“Shu (蜀), present-today Sichuan (四川), boasts the most beautiful natural landscapes in China, while the best landscape in Shu is in Jiazhou (嘉州), present-today Leshan.”
Nestled in China’s picturesque Sichuan Province, Leshan is a perfect marriage between nature and culture. This beautiful city known as the "Hometown of the Giant Panda" offers a mix of ancient history and culture, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine that will leave you wanting more.
Here, you will find iconic World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites like the awe-inspiring Mount Emei and Leshan Giant Buddha, and witness human ingenuity at its finest at the World Heritage Irrigation Structure, Dongfengyan.
Getting to Leshan is a breeze, thanks to its strategic location as an important hub in Sichuan Province. With convenient access from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport which connect you to the network of high-speed rail, your journey is guaranteed to be smooth and enjoyable.
So, pack your bags and set out on an unforgettable journey to Leshan, where every step brings a new experience!
🔍 Looking for…
💡Before you dive in…
What does A-level categorisation mean?
China's tourist attractions are ranked by safety, cleanliness, sanitation, shopping, and transportation. These rankings range from A (1A, basic level) to AAAAA (5A, top tier).
As you explore this page, keep an eye out for these rankings! Knowing these ratings will make it easier to decide which attractions to visit based on what matters most to you.
Where Do You Want to Go?
乐山大佛景区
Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
As one of the Natural Key Cultural Relics Protection Units, Leshan Giant Buddha is one of China’s key scenic spots and National 5A-Level Tourist Attractions. Nearby, the Minjiang River, the Qingyi River, and the Dadu River meet.
The Leshan Giant Buddha, along with Mount Emei, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996, making this area the only World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site in western China.
Lingyun Mountain
Located at the confluence of the Min, Dadu and Qingyi rivers, Lingyun Mountain thrones the renowned Giant Buddha and is home to a list of other must-visits.
Recommended Routes
There are a few suggested routes to explore the scenic area:
By Cruise: Sail along the Minjiang River and admire the stunning view of the Giant Buddha from the water.
By Trail: Walk the path around the Giant Buddha, where you'll come across a collection of equally historic sites.
Walking Route 1: 3-4 hour walk
North Gate — Lingyun Temple — Buddha Head Square (passing through: Suoluo Ravine — Buddha Feet Platform — Lingyun Plank Road — Yuexie Pavilion — Suyuan Garden) — Osmanthus Forest — East Gate
North Gate
Lingyun Temple
Buddha Head Square
Leshan Buddha Feet Platform
Suyuan Garden
Walking Route 2: 3-4 hour walk, from the opposite end of the Scenic Area
South Tourist Center — Mount Wuyou (Wuyou Temple) — Haoshang Bridge — Mahao Fishing Village — South Gate — Leshan Giant Buddha (Suoluo Ravine — Buddha Feet Platform — Lingyun Plank Road — Yuexie Pavilion — Suyuan Garden) — Lingyun Temple — Jifeng Tower — East Gate
Wuyou Temple
Haoshang Bridge
South Tourist Center
Night Tour in Lingyun Mountain:
North Gate-Lingyun Temple — Buddha’s Head Square — Monk Haishi Cave — Suyuan Garden — Suoluo Ravine — South Gate — Mahao Fishing Village (Ancient Commercial Street) — Oriental Buddha Theme Park
Day Cruise: CNY 70/pp
Wuyou Temple Cruise Terminal – Leshan Giant Buddha – Sleeping Buddha – Return
On-Site Ticketing:
1) Leshan Giant Buddha North Tourist Center, 2) Wuyou Temple Cruise Terminal, 3) Leshan Giant Buddha South Tourist Center
Night Cruise of Three Rivers: Off-season CNY 138/pp, Peak season CNY 228/pp
Wuyou Temple Cruise Terminal – Leshan Giant Buddha Light Show – Sleeping Buddha Light Show – Return
On-Site Ticketing: Wuyou Temple Cruise Terminal
📌 Scenic Area Online Ticketing: WeChat or Alipay app “Da Fo Lv You.”
📌 Scenic Area On-Site Ticketing: Leshan Giant Buddha North Tourist Center, Leshan Giant Buddha South Tourist Center, Wuyou Temple Cruise Terminal
Getting Here:
🚆 Public Transportation
You can take the high-speed rail travelling from Chengdu or Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Leshan Railway Station (45-70min, CNY 20-50). Then, you can take Bus 3 or Bus K1 (CNY 2) to the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area station or the South Tourist Center station.
🚘 Self-Drive Route
You can get to the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area through the Chengdu-Leshan Expressway, Chengdu-Ya’an Expressway, Leshan-Yibin Expressway, or Leshan-Zigong Expressway.
Shizhong District
乐山市中区
This downtown area of Leshan is right across from the world-renowned Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. Here, you will find seven national 1A-level tourist attractions, one national key scenic spot, one provincial tourist resort, four nationally recognised cultural relics protection units, and two provincial key parks.
Leshan Ebony Cultural Expo Garden (4A, 乐山乌木文化博览苑)
Explore the ancient city of Jiazhou and marvel at the ebony-carved Asian lion, 500 Arhats, and twelve zodiac animal statues. Learn the legend of the divine tree through a fusion of technology and traditional craftsmanship. Immerse yourself in the art of ebony carving across seven distinct pavilions, each telling stories of this captivating cultural heritage.
Ticket: CNY 50/pp
Oriental Buddha Capital Tourist Area (4A, 东方佛都)
Located in Lingyun Peak (near Giant Buddha Scenic Area South Gate), this is China’s fifth-largest grottoe with more than 10,000 formal buddha statues, including world’s largest sleeping Buddha.
Ticket: CNY 80/pp
Sutra Corridor (佛语长廊)
Starting from the Archway at the Giant Buddha Scenic Area and ending at the North Gate Ecological Square, this 1.34 kilometres walkway leads whoever passes through the six far-reaching attitudes in Buddhism with texts, niche, and more that creates a sense of serenity throughout the passage.
💡More museums preserving Leshan’s culture and heritage: Mt. Emei Museum, Leshan Giant Buddha Museum
Suji Ancient Town Scenic Area (3A, 苏稽古镇)
Suji Ancient Town is where you get to taste the must-try authentic cuisines of Leshan (Qiao-jiao Beef, Red sugar pancake, and Suji rice candy!) amongst the typical scenery of an ancient water town. The Rugong Bridge in the area is in fact 1,400 years old!
Shop opening times: (approx.) 8 AM- 10 PM
Jiading Lane (嘉定坊)
The man-made ancient street district is 550 metres long and is divided into 3 theme areas: Jiading Ancient Square, Qingyili, and Wangyuetang. It has teahouses, restaurants, bars, theatres and other entertainment and commercial places, where visitors can enjoy local delicacies in an old-time ambience.
💡More places for old buildings and livelihood: Luocheng Ancient Town, Qingxi Ancient Town
Jiazhou Lv Xin Park (3A, 绿心公园)
With a planned protection area of 11.2 square kilometres, it is the largest urban green heart among prefecture level cities in China and is known as the "Lung of Leshan City." Visit the park during Spring to catch a glimpse of the vibrant seas of Nemophila, Begonia flower, and Plum Blossom!
Ticket: Free entry
💡 If you want to visit more calming natures in Leshan: Yanxi Wetland, Beifengshan Park, Exiu Lake, Dadu River Wetland Park
Leshan Shangzhongshun Cultural Street District
Leshan Confucian Temple (乐山文庙)
This 550 years old building cluster is not only a museum-cum-religious-centre that you see today, it was also used as a part of the National Wuhan University’s campus during the WW2- an elite educational institute back then. Now, you can come to the temple to learn about the its history and admire the magnificent architectures.
Laoxiaoding (老宵顶)
The tallest hill within Leshan's old city limits, now it is a pleasant park with pavillions and teahouses. Scattered on the hills are clusters of ancient buildings, built as early as 5 A.D., that witnessed the dispersion of Taoism in Leshan.
Visitors can see the entire Leshan Giant Buddha from the peak of Laoxiaoding.
Dragon Shrine (龙神祠)
The Dragon Shrine, located at the end of Jiulong Lane, is a historic site originally built in the late 16th century and rebuilt in 2014 following a fire. In the 1940s, it served as the men's dormitory for National Wuhan University.
The lane leading up to the shrine has become an Instagram hotspot, featuring Chinese calligraphy elements hidden at every turn and quaint corners that transport visitors back in time.
If you have not tried the mouth-watering dishes of Leshan, did your trip even really happen?
This city is a foodie’s paradise, where the distinctive style of Sichuan cuisine combined with the unique spicy and fragrant flavours of its local delicacies steals the show.
Picture yourself savouring the sizzling heat of qiaojiao beef, taking a bite of the spicy Bo-bo chicken, or enjoying the crispiness of sweet skin duck. And do not forget the iconic hot pot, tofu pudding, and barbecue.
Each bite is a burst of flavour that makes Leshan a must-visit for culinary adventurers. So, get ready to feast like never before!
Fantastic Foods…
Bo-bo chicken is not just a dish; it is a delicious slice of history, hailing from Leshan with a legacy that dates back to the Qing Dynasty. Imagine tender, deboned chicken slices mingling with your favourite meats and veggies mixed with spicy seasonings, spices, and most importantly, rattan pepper, in a pottery bowl aka “bo“.
📍Yepopo Bobo Chicken (叶婆婆钵钵鸡), 📍Huang Si Hai (黄泗海·黄鸡肉钵钵鸡)
More Recs >
Douhua, one of Leshan’s specialities, is tofu pudding dipped in bone broth seasoned by chicken essence, kohlrabi particles, dark soy sauce, and fried soybeans or fried peanuts, and topped with chilis and green coriander or celery.
📍Emei Ganji Stewed Tofu (峨眉甘记酥肉豆腐脑), 📍Xiaodou Haitang (小豆海棠豆腐脑), 📍JiuJiu (99) Tofu (九九豆腐脑)
More Recs >
Fried Kebab (油炸串串)
Shaokao (烧烤)
Malatang (麻辣烫)
Prepared with cooking techniques passed down from the Qing Dynasty, Leshan’s sweet skin duck is a great option for those who prefer non-spicy food. Its crispy and slightly sweet skin, delicate meat, and pleasing aromas are a great contender to the world-renowned Beijing roast duck (Peking duck).
📍Zhao Ya Zi (赵鸭子), 📍Liu Ya Zi (刘鸭子), 📍Ji Liu Niang (王浩儿纪六娘)
More Recs >
The time-honoured qiaojiao beef (warped beef) is an intangible cultural heritage of Leshan. Different cuts of beef are served in a slow-cooked beef broth, alongside seasonal greens and spicy dipping sauce.
📍Feng Si Niang (冯四娘), 📍Fang Fang Qiaojiao Beef (芳芳翘脚牛肉), 📍Yi Laoba Qiaojiao Beef (易老八跷脚牛肉)
💡Did You Know:
There are 3 other styles of Leshan Kebab, chuan chuan, besides the Bo-bo Chicken!
…and Where to Find Them
(in Shizhong Dist.)
Gourmet Streets
Zhanggongqiao Street (张公桥街)
Shangzhongshun Street (上中顺街): Near Leshan Harbor, Shanghe Street
Dongda Street (东大街): At the intersection of Dongda Street and Shuncheng Street
Jiaxing Road (嘉兴路美食街):
To the north of the intersection of Jiaxing Road and Baiyang Middle Road
Jiaxiang Road (College of Education): At the intersection of Jiaxiang Road and Baiyang East Road
🏨 Hotel Recommendation:
Jinhaitang Hotel
(金海棠大酒店)
No. 512 Haitang Road, Shizhong District, Leshan
Jinjiang Jiazhou Hotel
(乐山锦江嘉州宾馆)
No. 512 Haitang Road, Shizhong District, Leshan
Hualuxe Hotels and Resorts Leshan
(乐山华邑酒店)
No. 888 Baiyang West Road, Shizhong District, Leshan
Maison Albar Hotel Leshan
(乐山安铂酒店)
No. 1299, Yangshan Road, Shizhong District, Leshan
峨眉山景区
Mount Emei Scenic Area
Nestled in southwestern Sichuan, Mount Emei sprawls over 154 square kilometres of breathtaking beauty. Its towering peaks—the Golden Summit at 3,079 metres and the lofty Wanfo Summit at 3,099 metres—offer awe-inspiring vistas that seem to touch the sky. This majestic mountain is celebrated for its stunning scenery, rich biodiversity, and deep cultural significance.
Known as one of the “Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains in China”, Mount Emei has also been recognised as a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site, and a 5A-level national key scenic spot.
Click to expand the map.
Recommended Routes
To the Golden Summit: Baoguo Temple Bus Station/Huangwan Tourist Center/Emeishan Railway Station (by bus)—Wuxiangang Parking Lot—Qingyin Pavilion—Ecological Monkey Zone— Wannian Temple (by cable car or on foot)—Wannian Temple Parking Lot (by bus)— Leidongping Parking Lot—Jieyin Hall (by cable car or on foot)—Golden Summit— Baoguo Temple Bus Station/Huangwan Tourist Center/Emeishan Railway Station
Qingying Pavilion
Ecological Monkey Zone
Wannian Temple
Golden Summit
Highlights of the Route: Four great natural wonders-
To the Sacred Temple & Mysterious Mountain: Baoguo Temple—Fuhu Temple—Leiyin Temple—Chunyang Hall—Shenshui Pavilion—Qingyin Pavilion—Ecological Monkey Zone—Hongchunping Temple—Xianfeng Temple (Jiulao Cave)—Xixiangchi Temple—Leidongping—Jieyin Hall (by cable car or on foot)—Golden Summit—Baoguo Temple Bus Station
Baoguo Temple
Fuhu Temple
Xianfeng Temple
Hongchunping Temple
To Worship Buddhas: Baoguo Temple—Fuhu Temple—Leiyin Temple—Chunyang Hall—Shenshui Pavilion—Qingyin Pavilion—Bailong Cave—Wannian Temple—Xixin Temple—Chudian Temple—Huayan Temple—Xixiangchi Temple—Leidongping—Jieyin Hall (by cable car or on foot)—Golden Summit—Baoguo Temple Bus Station
Bailong Cave
Chudian Temple
Xixiangchi Temple
Jieying Hall
Sunrise
Vigil Light
Sea of Clouds
Nearby, Not-to-Miss
“Unique Mount Emei” Land of Dramas
Right by the foot of Mt. Emei, this project offers an unforgettable journey through 3 unique immersive storytelling experiences: the theatrical experience “Above the Clouds”, the dreamlike scenery garden “Among the Clouds”, and the theatrical scenes “Below the Clouds”, which has been transformed from real villages in the site.
This large-scale experience drama creates an immersive time-shifting experience through interlacing drama and moving story scenes.
Hot Spring
Drawn from a depth of 3,000 metres underground, Mount Emei Hot Springs are rich in radon and have a long history spanning about 2,500 years. With rich trace minerals conducive to human health, they are recognised as “Holy Waters of Mount Emei.”
📍Emeishan Lingxiu Hot Spring, Emeishan Grand Hotel Yoga Hot Spring, Hongzhushan Forest Hot Spring. More recs >
Transportation within the Scenic Area
Sightseeing Bus: Baoguo Temple–Huangwan–Wannian Temple–Wuxiangang–Linggongli Bus Station–Leidongping Bus Station
Routes & Service Hours:
Baoguo Temple, Huangwan, Wannian Temple, Wuxiangang and Linggongli Bus Station:
Apr 1-Oct 31: Uphill 6 AM-5 PM; Downhill until 6 PM
Nov 1-Mar 31: Uphill 7AM-4PM; Downhill until 5:30 PM
Leidongping Bus Station:
Apr 1-Oct 31: Downhill 8 AM-6 PM
Nov 1-Mar 31: Downhill 9 AM-5:30 PM
Price: Children: Under 120 centimetres- free; 120-150 centimetres- half-price
Full route (round-trip ticket): CNY 90/pp
Halfway of the Mountain—Leidongping Parking Lot (round-trip ticket): CNY 70/pp
Linggongli Parking Lot—Leidongping ParkingLot (round-trip ticket): CNY 50/pp
Foot of the Mountain—Halfway of the Mountain (round-trip ticket): CNY 40/pp
Wannian Temple Cable Car: Wannian Temple - Wannian Parking Lot
Service Hours:
Apr 1-Oct 31: 7 AM - 6 PM
Nov 1-Mar 31: 7:30 AM - 6 PM
Price:
Peak season: CNY 65/pp ascending, CNY 45/pp descending
Off-peak: CNY 30/pp ascending, CNY 20/pp descending
Golden Summit Cable Car: Golden Summit -Jieying Hall
Service Hours: 20min before Sunrise - 6 PM
Price:
Peak season: CNY 65/pp ascending, CNY 55/pp descending
Off-peak: CNY 30/pp ascending, CNY 20/pp descending
Admission Ticket to the Mount Emei Scenic Area (Temple access excluded)
Peak Season (Jan 16 – Dec 14): For Adults: CNY 160/pp, For Children: CNY 80/pp
Off Season (Dec 15 - Jan 15): For Adults: CNY 110/pp, For Children: CNY 55/pp
Getting Here:
🚆 Public Transportation
From Chengdu, you can take a high-speed rail to Emeishan Railway Station, and then transfer by the sightseeing bus or Bus 12 to get to the Emeishan Tourism Bus Center (Baoguo Temple Bus Station). Also, you can take a high-speed rail to Emei Railway Station, and then take Bus 1 to Huangwan Tourist Center; From the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, you can take Bus 601 to Emeishan Tourism Bus Center (Baoguo Temple Bus Station).
🚘 Self-Drive Route
You can get to Mount Emei Scenic Area through the Chengdu-Leshan Expressway, Chengdu-Ya’an Expressway, Leshan-Yibin Expressway, or Leshan-Zigong Expressway.
峨眉山市
Emeishan City
Right next to the breathtaking Mt. Emei, Emeishan City is the perfect launchpad for your adventure into this mountain range, where China’s first Buddhist temple made its mark in history.
Beyond the iconic scenic wonder that is Mt. Emei, three amazing 4A-level scenic areas, a top-notch national tourist resort, and countless stunning sights scattered throughout the city.
Dafo Temple (4A, 峨眉山大佛禅院)
This 60,000 square metres temple, perching on the slopes of Mt. Emei, holds the title of the largest temple of its kind in Asia. Wander through its grand main halls, tranquil patios, serene gardens, and a sense of peace’s calming embrace.
To this day, the temple is still a place where the next generations of Buddhists come to practice their faith.
Opening Hours: 8 AM - 5:30 PM
Ticket Price: CNY 58
Shanyuexi Nature School, Gaoqiao Town (高橋裏山月溪自然學校)
With Mt. Emei’s unique ecological resources and rich history, this school has crafted immersive "tourism + education" summer and winter camps. These camps provide primary and secondary school students with unforgettable hands-on educational adventures in the great outdoors!
This cosy lakeside homestay holds year-round retreats, where visitors are surrounded by a lush lawn, outdoor cafes, and the soothing sounds of mountain streams.
Address: No. 277, Hongyan Road, Gaoqiao Town Emeishan, Leshan
*Require booking
Pernod Ricard Malt Whisky Distillery
As the first malt whisky distillery established by the Pernod Ricard Group in China, the facility is renowned for its masterpiece malt whisky, crafted by blending authentic techniques with local culture and customs.
Designed by the award-winning China-based architectural studio Neri&Hu, the distillery features timeless architecture that harmonises beautifully with the landscape and reflects the artistry of whisky-making.
Address: Yansi Village, Gaoqiao Town, Emeishan, Leshan
Nongfu Spring Tourism Factory (4A)
Consisting of the production area, visitor centre, and water source area, the factory’s tourism zone showcases world-class natural water production lines, giving visitors a sneak peek into the origins of the drinking water.
Address: No. 1 Wanfoling Road North Section, Gaoqiao Town, Emeishan, Leshan.
Opening Hours: 9 AM - 3 PM (Last entry: 3 PM)
Ticket Price: CNY 20; free entry for adults aged 65+ or children below 120 centimetres.
Luomu Ancient Town (罗目古镇)
First founded during the Tang Dynasty, this town has expertly preserved its stunning historical architecture and traditional lifestyle.
Located just 3 kilometres from the Scenic Area and 10 kilometres from downtown Emeishan City, it offers a charming glimpse into the past.
Highlights:
Viewpoint to overlook Mount Emei
Handmade delicacies
Ancient town fairs
Qinglong Kung Fu Club
Transportation: Recommended to go by car.
The Statue of Emei Show (圣象峨眉)
The Statue of Emei show, held at the Xiangcheng Grand Theater within the Dafo Temple Scenic Area in Emeishan City, presents a captivating 90-minute performance showcasing Sichuan’s unique folk customs through music, dance, poetry, and painting.
Ticket Price: CNY 180-260/pp
💡 Did You Know?
Emei Kung Fu is a female-dominated sect and one of the three main schools of Chinese Kung Fu, along with Shaolin and Wudang Kung Fu, recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage!
Originating from the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period (770–221 BC) in the Mt. Emei area, this school of Kung Fu is characterised by the constant, swift, and forceful movements of hands or feet. It gracefully blends together the Buddhist concept of meditative tranquillity and the Taoist idea of harmony between man and nature.
🏨 Hotel Recommendation:
Hongzhushan Hotel & Resort
(峨眉山红珠山宾馆禅意山居)
No. 98 Baoguo Village, Huangwan Town, Emeishan, Leshan
Emeishan Grand Hotel
(峨眉山大酒店)
No. 322 Jingqu Road Section 2, Huangwan Town, Emeishan, Leshan
Emei Hot Spring Hotel & Resort
(峨眉山温泉饭店)
Happy Valley Amusement Park, Baoguo Temple Scenic Area, Emeishan, Leshan
Le Méridien Emei Mountain Resort (峨眉山恒邦艾美度假酒店)
No. 555 Mingshan South Street, Eshan Town, Emeishan, Leshan
JZ Hotel Emei (峨眉山蓝光己庄酒店)
No. 8 Shanhu Road South Section, Emeishan, Leshan
犍为县
Qianwei County
In Eastern Leshan lies Qianwei County, home of the world’s only operating narrow-gauge steam locomotive passenger train, the world’s only boat-shaped town, the World Jasmine Expo Park where jasmine blooms all year round, the fourth largest Confucian Temple in China, among many more must-visit tourist attractions.
TLDR? Think “train, town, flower, temple and river”.
Jiayang Suoluo Lake Scenic Area (4A, 嘉阳桫椤湖旅游景区)
Board the famous Jiayang mini steam train, visit the historic site of the Huangcunjing coal mine and walk through the ancient industrial town Bajiaogou, which earned this area its name as the “Living Fossil of the Industrial Revolution”. The area is also dubbed the “Hometown of Suoluo”, a plant also known as the flying spider-monkey tree fern.
Every March and April, rapeseed flowers blanket the hills in a dreamy endless sea of yellow. During August, train passengers get a chance to see up to 80,000 blooming sunflowers sprinkled along the railway, painting a warm and vibrant summer scene.
Opening Hours: All Day
Ticket Price: Free entry, fees may apply to individual activities within the area.
Transportation:
Take a bus from Leshan Passenger Transport Central Station to Qianwei Station, and take another bus heading to Sanjing.
There are 2 direct buses at 10 AM and 2:50 PM from Leshan Lianyun Bus Station to the scenic area.
Activities:
Walk through the Jurassic Adventure Valley
Take a boat on the Suoluo Lake
Mine coal at Huangcunjing, the area’s historic coal mine
Peak season CNY 80, Off season CNY 50; children below 130 centimetres CNY 30
About the train:
💡 It is the only way to see the impressive sea of flowers.
Timing: Full route 2.5h, 5 stations (Final stop: Huangcunjing)
2 trains daily: 10:30 AM, 2 PM
Ticket Price (One-way):
💡 Visitors are suggested to book tickets online from Ctrip beforehand, especially in peak seasons. Onsite ticket sale starts at 8 AM (7 AM on weekends)
Peak season: Full route CNY 80 or CNY 20 per stop
Off season: Full route CNY 50 or CNY 10 per stop
Luocheng Ancient Town (4A, 罗城古镇)
Liangting Street, the town’s main thoroughfare, dates back nearly 400 years to the late Ming Dynasty under Emperor Chongzhen. Named the "Noah’s Ark in China" by UNESCO, this historic street offers a glimpse into the past.
The ancient town has been meticulously restored, recreating its charming streets, alleys, and houses. It is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in Leshan’s tea culture, enjoy Sichuan Opera in a traditional theatre, and see the Kirin Dengwu Show, an impressive display of intangible cultural heritage.
Qianwei Confucian Temple (3A, 犍为文庙)
The Qianwei Confucian Temple, a national-level historical and cultural site, features a rich history of 600 years and is the fourth largest Confucian temple in China.
Its intricate and sophisticated sculptures on the beams, pillars, and roof distinguish it from other temples of its kind, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship and artistic detail.
World Jasmine Expo Park (4A, 世界茉莉博览园)
The park, stretching over 867,000 square metres, is a flower lover’s paradise with over 120 rare varieties of Jasmine from around the globe.
A Ferris wheel, lake cruises, camping adventures, and delightful jasmine-infused snacks can be enjoyed in this idyllic park!
Opening Hours: 9 AM - 6 PM
Ticket Price: CNY 39/pp; free entry for adults aged 70+ and children under 120 centimetres
Transportation: Take the Leshan Qianwei 501 Route bus to reach the park's entrance.
🏨 Hotel Recommendation:
Xinxing Century Hotel (犍为新兴世纪酒店)
No. 118 Jijia Road, Qianwei County, Leshan
乐山夹江县
Jiajiang County
Jiajiang County, situated in northwest Leshan, is renowned as the “Porcelain Capital in Western China” and the “Hometown of Thousand-Year Bamboo Paper.” It features scenic spots like the Dongfengyan-Thousand Buddha Rock Scenic Area. In 2006, the bamboo-paper-making technique was recognised on the national list of intangible cultural heritage.
Dongfengyan-Thousand Buddha Rock Scenic Area (4A, 东风堰·千佛岩)
The Dongfengyan-Thousand Buddha Rock Scenic Area is located on the banks of the Qingyi River in western Jiajiang County, 25 kilometres from downtown Leshan. It boasts Dongfengyan, one of the first World Irrigation Heritage Sites, and Thousand Buddha Rock, a national key cultural relics protection unit.
There are over 2,400 lifelike Buddha statues from the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) arranged in 162 niches on the cliff of the Thousand Buddha Rock, covering 10 square kilometres. The statues vary greatly in size, with some being several metres tall and others less than a foot tall. Some niches hold a single Buddha, while others contain multiple statues, ranging from dozens to hundreds.
The 360-year-old Dongfengyan (Dongfeng Weir) is the third world heritage site in Leshan City, following the Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei. It flows through the Thousand Buddha Rock Carving Scenic Area, creating a historical and cultural corridor along the Qingyi River.
Visitors can also explore the Radio Museum, the Dongfengyan Water Conservancy Culture Exhibition Hall, and enjoy the Night Tour of the Scenic Corridor.
Opening Hours:
Peak season (Apr 1 - Oct 9): 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Off season (Oct 10 - Mar 31): 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Ticket:
CNY 50/pp; Student or Age 6-18 half-price; Age 65+ or under 120 centimetres free entry
Book online via WeChat or purchase onsite at ticketing office
Transportation:
🚌 Take Bus Jiajiang 1 or Jiajiang 6 to Zhangqiangyi (Tibet, Qiang, and Yi) Cultural Industry Corridor Area station
🚆 Take a train to Leshanbei (Northern Leshan) Railway Station and take a car from their to the park (7 kilometres).
Tianfu Sightseeing Tea Garden (4A, 天福观光茶园)
Located in Xinchang Town, the Tianfu Sightseeing Tea Garden offers a complete tea experience, combining tea grading, packaging, sales, research, culture, education, and tourism.
Highlights
Tea Culture: Enjoy a range of activities including tea picking, processing, museum visits, tea art performances, and brewing lessons.
Spring Flowers: Perfect for admiring blossoming peach flowers and capturing beautiful photos.
Tea cuisines: Savour unique tea-infused delicacies.
Opening Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM
Ticket Price: CNY 30/pp
Transportation: By car
Study Tour Base of Hometown of Daqian Paper (3A, 大千纸故里)
At this study tour base In Macun Town, you can experience the Jiajiang bamboo-paper-making technique, a treasured national intangible cultural heritage. Visitors also get to taste Daqian home-style dishes and learn all about local folk traditions first-hand. Oh, and do not miss the chance to take in the iconic New Year Painting culture up close!
Opening Hours: 8 AM - 6 PM
Transportation: Bus Jiajiang 103 to Dalu Community station
Jiajiang New Year Painting, named national intangible heritage in 2008, is a kind of woodcut art created by farmers during their fallow seasons in preparation for new year. This type of art first started in the 1500s, and is usually themed with fauna, legends, or just people’s daily activities.
Jiajiang Shetan Xinjiezi Street (夹江·社坛新街子)
A mix of unique businesses, including cafes, hipster shops, diners, and bookshops have brought new life to this century-old street, beautifully merging history with modern charm.
📸 If you are looking for a popular Instagramable check-in spot, this is the place to go!
When in Jiajiang, try…
Macun Fish Head 马村鱼头
This Jiajiang County dish is known for its spicy and sour taste. It features a fish head simmered in a flavourful broth, served with homemade pickled vegetables cooked in rapeseed oil or pork lard, and garnished with sprouts, Chinese patchouli, and scallions.
🏨 Hotel Recommendation:
Emeishanyue Garden Hotel (峨眉山月花园饭店)
No. 1153 Cidu Avenue, Jiajiang County, Leshan
More Places in Leshan >
(Shawan District, Wutongqiao District, Jingyan County, Muchuan County,
Mabian Yi Autonomous County, Ebian Yi Autonomous County)
Getting Around:
📱 Apps to Download:
WeChat: WeChat is the main app used in China, with dozens of services available through its mini programmes.
Translation:
Baidu Translate (百度翻译)
Waygo: A visual translation app that changes characters into texts. Functions without an internet connection and iuseful for reading menus, signage, and other printed text.
Maps & Directions:
Baidu maps (百度地图): The interface is in Chinese but you can enter place names in English letters (pinyin).
Gaodeditu (高德地图): The app helps you navigate directions and make train and bus ticket bookings. It also provides travel plans with various transportation combinations to help you find the best route
Booking Hotels, Trips, and Transportation:
Transportation:
Didi Chuxing (Didi, 滴滴出行): Ride-hailing app that offers options other than taxi, such as vans, limos, and even shared bikes. The app allows payment from WeChat Wallet; english version is available.
12306: This app helps you check train schedules and book their tickets. To use this app, you need a Chinese phone number.
Trips & Experiences:
Trip.com (Global version) or Ctrip (携程, Chinese version): One-stop-shop for hotel reservations, transportation ticketing, packaged tours and other travel-related services in China.
Qunar (去哪儿旅行): App for finding flights, accommodations, and tour packages at discounted price, but the app currently only displays in Chinese.
Accommodation: Airbnb
Foods, Places, Inspirations:
Meituan-Dianping (美团点评): An app with a wealth of information on businesses (places to eat, destinations to visit, shows to watch), user reviews, and service offers (coupons, restaurant reservations, delivery). A Chinese number is required.
Xiaohongshu (小红书): Similar to Instagram, this app helps you find inspiration for anything, from places to visit, restaurants to try, to tips and hacks on getting around.
Chope: A real-time restaurant-reservation booking platform
💰 Making Payments:
Mobile Payment: Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay
WeChat Pay: Foreign users can link their international credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover Card
Alipay: Foreign users can link their international credit cards, and it also allows foreigners to use their familiar home e-wallets by scanning Alipay QR codes.
Some international e-wallets, including TrueMoney and Changi Pay, are also accepted.
Credit Card or Cash
🚙 Transportation:
High-speed train: High-speed train stations are often built near the city centre, not far from the central area like the airport; a suitable choice for travelling from one city/ province to another in China.
Bus: Traveling by bus in Sichuan is very convenient because the bus routes often stop at major parks or famous tourist attractions, making it easy for you to visit and explore. Pay with cash (prepare your own change!), travel card, or Alipay/ WeChat Pay.