leshan giant buddha tour

A comprehensive travel guide to the Leshan Giant Buddha, covering history, admission tickets, routes, hotel recommendations, and culinary highlights, compiled in accordance with the latest policies:

I. Historical Background

Construction History: Carved in the first year of the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty (713 AD), it was initiated by Monk Haitong to pacify the turbulent waters of the three rivers (Minjiang, Qingyi, and Dadu) and protect navigation. The project took 90 years to complete and was finished in the 19th year of the Zhenyuan era (803 AD) by Wei Gao, the military governor of Jiannan.

Architectural Features: Standing 71 meters tall, with a shoulder width of 24 meters, ear length of 7 meters (accommodating two people standing), and a foot width of 8.5 meters (seating over a hundred people), it is the world’s tallest stone-carved seated Maitreya Buddha. The statue is carved into the cliff of Lingyun Mountain, with a hidden drainage system to reduce weathering, creating the marvelous sight of “the mountain is a Buddha, and the Buddha is a mountain.”

Protection and Honors: Listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit in 1982, and jointly selected with Mount Emei as a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site in 1996.

II. Ticket Prices and Opening Hours

Ticket Prices: 80 yuan (all-inclusive ticket including Wuyou Temple and Mahao Cliff Tombs); 50 yuan for a boat tour to view the Buddha; 37 yuan for Dongfang Fodu (optional).

Discounts: Half price for students and seniors over 60; free admission for active-duty military personnel and retired government officials.

Opening Hours:

Peak Season (April 1–October 7): 7:30 AM–6:30 PM, last entry at 6:30 PM;

Off-season (October 8 to March 31 of the following year): 08:00-17:30, last entry at 17:30.

Reservations: Advance reservations must be made via the “Great Buddha Tourism” official WeChat account (Lingyun Mountain area has a daily visitor limit of 28,000 people).

Note: Starting in March 2024, the Buddha’s Foot Platform will be temporarily closed, with reopening date to be announced; the Nine-Turns Plank Road may be closed during the rainy season.

III. Recommended Tour Routes

One-Day Highlights Tour (6-8 hours)

Morning: Enter through the North Gate → Lingyun Temple (Tang Dynasty ancient temple) → Descend the Nine-Turns Plank Road → Buddha’s Foot Viewing Platform (panoramic view of the Buddha from below) → overlook the confluence of the three rivers from the viewing platform.

Lunch: dine at Zhanggong Bridge Food Street outside the scenic area (bowl chicken, sweet-skinned duck).

Afternoon: take a cruise from Jiazhou Ferry Terminal (30 minutes, best view of the Buddha’s full form) → Wuyou Temple (Han Dynasty cliff tombs).

Two-Day In-Depth Tour

Day 1: Leshan Giant Buddha core area + Mahao Cliff Tombs (Han Dynasty murals) + Dongpo Tower (Su Shi culture) + night tour of Jiadingfang Ancient Street.

Day 2: Option A: Take the high-speed rail to Emei Mountain (20 minutes) to visit Baoguo Temple and the Golden Summit; or Option B: Take the Jianwei Jiayang Steam Train (steam train through the gorge) to Luocheng Ancient Town (Ship-shaped Old Street).

Time-saving tips: During peak season, enter the park before 7 AM to avoid crowds; choose the Wuyouba Pier for boat tours to avoid long queues.

IV. Hotel Accommodation Recommendations

Hotel Name Location and Transportation Features and Price

City Convenience Hotel No. 4, Daqiao West Street, City Center District, 10-minute walk to the scenic area Economy-class, smart room control, ￥200-300 per night, suitable for those on a budget

Lifeng Hotel No. 1188 Binhe Road, 2.5 kilometers from the scenic area (15-minute drive) High-end, lavender-scented + smart devices, ￥400-600 per night, Binhe Road offers a distant view of the Giant Buddha

5. Food Recommendations (Must-try in Leshan!)

Bobo Chicken: Leshan original! Skewered chicken bones in red oil soup, topped with white sesame seeds. Recommended: Gu Zhen Ji (Sichuan pepper flavor with chicken soup rice) or Ye Po Po, priced by skewer (meat 80 cents/vegetarian 50 cents).

Sweet-Skinned Duck: Braised duck coated with sugar and deep-fried, crispy skin and fragrant meat. Ji Liu Jiao (thick sugar coating) vs. Zhao Ya Zi (well-seasoned braised meat), buy half a duck and get braised tofu skin for free.

Qiao Jiao Beef: Medicinal herb-infused beef bone soup with beef/beef offal, dipped in dry sauce. Fang Fang or Feng San Jiao, must-try: beef spinal cord + beef blood curd.

Tofu Pudding + Ka Bing: Bone broth-thickened tofu pudding with glass noodles, served with steamed pork intestine ka bing. Jiu Jiu Tofu Pudding or Niu Hua Tofu Pudding.

Snacks: Ka Ka Er (sweet and sour spicy oil tofu skin stuffed with radish threads), Egg Pancake (cream/meat floss filling), San Xian Ice Powder (rice wine + small dumplings).

Food Street Area: Zhanggong Bridge (popular with tourists), Mahao Fishing Village (favorite among locals, with boat-shaped architecture).

Warm Reminders

Transportation: Chengdu East Station → Leshan Station (high-speed rail, 45 minutes), then take bus K1 directly to the north gate of the scenic area.

Safety: The Nine-Turns Plank Walk is steep; hold onto the railings securely; bring a sun hat and sneakers in summer.

Culture: Carving on Buddha statues is prohibited (fine of 200 yuan); do not photograph monks inside temples.

Leshan combines a thousand years of Buddhist charm with a culinary feast. The itinerary is designed to avoid peak hours and incorporate food stops for a better experience! For more real-time updates, check the official website or official WeChat account.