Leshan Giant Buddha Tickets & Guide

When traveling in Sichuan, beyond planning stops at Jiuzhaigou and Mount Emei, don’t forget to swing by the Leshan Giant Buddha! This colossal stone statue isn’t just the tallest of its kind in the world; it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and absolutely worth a visit! Now, follow along with the Trip.com editor for a closer look.

Introduction to the Leshan Giant Buddha

Leshan Giant Buddha is one of Sichuan’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set on Mount Lingyun in Leshan, Sichuan, where the Min, Qingyi, and Dadu Rivers meet. This colossal stone-carved statue of Maitreya was hewn during the Tang dynasty, standing 71 meters tall; its head alone is 14.7 meters high, and standing at its feet and looking up is truly awe-inspiring! Legend has it the statue was carved to calm the waters and protect passing boats; after it was completed, the currents did ease—proof, many say, of its remarkable power. Today, the Leshan Giant Buddha is more than a symbol of faith; it’s a classic, can’t-miss sight in Sichuan. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or natural scenery, you’ll fall in love with this place.

Leshan Giant Buddha Attractions

Great Buddha (Principal Image)

Of course, the star of the show is the Leshan Giant Buddha itself! Visitors can walk the "Nine-Bend Plank Road" all the way down to the base to take in the statue in full—you’ll truly be blown away by its overwhelming presence. Start by looking down at the Buddha’s head from above, then slowly make your way to its feet to fully appreciate the Buddha’s proportions and intricate details.

Lingyun Temple

Right beside the Giant Buddha, Lingyun Temple is a tranquil ancient temple steeped in a rich Buddhist atmosphere. Its architecture is well preserved, incense offerings are abundant, and the halls are alive with devotion. The statues and murals inside reward an unhurried look, making it a wonderful place to slow down, clear your mind, and wander.

Oriental Buddha Capital

Oriental Buddha Capital is a modern Buddhist cultural park built to look ancient, packed with displays of Buddhist statues—everything from stone carvings to bronze sculptures! While it’s smaller in scale than the Giant Buddha, the overall vibe is lovely and it’s a great spot for the whole family to wander around and snap photos.

Mahao Cliff Tombs

This Han dynasty tomb complex is not far from the Giant Buddha—history buffs will love it! Even though it's a burial site, it's well preserved, with plenty of ancient carvings and tomb-chamber designs to see, adding a bit of depth to your travels.

Boat Tour to See the Buddha

If you don’t want to walk the Nine-Turn Boardwalk, you can also hop on a river cruise to see the Giant Buddha from the river! From this angle, you can take in the entire statue in one glance—especially at sunset, the vibes are amazing~ perfect for travelers who’d rather not walk too much but still want beautiful photos.

Leshan Giant Buddha Ticket Prices

Getting to the Leshan Giant Buddha

If you're coming from Chengdu or another major city, getting to the Leshan Giant Buddha is actually quite easy, with several transportation options to choose from:

High-Speed Rail + Bus

Hop on a high-speed train from Chengdu to Leshan Station; the ride takes about 45–60 minutes. Then, once you exit the station, transfer to bus 13 or 3 to reach the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area.

Direct Bus

Chengdu’s Xinnanmen Bus Station has direct sightseeing buses to the Leshan Giant Buddha, and the ride takes about 2 hours—it's convenient and requires no transfers.

Leshan Giant Buddha Cuisine

Of course, when you come to Leshan, you can't miss the local cuisine—the street food here is bold, spicy, and seriously appetite-boosting:

• Leshan Sweet-Skin Duck: crispy on the outside, tender inside, with wonderfully layered sweet-and-savory flavors.
• Tofu pudding: Leshan’s take is savory and spicy, topped with minced pork and crispy chilies—having this for breakfast really hits the spot.
• Qiaojiao Beef Soup: A beloved local specialty with a rich, aromatic broth and silky-tender beef, perfect with a bowl of steamed white rice.

Attractions Near the Leshan Giant Buddha

Mount Emei

One of mainland China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, about 40 kilometers from Leshan, with a cable car that takes you straight up to the Golden Summit to catch the sea of clouds and sunrise, plus hot springs and troops of monkeys, all steeped in a rich Buddhist atmosphere.

Jiayang Steam Train

This is the only narrow-gauge steam train still running in mainland China, rolling through an old mining area with a wonderfully nostalgic feel, and the scenery along the way is beautiful too.