Leshan Giant Buddha乐山大佛
The largest stone Buddha in the world, carved into a cliff where three rivers meet — an easy day from Chengdu.
Photo: Suicasmo · CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours
- Best time
- Weekday mornings; the staircase queue can take hours on holidays.
- Nearest base
- Chengdu
About Leshan Giant Buddha
Carved between 713 and 803 during the Tang dynasty, the Leshan Giant Buddha is about 71 metres tall and sits facing Mount Emei at the confluence of the Min, Dadu and Qingyi rivers. Together with Emei Shan it is a UNESCO mixed World Heritage site.
You can view it from the top beside the head, then descend the steep cliffside staircase to the feet — or see it from the river on a short boat trip.
Tickets and getting there
- Booking
- Tickets online with your passport; boat trips are ticketed separately.
- How to get there
- High-speed train from Chengdu to Leshan (about 1 hour), then a bus or DiDi to the scenic area.
Almost every major sight in China books by passport number. See what to set up before you fly.
Highlights
- The head and the Nine-Turn Plank Road — Steep stairs down to the feet.
- Lingyun Temple — Temple above the Buddha.
- River boat — Full-body view in about 30 minutes.
Field notes
- If queues are long, take the boat for the full view and skip the staircase.
Staying in Chengdu
Chengdu travel guide
Pandas, teahouses and some of the best food in China, in a city famous for taking life slowly.
Classic China by High-Speed Rail: 12 Days
China with Kids: 10 Days of Walls, Warriors and Pandas
Chongqing, the Yangtze and Zhangjiajie: 9 Days
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FAQ
Can I do Leshan and Emei Shan together?
Yes. Most travellers combine them in two days, staying overnight near or on Emei Shan.
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