Leshan 10-day journey: living life like poetry amid Buddhist charm and natural beauty Leshan, a city gently embraced by the Min River, Dadu River, and Qingyi River
🏞️ Leshan 10-day journey: living life like poetry amid Buddhist charm and natural beauty
Leshan, a city gently embraced by the Min River, Dadu River, and Qingyi River, boasts the thousand-year Buddhist charm of the Leshan Giant Buddha, the sea of clouds and sunrise at Emei Mountain’s Golden Summit, the lively atmosphere of Suji Ancient Town, and the nostalgic Jia Yang narrow-gauge train. It’s unassuming yet full of natural elegance and rich culture. This 10-day itinerary is free of rushed check-ins, inviting you to take your time and savor every moment. Perfect for those looking to escape the noise and experience the blend of nature and culture. 🌿
Day 1–2: first encounter with Leshan, stroll among the giant Buddha and ancient temples 🏯
When you arrive in Leshan, don’t rush. Immerse yourself in the city’s streets and alleys. In the morning, head straight to the Leshan Giant Buddha (ticket 80 CNY), a UNESCO World Heritage site and China’s largest stone-carved Maitreya Buddha statue. Nestled by the mountain and water, it’s majestic and the perfect place to feel the thousand-year Buddhist atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit Oriental Buddha City, Lingyun Temple, Wuyou Temple, and the Nine-Bend Plank Road. Walk along the Min River to experience the tranquility of ancient temples and the thrilling plank road. For lunch, try sweet-skinned duck, crispy on the outside and tender inside, a local favorite; then sample spicy and flavorful boiled chicken skewers, a street food staple!
💡 Tips: Expect a lot of walking in the scenic area, so wear comfortable shoes. The Nine-Bend Plank Road is narrow and steep, so be careful. Transportation in the city is convenient by taxi or bus.
Day 3–4: explore Emei Mountain, meet the Golden Summit and monkey area 🐒
These two days are filled with the sacredness of snowy mountains and the wild charm of nature. In the morning, visit Emei Mountain Scenic Area (ticket 160 CNY), a national 5A tourist attraction, a famous Buddhist mountain in China, and a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site. The main peak, Wanfo Summit, stands 3,099 meters high. The most scenic spot is the Golden Summit, known for its sea of clouds, sunrise, Buddha’s light, and sacred lamp. In the afternoon, tour Baoguo Temple, Fuhu Temple, Qingyin Pavilion, and the ecological monkey area to experience the long-lasting Zen atmosphere and natural wilderness. For lunch, try Emei tofu pudding, delicate and fragrant, melting in your mouth; then taste Ye’er Ba, soft and fragrant with a sweet and savory flavor; finish with snow konjac, smooth and chewy with a spicy kick!
💡 Tips: It’s cold at the summit, so dress warmly with a down jacket, hat, and gloves. Get up early to watch the sunrise; the sea of clouds is spectacular on clear days. Respect Buddhist culture by keeping quiet and protecting the environment.
Day 5–6: reach the Golden Summit, enjoy the sea of clouds and sunrise 🌅
These days let you experience the grandeur of snowy mountains and the peace of faith. In the morning, go to Emei Mountain Golden Summit (3,079 meters above sea level), the peak of Emei, where the statue of Samantabhadra is solemn and sacred, Huazang Temple is simple and elegant, and She Shen Cliff is steep and spectacular. In the afternoon, stroll the Golden Summit to admire the rolling sea of clouds and feel the wonder of “four seasons on one mountain, different weather within ten miles.” For lunch, have vegetarian dishes, light and tasty with rich nutrition; then try wild vegetable hot pot, full of mountain flavors, warming body and soul!
💡 Tips: It’s windy at the summit, so dress warmly. The round-trip cable car costs 120 CNY, and the sightseeing bus costs 90 CNY; choose based on your stamina. Respect religious sites and behave politely.
Day 7–8: visit ancient towns, ride the narrow-gauge train through time 🚂
These days let you experience the lively atmosphere of ancient towns and the memory of industry. In the morning, visit Suji Ancient Town, the birthplace of Qiaojiao beef, founded in the Song Dynasty and famous for its Qiaojiao beef, making it the first stop to taste authentic Leshan cuisine. In the afternoon, take the Jia Yang narrow-gauge train (round-trip ticket about 160 CNY), a national industrial heritage site. This century-old train passes through mines, fields, and tunnels, offering a glimpse of industrial history and rural scenery. Then visit Luocheng Ancient Town, a boat-shaped town surrounded by water on three sides, resembling a giant ship, with well-preserved ancient buildings full of charm. For lunch, try Qiaojiao beef, with fresh broth and tender meat, warming your heart and stomach; then taste brown sugar cake, crispy outside and soft inside, sweet and delicious; finish with crispy ka cake, crunchy and flavorful the more you chew!
💡 Tips: Buy Jia Yang train tickets in advance; it’s crowded on holidays, so start early. There’s a lot of walking in the ancient towns, so wear comfortable shoes. Respect local customs and travel responsibly.
Day 9–10: nature and ecology tour, hike through bamboo sea and canyon 🌿
The last two days let you enjoy pure nature and the joy of hiking. In the morning, visit Muchuan Bamboo Sea, a vast bamboo forest with rolling green waves and fresh air. Walk the bamboo plank road for a refreshing experience. In the afternoon, head to Jinkouhe Grand Canyon, a deep canyon with towering cliffs and rushing river, offering spectacular scenery and excellent hiking. Then visit Heizhugou, a primeval forest sanctuary with streams and waterfalls, perfect for hiking, breathing fresh air, and connecting with nature. For lunch, enjoy the Bamboo Feast, featuring bamboo shoots, bamboo fungus, bamboo leaves, and more, fresh and fragrant; then try bamboo tube rice, with bamboo aroma infused into the soft, fragrant rice, pure and original; finish with cured meat, mountain-style smoked flavor, rich and unique!
💡 Tips: The hiking routes are long, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water and snacks. Protect yourself from sun and mosquitoes, and bring rain gear. Respect nature, protect the environment, and don’t litter.