Leshan & Emei: The Sacred Peaks of Sichuan

A 2 Day Private Excursion to Leshan & Mt. Emei

This private journey is designed for travelers visiting Chengdu who wish to explore the cultural and natural landscapes beyond the city. It offers a structured yet flexible way to experience two of Sichuan's most iconic destinations, Leshan and Mt. Emei (pronounced "uh-may") on a privately operated itinerary.

Unlike fixed-departure join-in group tours, this experience operates as a fully private tour and can be scheduled year-round based on your travel dates. Guests are expected to be staying in Chengdu during their visit, where the journey begins with private pickup directly from their hotel.

The itinerary is designed as an outward journey from Chengdu into the surrounding region, combining cultural heritage, natural scenery, and mountain landscapes into a seamless short expedition before returning to the city.

Due to the nature of private logistics between Chengdu, Leshan, and Mt. Emei, we recommend booking at least two week in advance to ensure availability of private vehicles, accommodation, and guiding services.

The tour operates with a minimum of 1 traveler, making it suitable for solo travelers visiting Chengdu. For best value, we recommend 2-4 travelers per booking, while larger private groups can also be accommodated upon request. As this journey is operated on a private basis and priced according to individual group requirements, promotional codes and discounts offered for scheduled group departures are not applicable.

This itinerary includes one night at Mt. Emei in a carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotel (depending on your package), with private transportation throughout the journey between Chengdu, Leshan, Mount Emei, and return to Chengdu.

Although the itinerary does not involve strenuous trekking, Mt. Emei involves moderate walking and elevation changes in mountain terrain. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

Tour Highlights

Cruising Beneath the Leshan Giant Buddha

Experience the Leshan Giant Buddha from the water, where the full scale of this 71-meter stone monument becomes visible in dramatic perspective. Carved during the Tang Dynasty at the confluence of three rivers, the Buddha stands as one of the largest and most significant ancient stone carvings in the world. The boat journey offers a rare vantage point, allowing travelers to appreciate both the engineering achievement and the spiritual presence of this UNESCO World Heritage site in a relaxed and unobstructed setting.

The Sacred Landscape of Mt. Emei

Journey onward into Mt. Emei, one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and a UNESCO-listed cultural and natural heritage site. Rising above Sichuan's plains, Mt. Emei has long been regarded as a center of Buddhist pilgrimage, associated with the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra. The mountain blends dense forest, ancient temples, and high-altitude viewpoints into a continuously evolving spiritual landscape.

Golden Summit & Sea of Clouds

Ascend to the Golden Summit area, where temples and viewing platforms sit above a vast sea of clouds that frequently forms over the mountain range below. On clear days, panoramic views extend across western Sichuan, while atmospheric conditions often transform the summit into a floating world above the clouds!

Tour Options

Standard Package: Guided Experience

This is our recommended option for most travelers.

You will have a private driver and vehicle throughout the journey, with seamless transportation from Chengdu to Leshan, continuing from Leshan to Mt. Emei, and returning to Chengdu at the end of the trip.

Accommodation includes one night at a carefully selected 4-star hotel at Mt. Emei, chosen for comfort and ease of access to the scenic area.

In addition, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking local guide throughout the trip.

Your guide will bring the destinations to life with historical context, cultural background, and local insight that is not easily accessible when traveling independently. From the spiritual significance of Mt. Emei to the engineering legacy of the Leshan Giant Buddha, each site is experienced with greater depth and understanding through guided interpretation.

This option is ideal for travelers who want to not only see Sichuan, but truly understand it.

Pricing is based on twin-share accommodation within your own travel group for bookings of 2–4 travelers.

For groups of three, rooms will be arranged within your party as one twin-share room and one single room, ensuring comfort for all members of the group.

For travelers within the same group who prefer additional personal space, a single room supplement of US$30 applies.

Premium Upgrade: Elevated Comfort

This is our elevated comfort option, designed for travelers who want a more seamless and refined experience throughout the journey.

You will have a private driver and upgraded vehicle throughout the trip, with smooth transportation from Chengdu to Leshan, continuing from Leshan to Mount Emei, and returning to Chengdu at the end of the journey.

Accommodation includes a one-night stay at a 5-star hotel, selected for its superior comfort and service.

An English-speaking local guide will accompany you throughout the journey, providing historical context, cultural insight, and on-the-ground interpretation at each destination. This allows you to engage more deeply with the sites while enjoying a completely coordinated, hassle-free experience.

This option is ideal for travelers who value maximum comfort, efficiency, and depth of understanding, without needing to manage any of the logistics themselves.

Pricing is based on twin-share accommodation within your own travel group for bookings of 2–3 travelers.

For groups of three, rooms will be arranged within your party as one twin-share room and one single room.

For travelers within the same group who prefer additional personal space, a single room supplement of US$80 applies.

Day 1 – Leshan

Morning

• At the designated time, your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Chengdu and head for Leshan (樂山).
• Once you arrive at Leshan, you'll board a boat for a cruise along the confluence of the Min, Dadu, and Qingyi Rivers. From the water, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the magnificent Leshan Giant Buddha, one of China's most extraordinary cultural treasures.
  • Carved directly into a cliff face during the Tang Dynasty, the Buddha stands 71 meters tall, making it the largest ancient stone Buddha statue in the world. Construction began in 713 AD and took nearly ninety years to complete. Seated serenely above the meeting point of three rivers, the Buddha has watched over travelers and merchants for more than twelve centuries!
• Break for lunch.

Afternoon

• After lunch, you'll continue onward to Mt. Emei (峨嵋山), one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains.
  • For centuries, pilgrims traveled here in search of spiritual enlightenment amid its forested peaks, ancient temples, and dramatic mountain scenery. The mountain is traditionally regarded as the sacred realm of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, known in Chinese as Puxian (普賢菩薩), who represents virtue, wisdom, and compassion.
• Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
• Overnight at Mt. Emei.

Day 2 – Mt. Emei

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel.
• After breakfast, you begin a full-day exploration of Mt. Emei.
• You'll first arrive at Leidongping, a scenic mountain area that serves as the gateway to the upper reaches of Mt. Emei. Along the way, you may encounter the mountain's famous Tibetan macaques!
• Continuing onward, you'll reach Jieyin Hall, traditionally known as the "Gateway to the Golden Summit."
  • In Buddhist tradition, "Jieyin" refers to guidance towards enlightenment and the Pure Land. For generations, pilgrams have paused here before making their final ascent toward the summit.
• Break for lunch.

Afternoon

• After lunch, you will continue to the summit area and visit Huazang Temple, the highest major temple complex on Mt. Emei.
  • Located at an elevation of over 3,000 meters, the temple occupies one of the most spectacular viewpoints in western China. The summit has long been regarded as the spiritual heart of Mt. Emei, drawing pilgrims and travelers from across East Asia.
  • At the center of the summit stands the magnificent Ten-Faced Samantabhadra Statue, a towering 48-meter golden monument dedicated to the Bodhisattva associated with Mt. Emei. Supported by six great white elephants, the statue symbolizes the universal reach of wisdom and compassion and has become one of the most iconic landmarks in Chinese Buddhism.
• You will then visit the Golden Hall, the highest temple building on the mountain, where visitors can admire intricate Buddhist architecture while enjoying the panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
• Weather permitting, you may witness the famous Sea of Clouds that frequently forms below the summit, creating the illusion of sailing through the clouds. On exceptionally clear days, distant views extend all the way to the snow-capped peaks of Gongga Mountain, the highest mountain in Sichuan.
• You'll have time to explore the summit area, take photos, and soak in the extraordinary atmosphere of this sacred mountain.
• After descending from Mt. Emei, you'll return to Chengdu and get dropped off at your hotel.
• Tour concludes.