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Leshan
Leshan

Leshan Travel Guide 2025: Top Attractions, Things to do & Itinerary | Trip.com | December 2025

About Leshan

Recommended trip: 1–2 day(s)

Recommended trip: 1–2 day(s)

Current weather conditions

11°C

Leshan Local Experiences Map

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Leshan Local Travel Guide 2025

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Leshan Brief Guide

True to its name, Leshan is a "city of mountains and rivers". The landscape here is magnificent, with many historic sites, and it is one of Sichuan's great tourist destinations. Mount Emei, in the area of Leshan, is one of the four great Buddhist mountains in China. Deep in the mountains, there are many temples, suffusing the area with a serene Buddhist atmosphere. From here you can also gaze out at the sunrise and the sea of clouds. The Giant Buddha is also a scenic spot you absolutely must visit. Designed as a statue of a seated Maitreya Buddha, it is a fine work of cliff-carving from the Tang Dynasty. Additionally, you can take a ride on the "living fossil of the Industrial Revolution", widely known as the "Jiayang small train". Chugging cheerfully along in the mountain wilderness showcases the elegance of trains made in the local area.

Leshan Must-try local experiences

1. Pilgrimage to Leshan Giant Buddha and Lingyun Temple Gaze upon the Leshan Giant Buddha, the tallest stone-carved Buddha in the world. Descend the cliff staircase for a closer look or take a boat ride for a full view of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Afterwards, head to Lingyun Temple to experience the serenity and solemnity of Buddhist culture. 2. Visit Jiading Lane and Handicraft Experience Visit Jiading Lane to take photos of traditional buildings and streetscapes in the ancient town, capturing its unique style and historical atmosphere. You can also participate in handicraft experiences, such as bamboo weaving and paper-cutting, to appreciate the charm of these traditional skills. 3. Leshan Sichuan Opera Face Changing Show Watch the wonderful Sichuan Opera Face Changing Show and feel the unique artistic charm of Sichuan Opera and the exquisite skills of the actors. You will be amazed by the magic and rapid changes of the face-changing. 4. Enjoy Tea Culture Engage in the tradition of tea drinking at a local tea house. Sample various teas, observe the brewing process, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. 5. Participate in the Leshan Big Buddha Tourism and Culture Festival The Leshan Buddha Tourism and Culture Festival is held in autumn every year, bringing together a wealth of cultural activities and performances, including folk performances, concerts and food festivals, to experience the diverse culture of Leshan. 6. Savour authentic Sichuan Cuisine When in Leshan, you must try authentic Sichuan cuisine, such as Sichuan hot pot, stilt-legged beef and sweet-skinned duck. You can enjoy these authentic flavours at the night markets and snack streets in Leshan. 7. Stroll around Zhanggongqiao Street Wandering down Zhanggongqiao Street reveals a variety of unique food stalls and handicraft shops, perfect for purchasing local specialty souvenirs. The unforgettable atmosphere of the lively night market adds to the experience. 8. Take a Panoramic Photo of Leshan Big Buddha The view of Leshan Giant Buddha and both sides of the Minjiang River from the top of Wuju Mountain is one of the ideal locations for taking panoramic photos of the Leshan Giant Buddha. Choose a clear day to go there to get the ideal visual effect. 9. Leshan Night Cruise Take a cruise at night to visit the confluence of the three rivers in Leshan and enjoy the city lights and river scenery at night, and feel the night charm of Leshan.

Leshan Must-see Attractions

Leshan, a city rich in cultural and natural heritage, boasts spectacular sites such as the UNESCO-listed Leshan Giant Buddha, the verdant Mount Emei with its ancient monasteries and endemic wildlife, the extensive Buddha statue collection at Oriental Buddha Capital, the mysterious Heizhugou known as "China's Bermuda", and the historically significant Jiayang steam train, offering visitors a profound blend of spirituality, history, and natural beauty.

Leshan Food Guide

Leshan's cuisine is renowned for its traditional preparation techniques and rich palette of flavors. Highlights include the visually appealing tofu pudding, the crispy and tender sweet skin duck, the historically significant Xiba tofu, and the robustly flavored, uniquely prepared beef. Each dish reflects Leshan locals' meticulous attention to detail and their deep passion for both ingredients and taste.

Leshan Transportation

Leshan's transportation network is well-connected, primarily relying on its railway station and long-distance bus stations for intercity travel, as there is currently no operational airport in the city. Leshan Railway Station is a key hub for high-speed trains, located approximately 10 kilometers from the city center and 12 kilometers from the Leshan Giant Buddha. It serves as a junction for the Chengdu-Leshan-Emeishan Intercity High-Speed Railway, offering convenient access to popular destinations such as Chengdu, Mianyang, Jiangyou, and Emeishan. To reach the city, passengers can take a taxi or bus. The city's long-distance bus network is anchored by three main stations: Leshan Coach Terminal, Leshan Xiaoba Tourist Bus Station, and Leshan Lianyun Bus Station. They provide connections to various cities including Chongqing, Meishan, Zigong, and Mianyang. Buses are a common mode of transportation for reaching the city from these stations, with frequent services to key destinations.

Leshan Where to Stay

Leshan offers a delightful array of accommodation choices spread across its different regions, each with unique features tailored for varying traveler needs. Prominent accommodation areas include the vicinity of the Leshan Giant Buddha, Leidong Plateau, and Zhanggong Bridge Food Street. These areas cater extensively to tourists visiting from the nearby city of Chengdu and those interested in exploring local attractions and experiencing the cultural heritage of Leshan.

Leshan Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Leshan is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer mild and pleasant weather, making it comfortable for visitors to explore scenic areas like the Leshan Giant Buddha. In spring, the region is adorned with a vibrant display of blooming flowers, enhancing the natural beauty of the landscapes. Autumn brings crisp, cool air and the mountains are decorated with colorful foliage, providing a picturesque backdrop for travelers.

Leshan Useful Guide

Leshan, located in Sichuan Province, China, is home to a unique dialect distinct from other cities in the province. The primary language spoken is Mandarin Chinese. Travelers may face language barriers as English is not widely spoken; however, basic Mandarin phrases and translation apps can help. Effective communication can also be aided by using maps, gestures, and facial expressions.

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Things to do in Leshan

What to do

Looking for things to do in Leshan? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.
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Mount Emei

Mount Emei

4.8/579,059 Review
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Historic buildings
Mountain climbing
Leshan Giant Buddha

Leshan Giant Buddha

4.6/527,869 Review
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Historic buildings
Night view
Oriental Buddha Capital

Oriental Buddha Capital

4.9/52,154 Review
Jinkou Grand Canyon Tourist Attraction

Jinkou Grand Canyon Tourist Attraction

4.5/563 Review
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Natural scenery
Boat tour
Heizhugou

Heizhugou

4.6/5484 Review
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Natural scenery
Suji Ancient Town

Suji Ancient Town

4.2/546 Review
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Night view

Where to stay

Discover the most popular places to stay in Leshan, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
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What to eat

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Leshan dishes and foodie spots.
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FENG SAN NIANG

FENG SAN NIANG

4.5/5166 Review
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Szechuan Cuisine
Avg. OMR2/person
ZHUSANTIANPIYA

ZHUSANTIANPIYA

5.0/555 Review
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Snacks
Avg. OMR1/person
GUSHIXIANG

GUSHIXIANG

4.5/5170 Review
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Szechuan Cuisine
Great ambiance
Avg. OMR3/person
SUPER TASTY

SUPER TASTY

5.0/572 Review
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Szechuan Cuisine
Avg. OMR4/person
LAO GE DOU

LAO GE DOU

4.9/569 Review
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Szechuan Cuisine
Great ambiance
Avg. OMR2/person
Feng Si Niang

Feng Si Niang

5.0/5353 Review
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Szechuan Cuisine
Avg. OMR2/person
荣生萝卜汤饭店

荣生萝卜汤饭店

3.5/523 Review
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Szechuan Cuisine
Avg. OMR2/person
Jin shan e mei fei yi bo wu guan · gu fa chuan cheng mei shi

Jin shan e mei fei yi bo wu guan · gu fa chuan cheng mei shi

4.7/560 Review
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Hot Pot
Avg. OMR10/person
ZHAO YA ZI

ZHAO YA ZI

4.5/566 Review
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Snacks
Avg. OMR2/person
大众牛肉馆

大众牛肉馆

5.0/541 Review
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Hot Pot
Avg. OMR2/person
小豆海棠(人民南路店)

小豆海棠(人民南路店)

4.0/583 Review
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Snacks
Instagrammable
Avg. OMR1/person
纪老四钵钵鸡

纪老四钵钵鸡

3.9/590 Review
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Szechuan Cuisine
Open Late
Avg. OMR3/person

Leshan Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes

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#Recommended
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#china
#leshangiantbuddha
Emei Mountain's snow falls like poetry, hiding a glazed fairyland above the clouds!

Emei Mountain's snow falls like poetry, hiding a glazed fairyland above the clouds!

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📚 In Mount Emei, I built a 'breathing' bookstore. No need to travel far, this is where poetry and distant lands meet.

📚 In Mount Emei, I built a 'breathing' bookstore. No need to travel far, this is where poetry and distant lands meet.

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Stop comparing with Switzerland! A snowy wonderland just 3 hours from Chengdu, the winter at Wawu Mountain is so healing. Who understands! Before, watching snow always meant "freezing + crowded"

Stop comparing with Switzerland! A snowy wonderland just 3 hours from Chengdu, the winter at Wawu Mountain is so healing. Who understands! Before, watching snow always meant "freezing + crowded"

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The first snow has arrived at Emei Mountain! Please keep this 2-day winter snow play guide handy

The first snow has arrived at Emei Mountain! Please keep this 2-day winter snow play guide handy

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A hidden fairyland! Stay at ZOLAND Lanyu in Emei Mountain, like living inside an ink painting

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Leshan: FAQ

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What's the most popular attractions in Leshan?

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Here are the best places to visit in Leshan, including: Emei Mountain,Leshan Giant Buddha,Golden Peak Temple

How to get to Leshan from Chengdu?

The train is nearly 20 miles a day, the fastest one hour.

How to get to Leshan from Emeishan?

In the passenger station of Emeishan city, there is a bus to Leshan, usually to Leshan Xiaoba Bus Station.

What's the best food in Leshan?

Zhanggongqiao grilled fish, roast beef, and old phoenix fish bridge are also near the new square with fish and barbecue. There are also many of the alleys opposite the experimental middle school that are suitable for eating siu mai at the east street at night, and the tofu at the back door of the ear bridge. The brain, the string of incense, the Xincun's square tofu is very good. Aberdeen Beef Education College is outside, I hope I can help you.

How to get to Leshan from Chongqing?

You can take the subway line 3 to the Longtousi bus station and take the bus to Leshan.

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