2-Day All Inclusive Leshan Giant Buddha and Emei Mountain Tour

Exploring the 2-Day All Inclusive Leshan Giant Buddha and Emei Mountain Tour

Taking a trip to Chengdu isn’t complete without experiencing its nearby wonders, and this 2-day tour packs in some of the most iconic sights: the Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei. Designed for travelers who want a mix of culture, history, and breathtaking scenery without the hassle of planning, this tour offers a seamless journey, guided by expert English-speaking guides.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances comfort with authenticity—you’re transported comfortably between sites, yet still get plenty of opportunities to soak in the local atmosphere. The inclusion of all entrance fees, high-speed train tickets, and transportation means you get excellent value for a comprehensive sightseeing experience. Plus, the hotel stay next to Baoguo Temple provides a peaceful base to unwind.

The only thing to consider is that the tour involves quite a bit of walking, stairs, and cable car rides, which might not suit travelers with mobility issues. This tour is ideal for those who enjoy cultural landmarks, scenic views, and a well-organized schedule, especially if you’re keen to cover a lot in just two days.

This tour suits travelers who value expert guidance, convenience, and authentic sights without the stress of logistics. If you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply want a taste of China’s spiritual sites, this is an excellent choice.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Everything from train fares to entrance fees and transport is covered, providing great value.
• Comfortable Transport: High-speed train and sightseeing buses make travel smooth and efficient.
• Authentic Cultural Experience: Visiting historic temples, a giant Buddha, and a sacred mountain offers genuine insight into Chinese Buddhism.
• Breathtaking Views: Cable cars, mountain summits, and river cruises deliver remarkable scenery and photo opportunities.
• Expert Guides: Fluent English-speaking guides ensure you understand the significance of each site, making your visit richer.
• Accommodation Next to Temples: Staying at a boutique hotel near Baoguo Temple offers a peaceful retreat after busy days.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Journey to Mount Emei

The adventure begins with a hotel pickup in Chengdu, either by car or metro, making it easy to start your day stress-free. Boarding a high-speed train (roughly 1 hour 20 minutes), you’ll leave the city behind and watch the countryside roll by, a calming contrast to urban chaos. We loved the way this train ride allowed us to relax and get a feel for the local landscape, with some reviewers noting how mingling with locals on the train adds a genuine flavor to the trip.

Arriving at Emeishan, the next leg involves a drive to the mountain’s highest parking lot, Leidongping, which takes about 1.5 hours. From here, you’ll hike about 30 minutes and then hop onto a cable car to reach the Golden Summit. The views from the summit are truly spectacular—imagine a giant, gold-plated Buddha statue (48 meters tall, weighing 660 tons) standing majestically against a backdrop of clouds and peaks. The golden, silver, and bronze palaces house intricate Buddhist sculptures, making it a photographer’s dream.

Descending the mountain, you’ll visit Baoguo Temple, arriving in the late afternoon when the crowds thin out, allowing a more intimate experience. Staying overnight at a boutique hotel next to Baoguo Temple is a real highlight, offering a serene, almost meditative atmosphere after a day filled with sightseeing.

Day 2: The Wonders of Leshan

After breakfast, you’ll check out and head to the Leshan Giant Buddha, about a 40-minute drive away. Carved out of a cliff face, this Buddha faces the convergence of three rivers—an awe-inspiring sight. Climbing 333 steps up Lingyun Hill rewards you with panoramic views of the Buddha and the rivers below, along with the chance to explore murals and sculptures inside Lingyun Temple.

From the hilltop, you’ll descend along the cliff to see the Buddha’s immense feet—an impressive view that truly captures the scale of this masterpiece. If the queue is long, there’s an option to skip the line and take a river cruise to enjoy the statue from the water, which many reviews suggest enhances the viewing experience. Just note that the cruise is at your own expense.

The day wraps up with some free time to absorb the atmosphere and reflect on the sights before returning to Chengdu. This part of the tour is about 3 hours, with entrance fees included, making it a hassle-free experience.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

At $489 per person, the tour’s price might seem steep at first glance, but when you consider what’s included—train fares, entrance fees, guided services, transportation, and accommodation—it offers a lot of value for a well-organized, immersive experience. The convenience of having everything arranged means you avoid the stress of ticket queues, transport logistics, and language barriers.

The tour’s focus on authentic experiences—like visiting Baoguo Temple when fewer travelers are around—adds a layer of serenity and cultural depth. Plus, the knowledgeable guides, like Lily, who’s praised for her fluency and flexibility, make all the difference in understanding the sites’ significance.

Transport & Logistics

The high-speed train is a highlight, offering quick and scenic travel from Chengdu. The buses and cable cars are included, ensuring you can comfortably access the mountain peaks and temples without extra expense or effort. The hotel stay near Baoguo Temple is both convenient and atmospheric, giving you a chance to unwind amid the spiritual surroundings.

Scenic Highlights & Cultural Insights

Expect stunning views from the Golden Summit, where you can see the massive Buddha statue in all its glory, and enjoy the peaceful temples housing exquisite sculptures. The riverside views at Leshan are equally impressive, with the chance to see the Buddha from different angles—something you won’t get from photos alone.

Authenticity & Personal Touches

Reviewers note that visiting Baoguo Temple in the late afternoon allows for a quieter, more reflective experience, away from crowds. The quiet atmosphere enhances the spiritual ambiance, making it a meaningful part of the journey.

Food & Accommodation

While the tour includes two lunches, the focus is on local cuisine, which often features regional flavors that complement the cultural experience. The boutique hotel next to Baoguo Temple offers an authentic, peaceful retreat—a quiet spot to process the day’s sights.

The Sum Up

This 2-day tour from Chengdu offers a fantastic way to see some of China’s most iconic religious monuments without the fuss of planning every detail yourself. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate comfortable, guided experiences that combine scenic beauty with cultural depth. The inclusion of transport, entrance fees, and a boutique hotel makes it excellent value, provided you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and some walking.

If you’re a traveler eager for authentic experiences, stunning vistas, and a taste of spiritual history, this tour delivers it all. The well-organized itinerary, detailed guidance, and unique sights make it a memorable trip for anyone looking to explore some of China’s most revered landmarks.

FAQs

• What is included in the tour?

All entrance fees, round-trip train fares, transportation within the itinerary, sightseeing bus, cable cars to Golden Summit, two lunches, and one night’s boutique hotel accommodation are included.

• How long is the train ride?

The train from Chengdu to Mount Emei takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

• Is hotel pickup provided?

Yes, free hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making the start and end of your day convenient.

• Can I skip the river cruise at Leshan?

Yes, the river cruise is at your own expense. You can opt to skip it and explore the Buddha from the hilltop instead.

• What should I wear for this tour?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially for hikes and stairs. Dress appropriately for the weather, and bring layers if visiting the mountain.

• How much walking is involved?

There’s some walking, including a 30-minute hike to the cable car and climbing 333 steps at Leshan. The terrain includes stairs and slopes.

• Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?

It’s best suited for travelers with good mobility due to stairs and walking involved, but older travelers comfortable with these activities should be fine.

• Are meals included?

Yes, two lunches are included, featuring local Chinese cuisine.

• How far in advance should I book?

Booking about 61 days ahead is typical, especially to secure high-speed train tickets, as availability can be limited.

This tour offers a well-rounded experience of some of Sichuan’s most treasured sites, combining comfort, culture, and stunning scenery. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for more, it’s a great way to deepen your appreciation of China’s spiritual heritage.