乐山大佛
The world's largest stone Buddha — 71 metres tall, carved into a river cliff in the Tang Dynasty.
The Leshan Giant Buddha is one of China's most extraordinary historical engineering achievements — carved into the red sandstone cliff over 90 years between 713 and 803 AD, it stands 71 metres tall at the confluence of three rivers. The scale only becomes apparent by river boat — the Buddha's toenails alone are large enough for a person to sit on. A UNESCO World Heritage Site well worth the day trip from Chengdu.
Take a high-speed train from Chengdu East station to Leshan (45 min, ¥30), then a taxi or bus to the scenic area. The scenic area has two main options: walk down the steep cliff staircase beside the Buddha, or take a river boat for the full frontal view. Do both if time allows. The cliff descent is the most dramatic experience but involves steep steps and can be very crowded.
Opening Hours
7:30am – 6:30pm (Apr–Oct); 8:00am – 5:30pm (Nov–Mar)
Entry Fee
¥90 scenic area entry. River boat cruise: ¥70 additional.
Address
Lingyun Temple Scenic Area, Leshan City, Sichuan Province
四川省乐山市凌云景区
Buy tickets online at the official Leshan Giant Buddha website to avoid queues. During Golden Week and summer, timed entry slots are strictly enforced.
Show these to locals — large Chinese text designed to be read at arm's length.
Show this to locals:
您好，我想买一张去乐山的高铁票，从成都东站出发。谢谢！
Hello, I would like one high-speed train ticket to Leshan, departing from Chengdu East station. Thank you!
For your eyes only:
Buy train tickets on the Trip.com app in advance using your passport number. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
Show this to locals:
师傅您好，请送我去乐山大佛景区，凌云景区入口。谢谢！
Hello, please take me to the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, Lingyun entrance. Thank you!
For your eyes only:
From Leshan railway station, a taxi to the scenic area takes about 15 minutes and costs ¥15–20.
Follow these guides to navigate each part of your visit.
Take the high-speed train from Chengdu East station to Leshan (45 min, ~¥30) — buy on Trip.com in advance
From Leshan station, take a taxi to the Lingyun Scenic Area entrance (15 min, ¥15–20)
Buy your ticket at the gate or show your online booking QR code
Start with the river boat cruise (¥70) for the full frontal view of the Buddha — this is the most spectacular perspective
After the boat, walk up to the cliff descent stairs and queue for the path down beside the Buddha's face
The descent has 247 steep stairs — the view alongside the ear and shoulder is extraordinary
Explore the Lingyun Temple complex at the top — free with scenic area ticket
Take a taxi back to the station for the return train to Chengdu
Take the river boat first — the full frontal view of the 71m Buddha from the water is more awe-inspiring than the cliff descent.
The cliff descent staircase can have 2–3 hour queues on weekends and holidays — arrive before 9am or go on a weekday.
Bring sun protection and water — the cliff descent has no shade and Leshan summers are very hot.
Combine with the Mount Emei area (45 min further) for a 2-day trip including China's most sacred Buddhist mountain.
People's Park
人民公园
The soul of Chengdu — tea, mahjong, and slow life in a public park.
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大熊猫繁育研究基地
The world's best place to see giant pandas up close.
Explore →Wuhou Shrine & Jinli Street
武侯祠&锦里
The most important Three Kingdoms site in China — ancient temple and a living street market.
Explore →Save all your travel cards, action guides, and reservations in one place — accessible offline anywhere in China.