How to Plan Mount Emei Tour from Chengdu

How to Plan Mount Emei Tour from Chengdu

Introduction to Mount Emei (峨眉山)

Mount Emei, one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, is nestled in Leshan City, Sichuan Province, renowned for its “Peerless Elegance” (天下秀) Rising to 3,099 meters, it integrates mystical peaks, sea of clouds, Buddhist halos, and sacred lights, alongside millennia-old temples, cliff carvings, and wild macaque habitats. As the sacred site of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (普贤菩萨), Mount Emei offers a spiritual journey blending Zen culture with breathtaking landscapes—from the Golden Summit (金顶) to the tranquil streams of Qingyin Pavilion (清音阁).

Travel Guide from Chengdu

1. Transportation Options

High-Speed Train (Recommended):
Depart from Chengdu East Station (成都东站) to Emeishan Station (峨眉山站) (1.5–2 hours, ¥54–65). Transfer via scenic shuttle to the mountain entrance (20 mins)
Private Car:
Drive via the Chengdu-Leshan Expressway (~2.5 hours). Park at Zero-Kilometer Lot (零公里停车场) and take the shuttle to Leidongping (¥90 round-trip).

2. Recommended Itineraries

① 1-Day Highlights Tour

Morning:
- Train to Emeishan Station → Shuttle to Leidongping (雷洞坪) → Cable car to Golden Summit (金顶) for sunrise and the Ten Directions Samantabhadra Statue (十方普贤圣像).

Afternoon:
- Hike down to Wannian Temple (万年寺) (1,000-year-old Buddhist site) → Qingyin Pavilion (清音阁) (streams and bridges).

② 2-Day In-Depth Exploration

Day 1:
- Explore Baoguo Temple (报国寺) (gateway temple) → Stay overnight at Hongchunping Hotel (洪椿坪).
Day 2:
- Sunrise at Golden Summit → Hike through Natural Monkey Zone (自然生态猴区) → Combine with Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛) (1.5-hour drive) .

3. Must-Experience Attractions

Golden Summit (金顶):
At 3,077 meters, iconic for sunrise, sea of clouds, and Buddhist relics. Cable car: ¥120 round-trip.
Wannian Temple (万年寺):
Houses a 62-ton bronze statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva riding a six-tusked elephant.
Qingyin Pavilion (清音阁):
A serene valley with twin bridges and waterfalls .