Mount Emei Tickets & Travel Guide

Chances are many of you have heard of the legendary Mount Emei. So how do you get to Mount Emei? What are the must-see highlights? In this Trip.com guide, we’ve put together a complete Mount Emei travel guide just for you. Let’s dive in!

Mount Emei｜Introduction

When it comes to mainland China’s four great sacred Buddhist mountains, Mount Emei absolutely makes the list! Located in Leshan, Sichuan, Mount Emei is a must on many Sichuan trips! Beyond its spectacular natural scenery, its Buddhist culture runs deep, and it’s honored as the "sacred site of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva." The entire mountain is awe-inspiring; its main peak, Wanfo Summit, rises to 3,099 meters above sea level, and the scenery shifts with the seasons: mist coils through spring and summer, while autumn and winter cloak the slopes in snow-white finery, like a paradise on earth.

Mount Emei was inscribed in 1996 as a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site—a rarity worldwide! The mountain is home to more than twenty temples, each with its own history and character, such as Baoguo Temple, Fuhu Temple, and Qingyin Pavilion. Whether you’re here on a pilgrimage, hitting the trails, or simply looking to immerse yourself in nature, Mount Emei is an outstanding choice.

Mount Emei｜Getting There

Heading to Mount Emei isn’t hard at all—it’s pretty convenient~ If you’re departing from Chengdu, you can take the high-speed train or a bus:

• High-speed rail: Take a high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Emeishan Station; the ride takes about 1.5 hours. After you exit, a bus or taxi will get you to the scenic area in about 20 minutes.
• Bus: From Chengdu's Xinnanmen Bus Station, you can catch a direct tourist bus to the Mount Emei Scenic Area; the ride takes about 2.5 hours.

Once you enter the Mount Emei Scenic Area, you can hop on the eco-friendly shuttle buses to travel between sections, or opt to hike up the mountain (you’ll need some stamina!). The trail network is well planned and clearly marked, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost, and you can choose a route that matches your fitness level.

Mount Emei｜Ticket Prices

Note: Final charges may vary slightly depending on real-time bank exchange rates at the time of purchase.

Mount Emei｜Must-See Highlights

When you visit Mount Emei, don’t miss these three must-see highlights:

Sunrise and Sea of Clouds at the Golden Summit

Golden Summit is the highest point on Mount Emei. Standing at 3,099 meters up, watching golden light spill across a sea of clouds is the kind of awe you’ll never forget! Especially at sunrise, when sunlight pierces the mist and the entire Buddha statue is bathed in gold, it’s so spectacular it takes your breath away.

Wannian Temple and the Statue of Samantabhadra Riding an Elephant

This is one of the oldest temples on the mountain, dedicated to Mount Emei’s patron deity—Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. Inside, a bronze statue of Samantabhadra riding an elephant radiates solemn majesty; it’s also a must-visit for many pilgrims.

Interactive Monkey Troop Experience

There are lots of wild monkeys in the mountains, especially between Qingyin Pavilion and Hongchunping, where you’ll see them most often. Heads up: these monkeys aren’t afraid of people and will even come right up to snatch food. It’s best not to carry plastic bags or let food show, so it doesn’t get grabbed by the 'Monkey Boss'!

Mount Emei｜Must-See Attractions

Wannian Temple

Wannian Temple is the oldest and most revered temple on Mount Emei, and it houses a bronze statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva weighing over 60 tons—truly spectacular. The air is thick with incense, and you’ll often see devotees praying with heartfelt sincerity. If you’re interested in Buddhist culture, be sure to come and experience it for yourself.

Fuhu Temple

Fuhu Temple, located not far from Baoguo Temple, is a Buddhist temple that blends Han and Tibetan architectural styles. Inside, the statue of the Tiger-Taming Arhat is well known, and legend says it wards off evil and offers protection! The atmosphere here is serene—perfect for quiet reflection and offering prayers for blessings—and it’s also a great spot for photos.

Baoguo Temple

Baoguo Temple is the first stop as you enter Mount Emei and the gateway to the entire scenic area. This ancient temple isn’t just lively with incense and prayers—it’s steeped in rich history and culture. Inside, many Buddha statues are enshrined, and the architecture is austere and dignified. Right next door, the Mount Emei Museum makes this an ideal place to linger if you want to understand the mountain’s history, geology, and religious background.

Qingyin Pavilion

Step into Qingyin Pavilion and it feels like walking into a landscape painting! Sitting at the confluence of the Black and White Streams, Qingyin Pavilion is serenely beautiful and known as the No. 1 view of Mount Emei. From here, you can continue up to One-Line Sky, where the trail narrows and sheer cliffs rise on both sides - a route that's a bit challenging but absolutely worth it for the scenery.

Golden Summit

The Golden Summit is the highest point of Mount Emei, soaring above 3,000 meters and truly awe-inspiring. Here stands the magnificent Ten-Directional Samantabhadra Bodhisattva statue, the pilgrimage endpoint for many devotees and travelers. Beyond the power of faith, standing on the Golden Summit and gazing out at the surrounding ranges—on clear days you can even spot snowcapped Mount Gongga in the distance—is absolutely the highlight of the trip.

Mount Emei｜Food

Don't think a trip up the mountain means you'll be stuck with only vegetarian food—Mount Emei and its surroundings are packed with delicious options:

• Emei tofu pudding: Silky-smooth and tender, topped with a fragrant, spicy seasoning—grab a bowl first thing in the morning to warm your belly and whet your appetite.
• Malatang and chuanchuan skewers: The malatang here is satisfyingly spicy, perfect for chilly weather.
• Emei Snow Bud Tea: a high-mountain tea from Mount Emei, with a delicate, elegant aroma and a hint of lingering sweetness—perfect to bring home as a gift.
• Vegetarian temple fare: Most major temples serve vegetarian meals, like braised tofu with shiitake mushrooms and stir-fried mountain greens—light, refreshing, and easy on the stomach.

At the foot of the mountain, you'll also find plenty of restaurants—time-honored spots like "Hongchun Zhai" and "Leshan Flavor Restaurant"—serving authentic flavors at wallet-friendly prices.

Mount Emei｜Nearby Attractions

After exploring Mount Emei, there are also a few nearby must-see attractions:

Leshan Giant Buddha

About a 40-minute drive from Mount Emei, it’s the world’s largest stone-carved Buddha, soaring 71 meters high—taking it in from the riverbank is absolutely jaw-dropping! You can also take a boat tour; from the water, it’s even more spectacular.

Jiayang Little Train

A must for nostalgia lovers! This is Mainland China's only narrow-gauge steam train still in operation, where you can soak up the rural scenery of southern Sichuan.

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