There’s a saying in China: “all mountains are beautiful, but none as elegant as Emei.” Mount Emei, or Emei Shan (峨眉山), is one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, located in Sichuan Province near the city of Leshan. It’s famous for its stunning natural scenery and deep Buddhist roots. A trip here is both an adventure into breathtaking landscapes and a journey for the soul.
The Spirit and Scenery of Emei
Mount Emei is the sacred place of the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra (普贤菩萨), and you’ll find ancient temples all over the mountain, with incense smoke curling into the air for over a thousand years. With 95% of the mountain covered in forest, it has a complete range of climates from base to summit, creating incredible biodiversity. You can literally experience “four seasons on one mountain, and different weather every few miles.”
Must-See Spots
The Golden Summit (金顶): A Kingdom in the Clouds
At 3,077 meters (10,095 ft), the Golden Summit is the heart of Mount Emei. You can’t miss the 48-meter-tall golden statue of Samantabhadra, which gleams in the sun above a sea of clouds. The three natural wonders to see here are the sunrise, the sea of clouds, and the Buddha’s Halo (佛光), a rare optical phenomenon. For the best sunrise views, aim for 5:30 AM in summer and 7:00 AM in winter. You’re most likely to see the Buddha’s Halo in the afternoon after a rain shower.
You can even join the morning prayer at Huazang Temple (华藏寺) at 5:30 AM. To get there, take the 10-minute cable car from Leidongping (雷洞坪) (¥65 one-way) or hike for about 2 hours.
Wannian Temple (万年寺): A Millennia-Old Monastery
At 1,020 meters (3,346 ft), Wannian Temple is one of the oldest monasteries on the mountain. It’s famous for two treasures: a Ming Dynasty beamless brick hall and a 7.3-meter-tall bronze statue of Samantabhadra from the Song Dynasty. Take a moment to listen to the monks chanting or see the rare Buddhist scriptures written on palm leaves (贝叶经).
From the base at Baoguo Temple (报国寺), take the tourist bus to the Wannian Temple parking lot and walk 15 minutes, or take the cable car straight up (¥40 one-way).
Qingyin Pavilion (清音阁): Zen in Nature’s Soundtrack
Located in the mid-mountain area, Qingyin Pavilion is where nature and culture meet perfectly. You’ll see the famous “Two Waters, One Heart” view, where two streams merge. The nearby monkey area is a great spot to see wild macaques up close, but be careful with your belongings! This is also the starting point for a classic hiking trail: Qingyin Pavilion → Yixiantian (一线天) → Hongchunping (洪椿坪), which takes about 3 hours.
Planning Your Trip
Three-Day Itinerary (Good for average fitness)
Day 1: Baoguo Temple (报国寺) → Fuhu Temple (伏虎寺) → Qingyin Pavilion (清音阁) → Stay overnight at Wannian Temple (万年寺).
Day 2: Wannian Temple (万年寺) → Xixiangchi (洗象池) → Leidongping (雷洞坪) → Stay overnight at the Golden Summit (金顶) to see the sunrise.
Day 3: Sunrise at the Golden Summit → Huazang Temple (华藏寺) → Take the cable car down → Head back.
Two-Day Itinerary (If you’re short on time)
Day 1: Baoguo Temple (报国寺) → Take the tourist bus to Leidongping (雷洞坪) → Golden Summit (金顶) (stay overnight).
Day 2: Sunrise at the Golden Summit → Wannian Temple (万年寺) → Qingyin Pavilion (清音阁) → Head back.
Hiking Route (For outdoor lovers)
A full hike takes 2-3 days, following the same route as the three-day plan but without cable cars. Great sections include Qingyin Pavilion to Hongchunping (洪椿坪) (full of ancient trees) and Xixiangchi (洗象池) to Leidongping (雷洞坪) (beautiful alpine rhododendrons, best from April to May).
Practical Info
Getting to Mount Emei
By Air: The nearest airport is Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU), 120 km away. From there, you can take a bus to Leshan and then a local bus to the scenic area.
By High-Speed Rail: A high-speed train from Chengdu to Emeishan Station takes about 1.5 hours. From the station, Bus No. 8 goes directly to the scenic area.
By Bus: Buses run daily from Chengdu’s Xinnanmen Bus Station directly to Mount Emei.
Getting Around the Mountain
Tourist Bus: Covers the route from Baoguo Temple (报国寺) to Leidongping (雷洞坪). A ticket costs ¥90 and is valid for 2 days.
Cable Cars: Golden Summit Cableway (¥65 one-way) and Wannian Temple Cableway (¥40 one-way).
Tickets
Peak season ticket: ¥160. Off-peak season (usually December-January): ¥110. Some temples have small, separate entrance fees: Wannian Temple (¥10), Baoguo Temple (¥8). Check the official website for occasional “¥10 special offer” tickets.
Where to Stay
For the best sunrise views, stay at the Jinding Hotel on the Golden Summit, but book well in advance. Guesthouses near the scenic area offer a cozy, budget-friendly mountain experience. Hotels near Baoguo Temple at the base are convenient for an early start.
What to Pack & Safety Tips
Essentials: Non-slip hiking shoes (paths can be wet), a jacket (the temperature at the summit can be 15°C lower), rain gear, a flashlight (for night hiking), and sunscreen.
Monkey Safety: Don’t carry food in open bags. If you encounter monkeys, walk slowly. You can rent a bamboo stick at the entrance (about ¥10) to gently shoo them away if needed.
Final Tips
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) have the best weather. Summer is great for escaping the heat, and winter offers beautiful snowscapes.
Avoid Crowds: Try to avoid Chinese national holidays. Wait times for cable cars can be long. A weekday trip is much more relaxed.
Payments & Language: Mobile payments are common, but it’s smart to carry some cash. Major signs are in English, but a translation app is always helpful.
Temple Etiquette: Be quiet and respectful inside temples. Avoid taking photos of Buddha statues and walk in a clockwise direction as a sign of respect.
For the latest bus schedules and ticket policies, it’s always best to check the official Mount Emei scenic area website. Mount Emei is a stunning blend of natural wonders and a thousand years of Zen, waiting for you to explore.