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Mount Emei Facts: Get to Know Emeishan Mounatin Quickly
Location: Leshan City, Sichuan Province, China. Approximately 160 kilometers from Chengdu.
Ticket Prices: Peak season (April 1 - November 30): 185 RMB/person. Off-season (December 1 - March 31): 110 RMB/person. Your Emei Mountain ticket is valid for 2 days from the moment you validate it.
Mount Emei Operating Hours:
Summer and Autumn (May 1st - October 7th): 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Winter and Spring (October 8th - April 30th): 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Four Wonders Of Emeishan Mountain
Mount Emei Sunrise
The sunrise is considered the most spectacular of the Four Wonders. As you gaze eastward from the Golden Summit of Mount Emei, the pre-dawn sky is a deep, inky blue, blending with the earth. Suddenly, the sun's crimson glow cleaves the heavens, and golden rays pierce through gaps in the sea of clouds. As the sun transitions from an arc to a semicircle and then reveals itself fully, your soul is cleansed.
Mount Emei Cloud Sea (Golden Summit Cloud Sea)
The lofty peaks of Mount Emei are perpetually enveloped in a veil of clouds. At dawn, when the sunlight pierces through the mist, a magnificent sea of clouds unfolds before your eyes. From the mountaintop, you can observe the undulating waves of clouds, as if gazing upon a celestial ocean.
The sea of cloud is formed due to Mount Emei's location at the edge of the Sichuan Basin. The convergence of warm, moist air from the south and cold air from the north near the Golden Summit results in condensation and upward movement, creating layers of clouds.
Mount Emei Golden Light
The Mount Emei Golden Light can be seen from the Buddha statue at the summit of Mount Emei. When the sun rises from the cloud sea, a rainbow-like halo encircles the Buddha statue, creating the illusion of a divine presence. The best time to witness this phenomenon is between 2 PM and 5 PM, and it occurs approximately every five days.
Mount Emei Sacred Lamp
The Sacred Lamp is the most enigmatic of the Four Wonders. It is a series of green lights hidden within the emeishan mountains, typically appearing on moonless nights. The lights are not fixed in one location, sometimes coalescing into a bright glow that illuminates the forest and other times dispersing into countless individual lights scattered throughout the mountains.
Top Attractions & Best Things to See of Mount Emei
Golden Summit (金顶)
How can you visit Mount Emei without seeing the Golden Summit? It is the greatest highlight of trip to Mount Emei. Located atop the main peak of Mount Emei, the Golden Summit stands at an altitude of 3079 meters, making it the second highest peak. At the summit, there is a copper hall completely coated in gold. When sunlight strikes the summit, the golden hall reflects a dazzling golden glow, hence the name Golden Summit.
Standing on the Golden Summit and looking out in all directions, you can witness the renowned natural wonders - sunrise, sea of clouds, Buddha's light, and sacred lamps. Looking down at the path you've taken, you can see the temples you've passed along the way. Additionally, the Golden Summit is famous for having the world's largest and tallest statue of the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra. Constructed in 2006, the statue stands 48 meters tall and weighs 600 tons. The statue implying that Samantabhadra's vows can bring fulfillment to all Buddhas and ordinary beings in all directions.
Wannian Temple (万年寺)
Buddhism began to spread from Mount Emei as early as the 1st century AD. Temples closely associated with Buddhist culture are must-sees, especially Wannian Temple, one of the eight major temples on Mount Emei. Situated at an altitude of 1020 meters, it was built in the 4th century AD during the Jin Dynasty.
Its name is linked to an emperor of the Ming Dynasty, who ruled China. To celebrate his mother's birthday and wish her a long life, he ordered the construction of a brick hall without beams and bestowed the name "Wannian Temple," which has been used since the 15th century. The brick hall built at that time has survived 18 earthquakes, making it a gem of ancient architecture. Stepping inside the circular hall with a square base, one can see that the entire hall is made of bricks without any wooden materials. Looking straight ahead in the hall, you can see another precious treasure of Wannian Temple - a bronze statue of Samantabhadra built in the 9th century AD.
Baoguo Temple (报国寺)
Another temple worth visiting is Baoguo Temple. Located at an altitude of 533 meters on Mount Emei, it serves as the gateway to the mountain and the starting point for tourists. Built in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty, Baoguo Temple is a must-see for any visitor.
As you enter the temple, your attention will be drawn to the large plaque inscribed with the words "Baoguo Temple" hanging above the main gate. The name "Baoguo" was bestowed by an emperor of the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century, signifying loyalty and love for one's country and nation. All the halls in the temple are built along the mountainside, each one higher than the last.
The temple occasionally hosts Buddhist ceremonies and activities, offering spiritual comfort and peace to both pilgrims and ordinary visitors.
Elephant Bathing Pond (洗象池)
Imagine gazing upon a moonlit landscape of unparalleled beauty, where serene waters reflect the celestial glow. Elephant Bathing Pond offers just that. Nestled at 2070 meters on Mount Emei, this tranquil oasis is a must-visit for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
According to legend, the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra's white elephant once bathed in these waters, adding a touch of mythical allure to the site. As night falls, the moon casts its silvery light upon the pond, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Monkeys in Mount Emei | Ecological Monkey Zone (生态猴区)
Ever heard of the monkey business going on at Mount Emei? Well, it's no joke! These stump-tailed macaques are the real deal. More than 1,000 monkeys inhabit the forests of Mount Emei, ranging from altitudes of 800 to 2400 meters. They're stronger, smarter, and definitely more mischievous than your average zoo monkey. Once you pass Qingyin Ge on your hike, you're entering their territory .
Since more people have been visiting Mount Emei, the monkeys have learned to wait on the hiking trails for food. They're even known to snatch bags.
Note: If you're passing through the monkey zone, hang on tight to your stuff! These monkeys are pros at snatching bags, so avoid carrying loose items. A bamboo pole can be handy for keeping them at bay, but remember, they're wild animals, so treat them with respect.
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Popular Ways to Explore Mount Emei
While hiking Mount Emei and taking in the stunning scenery is a rewarding experience, the entire trek from the bottom to the top is over 60 kilometers and can take several days to complete. The long and arduous journey can be challenging for many. For those seeking a more convenient way to explore the mountain, Emei Mountain offers sightseeing bus and cable car.
You can first take the sightseeing bus and then the cable car up to the mountain. In the following part, we will provide details on the routes, fares, and details of two transportation options.
Most Recommended Way Mount Emei: Bus Plus Cable Car
Step 1: Bus Ride - From Mountain Foot to Leidongping (雷洞坪)
The terrain below 1,800 meters on Mount Emei is relatively flat, allowing sightseeing buses to reach altitudes of over 2,000 meters. There are five parking lots along the mountain, from the base to an elevation of 2,430 meters. To plan your itinerary, check what attractions are near each parking lot.
Parking Lots
- Baoguo Temple Parking Lot - 500 meters
- Wuxian Gang Parking Lot - 600 meters
- Wannian Temple Parking Lot - 1000 meters
- Linggongli Parking Lot - 1300 meters
- Leidongping Parking Lot - 2430 meters
Ticket Prices
| Departure Station | Arrival Station | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|
| Baoguo Temple Passenger Transportation Center | Leidongping | Round trip - 90 yuan per person |
| Baoguo Temple Passenger Transportation Center | Wuxian Gang Station/Wannian Temple | Uphill - 20 yuan per person, Downhill - 20 yuan per person |
| Wannian Temple | Leidongping | Uphill - 20 yuan per person, Downhill - 20 yuan per person |
Operating Hours
Off-peak season (Nov 1 - Apr 25): 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM (uphill) / 5:00 PM (downhill)
Peak season (Apr 26 - Oct 30): 6:00 AM (7:00 AM for the halfway point) - 5:00 PM (uphill) / 6:00 PM (downhill)
Frequency
Every 30 minutes in the morning.
Every hour starting from 12:00 PM.
Step 2: Cable Car - From Leidongping to the Golden Summit
To save time and effort to reach the summit, take the Golden Summit Cable Car. Situated at a lofty 2,000+ meters on Mount Emei, this cable car cuts your travel time from 2 hours to just 5 minutes.
- Route: From Jieyin Hall (Nearby Leidongping) to Golden Summit
- Ticket Price:
Peak season: 65 yuan/person uphill, 55 yuan/person downhill.
Off-season: 30 yuan/person uphill, 20 yuan/person downhill.
- Operating Hours: Generally from 6:00 to 18:00.
- Duration for one way up/down: 5 mins
Routes and Attractions for Bus Riding & Cable Car
Route 1 (Most-recommended): Baoguo Temple Passenger Transportation Center - Leidongping - Golden Summit
- Best for: This is the most recommended route for a day trip to Mount Emei. After reaching Leidongping, a short 500-meter walk will bring you to Jieyin Hall, from where you can take the cable car to the Golden Summit.
- Duration: 2.3 hours.
Route 2: Baoguo Temple Passenger Transportation Center - Wuxian Gang Station
- Best for: This is the starting point for the main attractions of Mount Emei. As you climb upwards, you'll encounter Qingyin Pavilion, Yixiantian, the Ecological Monkey Area, and other scenic spots.
- Duration: 30 - 40mins
Route 3: Baoguo Temple Passenger Transportation Center - Wannian Temple
- Best for: Wannian Temple tour
- Duration: 30 - 40mins
Route 4 (Half way of the mountain): Wannian Temple – Leidongping – Golden Summit
- Best for: After visiting the Wannnian Temple, head to the Golden Summit.
- Duration: 30mins - 1h
Recommended One-Day Itinerary for Mount Emei: Arrive at the scenic area no later than 1:00 PM to take the bus and cable car up the Golden Summit. After reaching the summit and descending, you can still catch the last return bus.
3 Adventurous Ways to Hike Mount Emei
The entire hiking trail around Mount Emei is approximately 60 kilometers long, with three different routes to choose from.
Road 1 (The Ultimate Challenge): For the adrenaline junkie! This intense, one-day hike is perfect for experienced hikers (3+ years) seeking to conquer the mountain's major peaks. Get ready for a fast-paced adventure with limited time at each viewpoint.
Road 2 (A Nature Lover's Journey): A two-day challenge for those with a year or more of hiking experience. This route includes the iconic "Ninety-nine Turns" and offers stunning natural landscapes. Expect to test your physical endurance and knees.
Road 3 (A Pilgrimage of Discovery): Immerse yourself in Buddhist culture with this leisurely, multi-day route. Visit ancient temples and admire precious artifacts. Ideal for casual tourists interested in spiritual exploration.
Hiking Road 1 of Emeishan Mountain
Wuxian Gang (五显岗) - Clear Sound Pavilion (清音阁) - Wannian Temple (万年寺) - Vatamsaka Summit (华严顶) - Elephant Bathing Pond(洗象池) - Leidongping(雷洞坪) - Golden Summit(金顶)
- Estimated time: 7-8 hours
Start your hike at the Wu Xian Gang (五显岗) parking lot, located at an altitude of 500 meters, which can be reached by bus from the Emeishan Scenic Area Visitor Center. After about an hour's walk, you'll arrive at Clear Sound Pavilion (清音阁), a temple situated at an altitude of 710 meters on the mountainside. Built in 877 AD during the Tang Dynasty, this temple is renowned for its harmonious blend of architecture and water features, as exemplified by the "Double Bridge and Clear Sound" (双桥清音).
Continue your hike for another hour and reach Wannian Temple (万年寺) at an altitude of 1020 meters.
From there, continue your hike to Vatamsaka Summit (华严顶) at an altitude of 1914 meters. This peak offers breathtaking panoramic views and is often shrouded in mist, allowing you to gaze upon the majestic summit of Mount Emei. After walking for another 4 kilometers, you'll reach Elephant Bathing Pond (洗象池) at an altitude of 2070 meters.
Next, climb countless steps over the next 3 hours to reach Leidongping (雷洞坪) at an altitude of 2430 meters. Established during the Han Dynasty, this area is famous for its rhododendron fields. Today, Leidongping serves as a transportation hub for Mount Emei, providing cable car access directly to the Golden Summit.
Continue hiking for another 6 kilometers, which takes about 2 hours, and you'll reach the Golden Summit (金顶) of your journey at an altitude of 3079 meters.
Hiking Road 2 of Mount Emeishan
Wuxian Gang (五显岗) - Qingyin Pavilion(清音阁) - Ninety-nine Turns(九十九道拐) - Immortal Encountering Temple(遇仙寺) - Elephant Bathing Pond(洗象池) - Leidongping(雷洞坪) - Golden Summit(金顶)
- Estimated Time：It will take about 11 hours to finish this hike. It's best to do it over two days.
After passing Wu Xian Gang (五显岗) and Qingyin Pavilion (清音阁), you'll reach the famous Ninety-nine Turns (九十九道拐), a steep and winding section of the trail. This 12-kilometer stretch will take about 2.5 hours to traverse. Legend has it that when Samantabhadra Bodhisattva rested here, he believed it was an ideal place for meditation and enlightenment. As a result, he ordered the construction of 3,000 steps and 99 turns. In reality, there are 69 turns and over 1,800 steps.
After a 2-hour hike, you'll arrive at Immortal Encountering Temple (遇仙寺), a temple built in 1862 during the Qing Dynasty, situated at an altitude of 1680 meters. Take a rest and experience the tranquility of this serene place, where it's said that "to be free from desires and actions is to be a god."
Continue for another 1.3 kilometers to reach Elephant Bathing Pond (洗象池), and then make your way to the final two destinations: Leidongping (雷洞坪) and the Golden Summit (金顶).
Hiking Road 3 of Mount Emei Sichuan
Baoguo Temple (报国寺) - Fuhu Temple (伏虎寺) - Qingyin Pavilion (清音阁) - Ninety-nine Turns (九十九道拐) - Immortal Encountering Temple (遇仙寺) - Elephant Bathing Pond (洗象池) - Leidongping (雷洞坪) - Golden Summit (金顶)
- Estimated time：We suggest allocating two to three days to complete this hike, which is expected to take about 13.5 hours.
Begin your journey at Baoguo Temple (报国寺), the grand entrance to Mount Emei, accessible by bus from the visitor center.
A short 20-minute walk leads you to Fuhu Temple (伏虎寺), a Jin Dynasty relic nestled at 630 meters. Its three-tiered structure mimics a tiger lurking in the woods. Marvel at the temple's priceless Huayan Pagoda, a seamless 5.8-meter-tall copper pagoda from the Ming Dynasty.
After a 2-hour hike, arrive at Qingyin Pavilion (清音阁) and prepare for the challenging Ninety-nine Turns (九十九道拐). A further 5 hours through Immortal Encountering Temple (遇仙寺) and Elephant Bathing Pond (洗象池) will bring you to Leidongping (雷洞坪). The final ascent to the Golden Summit (金顶) takes approximately 3 hours.
Mount Emei Weather: Best Time to Visit Emeishan Mountain
The best time to visit Mount Emei is between March and May, and September and November. Enjoy the blooming rhododendrons in spring and the vibrant autumn foliage. Summer offers a cool escape from the heat, while winter brings stunning snow-covered landscapes.
Given the significant altitude changes on Mount Emei, it's advisable to pack clothing for two different seasons. Layers are key! A long-sleeved shirt is a good base layer, and a windbreaker and down jacket will come in handy for cooler temperatures at higher altitudes. For bottoms, fleece-lined casual pants are a good option, and be sure to wear waterproof hiking boots.
Get to Mount Emei (Transportation)
Get to Mount Emei from Chengdu
By Train: To Get to the Mount Emei, you can hop on the high speed train from Chengdu. Rememer the arrival station is Mount Emei Station. The trip takes about 1.2 hour and cost between $8.27 to $13.88.
By Bus: Several buses run daily between Chengdu and Mount Emei, with a journey time of around 2.5 hours. Ticket prices range from $8.43 to $10.53.
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Get to Mount Emei from Leshan Giant Buddha
By Bus: To get to Mount Emei from Leshan Giant Buddha, you can take Bus 602. The trip take about 2 hours and cost $0.42. Then get off and walk 130 meters to the Emeishan Scenic Area.
By Taxi: Taxi would take you directly to the Emeishan in 45mins. The price is $17.54.
Take Private Car with Asia Odyssey Travel
Traveling by private car from Chengdu to Mount Emei offers a personalized and stress-free journey lasting about 2 hours. Following your visit to Mount Emei, you'll have plenty of time to explore Chengdu further for 1 day. Unlike the rigid train schedule, a private car offers the freedom to depart whenever it suits you. Accompanied with Asia Odyssey Travel, we provide all-inclusive Mount Emei tour, including private car transfers directly to the mountain, no need to worry about carrying your bags.
With over 13 years of experience crafting unforgettable China tours, Asia Odyssey Travel specializes in creating personalized itineraries tailored to your unique interests. Whether you're seeking a cultural immersion, an adventure-filled journey, or a luxurious getaway, we'll design a tour that perfectly suits your desires. From comfortable accommodations and local cuisine to expert guides and transportation, our team will handle every detail, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Mount Emei and Sichuan Province.
Hotels in Emeishan Mountain
To catch the sunrise, it's recommended to stay at the Golden Summit. While accommodations at the Golden Summit are more expensive, you can simply walk out of your room and watch the sunrise.
If you stay at Leidongping, you must take the cable car up the mountain early on 4:00 to catch the sunrise.
Baoguo Temple, located at the base of the mountain, offers more hotel choices.
Baggage Storage of Mount Emei
The Baoguo Temple Visitor Center offers baggage storage for 1 yuan ($0.14)/hour, up to 12 yuan ($1.69) per day. Items can be stored for a maximum of 3 days.
Specialty of Mount Emei
Tofu: This is a popular Chinese breakfast dish. In mount emishan, it's often served with a rich, pork bone broth, soft tofu, and various toppings. Common toppings include soft, steamed beef and crispy fried pork.
Ka Bing: This is a type of flatbread that's often paired with tofu brain. It's soft and chewy, and is typically filled with the same savory fillings as the tofu brain, such as steamed beef and pickled mustard greens. This combination of textures and flavors is quite unique.
Beef Soup Pot: A hearty and flavorful dish made by simmering fresh beef bones for hours. The resulting broth is rich and nutritious.
Sweet-Skinned Duck: A regional specialty from Mount Emeishan. This dish features duck with a crispy, sweet skin and tender meat.
How to Plan Your Mount Emei Trip
Usually, travelers will arrange about 1-2 days to visit Mount Emei. If you are fond of hiking, you may need 2-3 days to hike up and down.
For a 2-day classic itinerary, start your trip from Chengdu, the main gateway to Mount Emei. You will first visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone Buddha in the world. After visiting the Buddha, head to the foot of Mount Emei. Spend another day ascending the mountain to reach the Golden Summit to marvel at the golden Buddha and enjoy a panoramic view of the whole mountain. To cover the highlights of Chengdu, you can take our 4-day Chengdu Leshan Giant Buddha Tour.
Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu for airport pick-up and hotel check-in
Day 2: Chengdu - Leshan Giant Buddha – mountain foot of Mount Emei
Day 3: Visit Mount Emei
Day 4: Mount Emei - Chengdu Attractions (Panda & City Tour)
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