2-Day Leshan Giant Buddha & Mount Emei Tour from Chengdu

Boat ride to the world's largest stone Buddha, then sunrise from a sacred mountain peak

This 2-day tour from Chengdu combines two of southwestern China's most significant spiritual sites: the Leshan Giant Buddha, viewed from a boat on the Min River, and Mount Emei, a UNESCO-listed mountain with ancient temples and panoramic cloud-sea views. Day one includes the boat tour and an overnight stay at the mountain hotel. Day two explores Mount Emei's Golden Summit before returning to Chengdu. A professional English-speaking guide leads both days, with meals and transport included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Cruise to Leshan Giant Buddha

• Drive to Leshan
• Enjoy lunch
• Drive to Leshan Giant Buddha
• Boat tour of Leshan Giant Buddha
• Drive to Mount Emei
• Check-in at hotel
• Enjoy dinner

Day 2: Explore Mount Emei & Return to Chengdu

• Enjoy breakfast
• Drive to Mount Emei
• Explore Mount Emei
• Enjoy lunch
• Return to Chengdu

The experience

The tour starts with a drive from Chengdu to Leshan, about 155 kilometers south. After lunch, you board a boat for a two-hour cruise that brings you face-to-face with the Leshan Giant Buddha, carved into a cliff face overlooking the Min River. The statue is the world's largest stone Buddha, and the boat approach lets you take in its scale and detail from the water, surrounded by the lush mountains that frame it. By evening you're at the Emei Mountain Hotel, positioned for the next day's exploration.

Day two begins early with breakfast, then a drive to Mount Emei itself. You spend four hours exploring the mountain's sacred sites, including the Golden Summit, where the views stretch across cloud seas and, if timing aligns, catch the sunrise. The mountain holds ancient Buddhist temples and relics scattered across its slopes. After lunch, the return drive to Chengdu takes about two hours, ending the tour by mid-afternoon.

An air-conditioned vehicle and a professional guide in English are with you throughout. Breakfast is included both mornings, and lunch on both days. The Leshan Giant Buddha boat ticket is covered. Cable cars on Mount Emei are optional and paid separately. You'll need a moderate level of fitness for the mountain walking, and the itinerary is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or significant cardiovascular concerns.

What’s included

• Leshan Giant Buddha boat ticket.
• air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers.
• breakfast both mornings.
• lunch both days.
• dinner on day one.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• one night accommodation at Emei Mountain Hotel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (6 to 76 years) · Child (2 to 5 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Travel Chengdu

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you're splitting two days between Leshan's riverside Buddha viewing and Mount Emei's summit: the fixed route connects both sites without backtracking between them.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What exactly is the Leshan Giant Buddha and how do you see it on this tour?

The Leshan Giant Buddha is a massive stone statue carved into a cliff face at the confluence of three rivers near Leshan, about 155 kilometers from Chengdu. You reach it by boat, cruising the Min River for two hours to view the sculpture from the water, which is the traditional vantage point and lets you see its full scale and detail against the surrounding mountains.

What does a typical day on Mount Emei involve?

On day two, you drive to Mount Emei and spend four hours exploring the mountain. This includes visiting the Golden Summit, where you can see panoramic views of the cloud seas, and walking through ancient Buddhist temples and sites that dot the slopes. The exact route depends on conditions and your guide's recommendations, and cable cars are available if you prefer not to walk certain sections.

Is there time to see a sunrise from Mount Emei on this tour?

The tour departs early on day two with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and reaches Mount Emei by 9:00 a.m., so sunrise viewing depends on the season and weather. Your guide will advise on the likelihood and positioning for the best views during your visit.

What meals are provided during the two days?

Breakfast is included both mornings at your hotel and at the mountain. Lunch is provided on both day one and day two. Dinner on the first evening is also included before you check in at the Emei Mountain Hotel.

Do I need to arrange my own transport from Chengdu at the start?

Pickup is included in the tour, so your guide will meet you and handle all transport by air-conditioned vehicle throughout the two days. Public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer to arrange your own arrival.