Attractions · Leshan

The world's largest stone seated Maitreya, 71 metres tall, carved into the Lingyun Mountain cliff with the confluence of three rivers at its feet. Main highlights include the 71-metre Buddha, the Nine-Turn Cliff Walk and Lingyun Temple. Visiting tip: in peak season the queue down the Nine-Turn Cliff Walk is very long; a sightseeing boat gives the full panorama, and mornings are quieter. Practical info: the site is at Lingyun Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan; ticket ¥80 (boat extra); opening hours 07:30–18:30. Best season: March–June and September–November; Emei Shan is cool in summer, and the Golden Summit has snow in winter. It can be combined with Emei Mountain, Dongfang Fodu and the Jiayang Steam Train in Leshan for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Before setting out, check the day's opening and reservation policy and allow plenty of time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel off-peak, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your stay around the opening hours and your energy. If you are carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking.

Tip: In peak season the queue down the Nine-Turn Cliff Walk is very long; a sightseeing boat gives the full panoram…

• Address: Lingyun Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan
• Ticket: ¥80 (boat extra)
• Opening: 07:30–18:30

One of China's four great Buddhist mountains and Samantabhadra's sacred site; the Golden Summit sunrise, sea of clouds, Buddha's halo and the Ten-Direction Samantabhadra statue make up the classic Emei impression. Main highlights include Qingyin Pavilion and the monkey zone. Visiting tip: the Golden Summit requires the shuttle bus plus cable car, and it is cold on the mountain, so bring a jacket; monkeys snatch food, so do not carry plastic bags in your hands. Practical info: the site is at Emeishan, Leshan, Sichuan; ticket ¥160 (shuttle bus and cable car extra); opening hours 06:00–18:00 (Golden Summit open all year). Best season: March–June and September–November; Emei Shan is cool in summer, and the Golden Summit has snow in winter. It can be combined with the Leshan Giant Buddha, Dongfang Fodu and the Jiayang Steam Train in Leshan for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Before setting out, check the day's opening and reservation policy and allow plenty of time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel off-peak, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your stay around the opening hours and your energy.

Tip: The Golden Summit requires the shuttle bus plus cable car, and it is cold on the mountain, so bring a jacket…

• Address: Emeishan, Leshan, Sichuan
• Ticket: ¥160 (shuttle bus and cable car extra)
• Opening: 06:00–18:00 (Golden Summit open all year)

A Buddhist art theme park beside the Leshan Giant Buddha, with replicas and re-creations of famous Buddhist statues from China and abroad; easy to visit on the same day as the Giant Buddha. Main highlights include the groups of Buddhist statues, the underground palace, stone-carving art and Lingyun Mountain. Visiting tip: it is on the same route as the Leshan Giant Buddha, so if time is short you can see only the Giant Buddha; the park has many steps. Practical info: the site is at Lingyun Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan; ticket ¥80 (subject to official notice); opening hours 08:00–18:00. Best season: March–June and September–November; Emei Shan is cool in summer, and the Golden Summit has snow in winter. It can be combined with the Leshan Giant Buddha, Emei Mountain and the Jiayang Steam Train in Leshan for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Before setting out, check the day's opening and reservation policy and allow plenty of time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel off-peak, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your stay around the opening hours and your energy. If you are carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking.

Tip: It is on the same route as the Leshan Giant Buddha, so if time is short you can see only the Giant Buddha; the…

• Address: Lingyun Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan
• Ticket: ¥80 (subject to official notice)
• Opening: 08:00–18:00

One of the narrow-gauge steam passenger trains still running in the world, crossing the fields and mining area of Qianwei; most famous for the rapeseed flowers in spring. Main highlights include the narrow-gauge steam train, the Bagou mining area and the countryside. Visiting tip: departures are few, so check the timetable in advance; the March rapeseed season is the most crowded, while outside the flower season it is quieter. Practical info: the site is at Bagou Town, Qianwei County, Leshan, Sichuan; ticket about ¥80 (return; subject to official notice); opening hours 09:00–17:00 (fixed departures). Best season: March–June and September–November; Emei Shan is cool in summer, and the Golden Summit has snow in winter. It can be combined with the Leshan Giant Buddha, Emei Mountain and Dongfang Fodu in Leshan for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Before setting out, check the day's opening and reservation policy and allow plenty of time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel off-peak, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your stay around the opening hours and your energy.

Tip: Departures are few, so check the timetable in advance; the March rapeseed season is the most crowded, while ou…

• Address: Bagou Town, Qianwei County, Leshan, Sichuan
• Ticket: About ¥80 (return; subject to official notice)
• Opening: 09:00–17:00 (fixed departures)