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Leshan is best known for a single sight, the 71-metre Giant Buddha carved into a cliff at the meeting point of three rivers, but the surrounding scenic area holds temples, Han dynasty cliff tombs and a replica Buddhist park that together fill a full day. Entrance to the walking route costs 80 RMB, the river cruise is 70 RMB, and most travellers pair Leshan with a day trip to Mount Emei. Here are the specific attractions, with hours, prices and practical tips. Check the Leshan weather by month page for conditions, and use the Leshan guide to plan the wider trip.
Things to Do in Leshan: The Giant Buddha and Its Surroundings
Leshan Giant Buddha
The 71-metre (233-foot) statue is the largest stone Buddha in the world, carved over 90 years from 713 to 803 AD under the monk Haitong. It faces the confluence of the Min, Dadu and Qingyi rivers. You can view it two ways: walk the cliff path from the top of the head down to the feet (80 RMB), or take a 70 RMB boat from the pier for a straight-on river view without the queues. Hours are 07:30 to 18:30 from April to early October and 08:00 to 17:30 the rest of the year, with a night session from about 19:00 to 22:00. Foreign visitors must bring a physical passport to buy tickets.
Nine Turns Plank Road (Lingyun Plank Road)
This narrow stone staircase zigzags down the cliff beside the Buddha from the head to the feet, and it is the route that generates the longest lines, often one to three hours on weekends and holidays. The path is steep, uneven and one-way at busy times. Do it first thing after the 07:30 opening, before tour groups arrive, and allow 30 to 60 minutes to descend at a comfortable pace.
Lingyun Temple
Built on Lingyun Mountain directly behind the Buddha, this temple predates the statue and marks the spot where Haitong began the project. Entry is included in the 80 RMB walking ticket. The temple halls are quieter than the viewing platform, and the bell tower area gives a good top-down angle on the Buddha without the crowd at the railing.
Things to Do in Leshan: Temples, Tombs and Museums
Wuyou Temple and Wuyou Island
Wuyou Island sits in the Min River next to the Buddha and holds Wuyou Temple, a Ming and Qing era complex reached by a short walk from the scenic area. It is included in the 80 RMB ticket and is far less crowded than the main viewing route. The temple grounds give a clean view of the Buddha from across the water and are a good place to sit out a midday crowd surge.
Oriental Buddha Capital
A separate 90 RMB ticket covers this park of replica Buddhist statues on the hillside behind the main scenic area, including a 170-metre reclining Buddha and thousands of smaller carvings. Opening hours match the main site, roughly 08:00 to 17:30. It is skippable if you are short on time, but worth it for travellers who want the full Buddhist-art context in one visit.
Mahao Cliff Tombs
These Han dynasty (202 BC to 220 AD) tombs are carved into the cliffs along the river south of the Buddha and hold original stone reliefs and carvings, some more than 1,800 years old. They are included in the 80 RMB walking ticket and sit along the path between the Buddha and Wuyou Temple, so they add little walking time.
Leshan Museum
The city museum near the old town covers Leshan’s salt-trading and river-port history and the construction of the Buddha, with free admission and hours of roughly 09:00 to 17:00 (closed Mondays). It is a useful indoor fallback on rainy days, which are frequent in summer. Pair it with a walk through the old town river confluence area.
Things to Do in Leshan: Riverfront and Day Trips
Three Rivers Confluence Riverside Walk
The point where the Min, Dadu and Qingyi rivers meet is the geographic heart of Leshan and why the Buddha was built there. A paved riverside promenade runs along the Min River with views of the Buddha across the water. It is free, open all day and best at sunset. This is also where the Dragon Boat Festival races are held in June.
Mount Emei Day Trip
Mount Emei, one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains and a UNESCO site in its own right, is about 30km from Leshan and reachable by train or bus in under an hour. Its summit sits at 3,099 metres and the golden samantabhadra statue and sea of clouds are the main draws. Budget a full day, or stay overnight at the base town of Emeishan if you want to see the sunrise from the top. For transport details, see the Leshan travel tips guide.
For a month-by-month view of what the weather will be like while you sightsee, read the best time to visit Leshan guide before fixing your dates. If you plan to stay overnight, the where to stay in Leshan guide lists hotels by area.
