Home to the Giant Buddha of Leshan — a 71-metre stone Buddha carved into a riverside cliff 1,200 years ago, a UNESCO site.
Leshan is a relaxed river-city where the Min, Dadu and Qingyi rivers meet, best known for the Giant Buddha hewn from a cliff face during the Tang dynasty.
It's the natural gateway to Mount Emei, and most visitors spend a day on the Buddha and an afternoon in the old town.
Here are the highlights worth your time in Leshan.
The world's largest stone Buddha; walk the cliff stairway or view from a river boat.
¥80Buses to the Emei base leave frequently from Leshan.
Transport onlyRiverside lanes, tea houses and night food stalls.
FreeLeshan has its own kitchen — here are the dishes to try.
Silky tofu in dozens of styles.
Cold skewered chicken in chili oil.
A local beef-broth hotpot.
Lacquered roast duck.
Night markets and tea houses.
Lit promenade by the water.
Skewers and beer late.
Leshan Station on the Chengdu–Kunming high-speed line; ~1h from Chengdu.
Chengdu (CTU) is the hub, ~2h away.
Frequent buses (~40min).
Cheap within the city.
Where you stay shapes the trip. Three good bases:
Walk to the site.
Budget and mid hotels.
If continuing to the mountain.
Buddhist pilgrims and travellers en route to Mount Emei.
