heritage, teahouse culture and celebrated traditions, from Buddhist monasteries and historic alleyways to hotpot and Sichuan opera.
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