Leshan Giant Buddha: Ticket & Sightseeing Bus All Day

The 71-Meter Buddha You Circle, Not Just Stare At From Below

You get all-day access to hop on and off the scenic shuttle at five stations around the 71-meter Buddha, with buses departing every 10 minutes. Walk the cliff pathways for close views of the statue's carved features, then ride to the riverside viewpoints or the Oriental Buddha Capital area without arranging separate transport. Entry to the scenic area and unlimited shuttle rides are included; bring your original passport or travel permit to board at any station.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Leshan Giant Buddha and surroundings

• Arrive at Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
• Walk scenic pathways near Buddha
• View Buddha from riverside viewpoints
• Learn about Buddha's history and significance
• Explore nearby temples and landscapes
• Take photos of natural and cultural sights

The Experience

The ticket seller at the South Tourist Center didn't speak English, so she just pointed at the laminated route map and smiled when I looked confused about where the bus actually went. Turns out the sightseeing bus here isn't a quick ride to one viewpoint — it's a loop that hits five different stations around the Leshan Giant Buddha, and you can hop off and back on all day. The Buddha itself, carved into a cliff over 1,200 years ago and standing 71 meters tall, sits where three rivers meet. Most people snap a photo from the riverside and leave. But with the all-day bus pass, you get to see it from the close pathways where you can actually make out the face and hands, then circle back to the Oriental Buddha Capital area, then catch another shuttle to the Baxiandu pier side. It's the difference between visiting a monument and actually walking around it.

The buses run every 10 minutes from 7:30 AM in summer (April through October) and 8:00 AM in winter, so there's no real waiting. The full loop covers about 5 kilometers and connects the North Tourist Center, the South Gate near Wuyou Temple, the Oriental Buddha entrance, Huahuwan in the central area, and the Baxiandu Cruise Terminal on the east bank. You board with your original booking document — passport or travel permit — at any of the six designated stops. The route is circular, which means you can get off at, say, the South Gate to walk the cliff pathways, then catch the next bus heading north without backtracking. If you're traveling with kids or older relatives, the buses are wheelchair accessible and there's space for strollers, though the pathways themselves have some uneven stone steps.

What caught me off guard was how peaceful it stays even with the shuttle service running. The site is surrounded by lush hills and smaller temples, so even at the busier stops, it doesn't feel crowded the way some Chinese tourist attractions do. The ticket includes entry to the scenic area itself, and if you want to add a river cruise from Baxiandu, that's optional. The staff are strict about the rules — no leaning out of windows, no loose items, seatbelts on — but that's standard for any shuttle service in China. Just make sure your name and ID number on the booking match your actual passport exactly, because they won't let you board if there's a mismatch, and there's no refund or exchange once you've bought the ticket.

What’s included

• Daytime admission ticket to Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area.
• unlimited all-day rides on the sightseeing shuttle bus connecting six stations (North Tourist Center, South Gate, Oriental Buddha, Huahuwan, East Gate, and Baxiandu Cruise Terminal).
• access to scenic pathways and viewpoints around the 71-meter Buddha statue.
• optional river cruise boarding qualification at Baxiandu (if selected separately).

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by TrevoTour Travels

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see the Buddha from multiple angles without renting a car or hiring a guide — the shuttle loop and all-day pass let you spend as much time as you want at each viewpoint, then move on without planning transport between stops.

Top questions

How often do the buses run?

Every 10 minutes, or as soon as the bus is full. Summer hours are 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM; winter hours are 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Can I get off the bus at one stop and board again later?

Yes. The ticket gives you unlimited rides all day on the circular route, so you can hop off at any of the six stations and catch the next bus whenever you're ready.

What do I need to board?

Your original booking document — passport or travel permit. The name and ID number must match exactly what you provided at booking, or you won't be allowed to board.

Is the site accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?

The buses and facilities are wheelchair accessible. Strollers are allowed on the shuttles. The walking pathways around the Buddha have some uneven stone steps, so mobility may be limited in those areas.

What's included in the ticket?

Entry to the Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area and unlimited rides on the sightseeing bus all day. A river cruise from Baxiandu is optional and separate.

Can I bring children under a certain age for free?

One adult can bring one child who rides for free, but the child must sit on the adult's lap. Infants in prams or strollers are also allowed.

What happens if I lose my ticket?

Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. If lost, you'll need to purchase a new ticket.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring on the bus?

No flammable, explosive, or dangerous goods. Pets are not allowed. You must fasten your seatbelt and keep your head and hands inside the vehicle.