Mount Emei

Address No. 41 Mingyue South Road, Emeishan City (Base Tourist Center), Leshan, Sichuan
Hours 06:00–17:00 (Scenic buses start at 06:00; individual temples typically operate 08:00–17:30)
Phone +86 833 5533355
Announcement: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Entrance ¥160
Hours 06:00–17:00 (Sceni...
Best Season April to May for b...
Time needed 1–2 days
Last visit: Jul 15, 2026
Author: Ting Chen
Reviewer: Jun Li

Mount Emei Overview

One of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China, renowned for its profound spiritual heritage, towering peaks, and ancient monasteries hidden within lush alpine forests. The spectacular Golden Summit frequently rests above a breathtaking sea of clouds.

Mount Emei Opening Hours & Tickets

  • 06:00–17:00 (Scenic buses start at 06:00; individual temples typically operate 08:00–17:30)
  • Best season: April to May for blooming azaleas, or September to October for clear skies and autumn foliage. Winter offers magical snowscapes at the higher elevations.
  • Ticket note: The main entry ticket is valid for two consecutive days. Sightseeing buses and c...

Essential Mount Emei Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 833 5533355
  • Comprehensive scenic shuttle bus network
  • Two major cable car lines
  • Monastery guesthouses and luxury summit hotels
  • Heavy coat rentals near the summit
  • Bamboo walking stick vendors

How to Get to Mount Emei

Take a high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Emeishan Station (about 1.5 hours), followed by a 10-minute taxi ride to the Baoguo Temple Tourist Center at the mountain base.

Mount Emei Travel Safety & Advice

Dial 120. Medical clinics are available at the base tourist center and the Golden Summit. Buy a cheap bamboo walking stick at the base to help with stairs and to deter aggressive monkeys.

Practical Info

  • No. 41 Mingyue South Road, Emeishan City (Base Tourist Center), Leshan, Sichuan
  • 06:00–17:00 (Scenic buses start at 06:00; individual temples typically operate 08:00–17:30)
  • +86 833 5533355
Ting Chen
Ting Chen
Certified Senior Tour Guide
Ting Chen, a Lhasa and Chengdu-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in Southwest China itineraries covering the Potala Palace, Everest Base Camp, and Jiuzhaigou-Huanglong.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.4 (5 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • The main entry ticket is valid for two consecutive days. Sightseeing buses and c...

Online booking may be required

Tips

International travelers must bring their physical passports for ticket checks and hotel registrations. To witness the famous sunrise and 'se...

Reality Check

  • Wild Tibetan macaques along the middle hiking trails are notoriously aggressive; do not show them food or carry plastic bags.
  • Weather at the summit is highly unpredictable and drastically colder than at the base.
  • During national holidays, waiting for the shuttle buses and cable cars can take hours.

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Recent Reviews

4.4 ★★★★☆ (5)
NomadPaul_Ex Jul 13, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Mount Emei exceeded every expectation. I took the cable car up and walked down, which gave me both the incredible panoramic views and the intimate forest experience. The temples are beautifully preserved, and the scent of incense mixed with mountain air is unforgettable. The staff at the ticket office were helpful, and the signage is clear. If you go, don’t miss the ‘Sea of Clouds’ viewpoint—it’s pure magic. Already planning my return trip.

TravelBug_Le Jul 13, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

This is hands down one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. From the lush bamboo forests at the base to the ethereal cloud-covered peaks near the top, every step felt like walking through a painting. The monkeys are cheeky but fun to watch (just keep your bags zipped). I did the full hike in one day—exhausting but so worth it. The sunset from the summit left me speechless. Five stars all the way!

Hiker_Mike_8 Jul 13, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely incredible experience! Climbing Mount Emei was the highlight of my China trip. The cloud sea at dawn is something out of a dream. The trail is well-maintained, and the little teahouses along the way offer perfect rest stops. I also met a kind monk who shared stories about the mountain’s history. If you love nature and spirituality, this place is a must. 10/10 would recommend taking the two-day route and staying overnight.

Jenna_in_Asi Jul 13, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Beautiful mountain with stunning temples and lush greenery. The hike up was challenging but rewarding. I loved the ancient Buddhist atmosphere, especially at Baoguo Temple. The only downside: the food options near the summit are overpriced and mediocre. Also, if you’re not super fit, prepare for steep stairs. Still, the sunrise from the Golden Summit was magical enough to make it a 4-star trip.

TrailRunner_ Jul 13, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

I was really excited to hike Mount Emei, but honestly, it was way more crowded than I expected. Even on a weekday, the paths were packed with tour groups, and the golden summit felt like a busy market. The monkeys were aggressive and stole my snack bag. The scenery is beautiful, but the constant noise and wait times took away from the experience. For the price of admission and cable car, I expected better crowd management.

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Mount Emei Travel FAQ

Can I use credit cards at Mount Emei?
No. All ticket counters, shops, and cable car stations accept only cash, WeChat Pay, or Alipay. Foreign credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are not accepted anywhere. Bring enough cash or set up WeChat Pay with your international card beforehand (tricky but possible via a Chinese friend).
Is a Mount Emei day trip from Chengdu realistic for families with kids?
Yes, if you skip the hike entirely. Use the scenic bus and cable car. Kids under 6 get free entrance. The monkey zone is a big hit, but watch your bags. The long bus ride (45 min winding) can cause motion sickness – bring ginger candy. Total walking for a family: less than 3 km.
How do I buy the scenic bus ticket without WeChat?
The ticket office at Baoguo Temple accepts cash. Simply line up at the counter labelled “Scenic Bus” (usually third window from left). Tell the agent “Leidongping” and hand over 90 RMB. They'll give you a paper ticket – keep it for the return bus.
What's the best time of year for a Mount Emei day trip?
April-June and September-October. Summer (July-August) is rainy and crowded. Winter (Dec-Feb) has snow at the summit – beautiful but cable car may close during storms. Check the official WeChat account for real-time weather and closures.
Are there English signs on the mountain?
Basic signage at key points (bus stops, temples) has English. But most menus, ticket instructions, and announcements are in Chinese. I recommend downloading the “峨眉山” app or using Google Translate offline packs.
I only have 24 hours in Chengdu. Can I still visit Mount Emei?
Tight, but doable if you start early. Take the 7am high-speed train from Chengdu East to Emeishan station (1 hour, 65 CNY). Then a taxi to Baoguo Temple (20 mins). Take the tourist bus to Leidongping (2 hours), cable car up, see the summit, and cable car down. You'll be back in Chengdu by 9pm. Skip the hiking — you won't have time. And pray the cable car queue isn't too long.
Are there vegetarian or halal food options on the mountain?
Temples serve simple vegetarian meals (around 20-30 CNY per dish), but don't expect halal. At the summit, there's a KFC and a few noodle shops. For halal, your best bet is to bring your own food. I once had a Muslim group and we loaded up on packed lunches from Chengdu.
Is the cable car safe in winter?
The cable car runs unless wind speed exceeds 15 m/s or there's heavy ice. Check the forecast for wind gusts. In January 2024, I was stuck at Jieyin Hall for 3 hours because of high winds. If you go in winter, have a backup plan: you can hike down if needed (takes 4-5 hours, but icy steps are treacherous).
Can I use my international driving license to rent a car?
No. China does not recognize international driving permits except for a few countries (like Japan, Korea). Do not attempt to drive. Instead, use the high-speed train + local buses/taxis. I've seen tourists get fined heavily.
I have only one day. Can I still do the Mount Emei hiking trail?
Yes, but it will be rushed. Take the bus from Baoguo Temple to Wuyiangang, hike to Xixiang Pond (skip the temple there if short on time), cable car up, see the summit, cable car back, bus down. Total time: 6-7 hours. Start by 6 am. Not recommended if you want a relaxed experience.
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