Leshan

Introduction

Located at the confluence of the Dadu, Min, and Qingyi rivers in the Sichuan province, Leshan serves as a significant regional center and transportation hub. You can explore this historical and cultural city to experience its deep heritage and renowned food culture.

Your visit to the area provides access to notable landmarks, including the world heritage sites of Mount Emei and the Leshan Giant Buddha.

Before you go

Prepare to immerse yourself in a location with a rich historical legacy spanning more than 3,000 years.

Getting there

You can reach the city by train via the Chengdu - Leshan - Emeishan Intercity High Speed Railway, which connects to several stations including Chengdu East, Chengdu South, and Shuangliu Airport. Alternatively, you can arrive by bus from various surrounding locations such as Chongqing, Emei, Kangding, Ya'an, Yibin, Zigong, and other nearby towns.

Upon arrival at Leshan Railway Station, you can take a local bus to reach the Giant Buddha. If you arrive via one of the several bus stations in the Shizhong District, such as Leshan Central Bus Station or Xiaoba Tourist Bus Station, numerous local routes are available to help you navigate the area.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using maps available from street kiosks, as well as those printed at every bus stop or found online. For short journeys, you can choose to ride in a pedicab, which offers a convenient way to travel locally.

The public bus system provides regular and uncrowded service on mostly modern vehicles. You pay the conductor for your journey and may need to request your specific stop. Alternatively, taxis are available; these include a fuel surcharge at the end of your trip, which is indicated by a white sticker located in front of the front passenger seat.

Where to stay

You can find convenient accommodations in the Shizhong District, where options cater to different preferences for your stay. For a practical base, you can stay at Jintaoyuan Hotel located near the Leshan Port; its location across from the starting point of the Buddha tourist boats makes it an easy choice for your itinerary.

If you prefer more amenities, you can choose to stay at Jinhaitang Hotel. Situated next to Fish Bay Park, this establishment serves as a higher-end option for your visit to the city.

Food & drink

Savor the diverse flavors of Sichuan cuisine as you explore the local food scene. You can sample savory staples like Tian Pi Ya, a roast duck with crisp, sweet skin, or enjoy traditional breakfast options such as Dou Fu Nao (tofu brain) mixed with nuts and spices, often paired with Ka Bing, which features ground beef in bread seasoned with local salt and spice. For variety, try Qiao Jiao Niu Rou for various preparations of beef, Bo Bo Ji featuring chicken and root vegetables in a spicy sesame broth, or choose between Shao Kao (barbequed skewers) and You Zha Chuan Chuan (fried skewers). Satisfy your sweet tooth with Bing Fen iced jelly, Saqima rice cakes made with bean curd, or Mi Liang Gao served with boiled brown sugar water. While many excellent restaurants are located across the city, you can find a wide variety of local dishes downtown near the riverside or in the lively atmosphere of Zhanggongqiao Jie at night.

Relax and unwind among the hundreds of teahouses scattered throughout the city. You can find particularly atmospheric spots outdoors along the banks of the Dadu and Min rivers or within local parks, where you can play Majiang or the unique erqishi card game. Some teahouses are set within clusters of old buildings decorated with historic photographs of the area.

What to see and do

Explore the historical heart of Leshan where you can wander through the remnants of ancient city walls and visit Tieniu Gate, a surviving gate dating back to the Song Dynasty. In the Suji area, experience the heritage of Suji Ancient Town, which features traditional courtyard houses and a stone bridge from the Qing era. This district is also known for its unique culinary traditions and specialized museums showcasing local cultural heritage. For those interested in craftsmanship, the Leshan Ebony Museum showcases intricate carvings of legendary scenes and literary works.

The towering Leshan Giant Buddha dominates the landscape, carved into a massive cliff face to protect passing boats from dangerous river currents. You can choose to view this monumental sculpture by taking a ferry across the river or by traveling to the base via land; arriving in the late afternoon helps you avoid larger crowds. Nearby, you can find several smaller Buddha carvings, various temples, and the scenic Haoshang bridge. In the Shawan District, you can visit the classical Chinese-style residence of writer Guo Moruo or explore the natural formations of Meinü Peak National Forest Park, which includes a stone forest and a valley filled with trees.

You can experience a variety of climates in Leshan depending on the season. During the winter months, you will find the weather is short, mild, and dry. While frost may occur, snow is rare during this time.

If you prefer warmer conditions, summer and early autumn offer long, hot, and humid days. You should prepare for heavy rainfall during these months, as the majority of the annual precipitation falls between June and September.

Three days in Leshan

Day one, you can arrive at the Leshan Railway Station or via the Emeishan Intercity High Speed Railway from Chengdu East or Chengdu South. Once you reach your destination, settle into your surroundings and prepare to explore the local area.

Day two, you can visit the Leshan Giant Buddha. You might also travel toward Mount Emei or find yourself in the Shizhong District to see more of the region's landmarks.

Day three, you can head toward Fish Bay Park to savor the scenery before your departure from the city.