Ming Yang
What You'll Find Here
Your feet hurt, your phone is dying, and you're stuck in a line that hasn't moved in 20 minutes. Welcome to the Leshan Giant Buddha at noon. I've brought dozens of groups here, and I can tell you one thing: the things to do in Leshan go far beyond the main attraction. But if you don't plan, you'll waste half your day queuing under the Sichuan sun.
Let me cut to the chase. The single most important tip: go to the Giant Buddha at 8:00 AM, or skip the queue entirely by taking a boat. Now, let's dive into the best things to do in Leshan that'll make your trip unforgettable.
Why Leshan?
Leshan is a small city in Sichuan province, famous for the largest stone Buddha in the world — 71 meters tall, carved into a cliff face. But beyond that, it's a laid-back town with incredible food, peaceful temples, and a gateway to Mt. Emei. Most travelers only spend a day here, but you could easily fill two days if you know where to go.
How to Skip the Crowds at the Giant Buddha?
Let me be honest: the Giant Buddha is a must-see, but the experience can be spoiled by the crowds. Here's my field-tested strategy:
- Go early or go by boat. The ticket office opens at 7:30 AM. Arrive by 7:45 and you'll be one of the first to walk down the Nine-Turn Stairway. By 10 AM, the line can be 2 hours long.
- Book your ticket online via the official WeChat mini-program or Trip.com. Yes, the mini-program is in Chinese — I always ask my hotel receptionist to help. It saves you from queuing at the ticket counter.
- Boat tour is a great alternative. You'll get a full view of the Buddha from the river, and no stairs. Boats run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, cost 70 RMB per person, and take about 30 minutes. Highly recommended if you have mobility issues or hate crowds.
Top Things to Do in Leshan
1. Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
Address: No. 2435 Lingyun Road, Shizhong District. Opens 7:30-18:30 (summer), 8:00-17:30 (winter). Ticket: 80 RMB (adult), 40 RMB (student/senior 60+). The site includes the Buddha, the ancient Lingyun Temple, and a few smaller pagodas. Allow 2-3 hours. Best photo spot: from the opposite riverbank at sunset.
2. Wuyou Temple
A peaceful Buddhist temple on a hilltop with stunning views of the river. Admission is included in the Giant Buddha ticket. Most tourists miss it because they're exhausted after the Buddha. Don't — it's a serene escape. The temple has a vegetarian restaurant (open 11:00-14:00, about 30 RMB per person).
3. Leshan Old Town (Shizhong District)
Wander the narrow streets near the river. You'll find street vendors selling spicy tofu curd, braised beef, and sticky rice cakes. The atmosphere is gritty and real — nothing like the polished tourist zones. I always stop at Zhanggong Qiao (a small bridge) for a night view of the lit-up Buddha across the river.
4. Mt. Emei (Day Trip)
If you have a second day, Mt. Emei is a 30-minute train ride from Leshan. The sacred Buddhist mountain offers hiking, monkeys, and Golden Summit. But be warned: it's a full-day commitment. The cable car up to Golden Summit costs 65 RMB one-way, and the summit can be cold even in summer — bring a jacket.
| Attraction | Ticket (RMB) | Opening Hours | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Buddha | 80 (adult), 40 (child/senior) | 7:30-18:30 (summer) | 2-3 hours |
| Wuyou Temple | Included | Same as Buddha | 1 hour |
| Boat Tour | 70 | 8:00-17:00 | 30 min |
| Mt. Emei | 160 (peak season) | 6:00-18:00 | Full day |
Where to Eat in Leshan
Leshan's food is legendary in Sichuan. Here are three places I always take my guests:
- Fang Jie Huo Guo — Address: 188 Bayi Road. This hotpot place uses bone broth and local beef. Spicy but manageable. Average 80 RMB per person. They have an English menu with pictures. Cash or WeChat, no international cards. Dinner rush means a 30-minute wait; go at 5 PM.
- Ye Xiao Wan — Night market stall near Zhanggong Qiao. Their cold noodles with chili oil and sliced beef are addictive. 15 RMB per bowl. No English, but just point at what others are eating. I always order the dan dan noodles.
- Lingyun Vegetarian — Inside Wuyou Temple. Good if you need a break from meat. The mock meat dishes are surprisingly tasty. 30 RMB set meal.
Where to Stay in Leshan
For a day trip, staying near the Giant Buddha is best. Here are three options:
| Hotel | Address | Price Range (RMB/night) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zizai Hotel | Near Lingyun Road, 500m from Buddha entrance | 300-500 | Clean, English-speaking front desk, stable WiFi. Quiet rooms. |
| Leshan Jianguo Hotel | City center, 15 min taxi to Buddha | 200-350 | Good value, but rooms can be noisy. Breakfast included. |
| Home Inn | Near Leshan Railway Station | 150-250 | Budget option, no frills. Luggage storage available. Great for backpackers. |
Pro tip: If you're doing a day trip from Chengdu, you don't need to stay overnight. High-speed trains run until 9 PM.
Leshan Day Trip Itinerary
Here's a realistic one-day plan, tested with my groups:
- 7:45 AM — Arrive at Giant Buddha entrance (booked ticket in hand). Go straight down the stairs. No line.
- 9:00 AM — Explore Lingyun Temple and Wuyou Temple. Light breakfast at the vegetarian restaurant.
- 11:00 AM — Take a 30-minute boat tour (ticket bought online). Get the classic Buddha photo.
- 12:30 PM — Lunch at Fang Jie Huo Guo or grab street food.
- 2:00 PM — Stroll through Old Town, try some snacks.
- 4:00 PM — Head to the riverside park for a relaxed walk. If you're up for it, visit the Leshan Museum (free, nearby).
- 6:00 PM — Dinner at the night market.
- 7:30 PM — Catch the high-speed train back to Chengdu (or stay for a night).
Alternative plan for rainy days: Skip the boat, spend more time at the temples, and do a cooking class (available at some hotels). The Leshan Museum is indoor and free.
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