Things To Do
in Leshan
Leshan is a city located in Sichuan Province, southwestern China, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes. It is home to the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world, carved into the cliff face of Mount Lingyun in the 8th century and overlooking the confluence of three rivers.
Beyond its historical significance, Leshan offers a gateway to exploring the nearby Emei Mountain, one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains, providing visitors with a blend of spiritual, cultural, and natural experiences.
- "Ni hao" - Hello
- "Xie xie" - Thank you
- "Zao an" - Good morning
- "Zai jian" - Goodbye
- "Shen me" - What?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Leshan Giant Buddha, an awe-inspiring statue carved into the cliffside. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Take a boat tour along the river to see the Giant Buddha from a different perspective. This scenic ride provides great photo opportunities and a chance to relax.
Visit a local restaurant to try Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold flavors. Enjoy a leisurely meal while reflecting on your day's adventures.
Explore the nearby Mount Emei, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. Hike through lush forests and enjoy beautiful views along the way.
Visit the local temples at Mount Emei, absorbing the rich history and spiritual significance of the area. Spend time meditating or enjoying the tranquil environment.
Return to Leshan and stroll through the city center. Experience the vibrant nightlife by visiting local markets and trying street food.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Home to the Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting tourists from around the world.
- Rich cultural heritage, with numerous temples and historical sites showcasing traditional Chinese architecture.
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and rivers, great for outdoor activities and photography.
- Delicious local cuisine, particularly known for its Sichuan dishes, which are flavorful and spicy.
- Friendly locals who are welcoming to visitors, making it easy to experience local culture.
- Crowded tourist spots, especially during peak travel seasons, which may detract from the experience.
- Limited English-speaking services, which can make communication challenging for non-Chinese speakers.
- Air pollution in some areas, which can affect those with respiratory issues.
- Public transportation can be less reliable compared to major cities, leading to potential travel delays.
- Some tourist areas may be commercialized, impacting the authenticity of the cultural experience.
Best Activities in Leshan
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world's largest stone Buddha statue, and explore the surrounding park area and trails.
Hike or take a cable car up E'meishan, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and temples.
Explore the natural beauty of Lingyun Mountain, which offers hiking paths, fresh air, and opportunities for outdoor photography.
Tours
Uncover the best of Leshan with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Leshan
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning panoramic views of Leshan city and the surrounding mountains, as well as great photo opportunities of the Buddha statue and the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu, and Qingyi Rivers.
Provides ideal vantage points to capture the impressive 71-meter-tall Giant Buddha statue, with the added bonus of picturesque river and landscape backgrounds for photography.
Food in Leshan
Leshan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
This flavorful dish features tender fish head simmered in a spicy Sichuan broth with tofu and a myriad of herbs and spices. Embark on a culinary journey at Mingyue Garden Hotel and Restaurant, revered for its authentic preparation.
Must-Try!
Indulge in this tantalizing dish made with succulent chicken pieces, fresh chili, and Sichuan peppercorns, enveloped in a steamy clay pot. Visit Guixi Garden Restaurant for an exemplary taste of this local specialty.
A must-try pork dish that is simmered and quickly boiled in broth, resulting in tender slices brought to your table. Revel in the authentic recipe at Shuangliu Shunxing Old Hotpot.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Leshan better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is an oasis for street food enthusiasts, offering a plethora of delectable snacks such as spicy rabbit heads, skewered lamb kebabs, and aromatic stinky tofu. It's a haven for exploring local flavors and indulging in Sichuan's street food culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Leshan, China, it is important to show respect to elders by using proper titles and gestures of respect, such as addressing them with their proper titles and using polite language.
Chinese culture values personal space, so it is important to be mindful of physical boundaries and not invade others' personal space, especially in crowded areas such as public transportation.
When dining in Leshan, it is important to observe proper table manners, such as not sticking chopsticks upright in rice, and waiting for the host or eldest person to start eating before beginning your meal.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Leshan with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Leshan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Leshan, China. It is generally not expected or required in restaurants, hotels, or other service industries.
Cash is still widely used in Leshan, especially in smaller establishments. However, major credit cards are accepted in many hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger stores. Mobile payment options such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are also widely used and convenient for transactions in Leshan.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Leshan.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Leshan. Mild temperatures and blooming cherry blossoms create a beautiful scenery.
Warm and humid. The peak season for tourism, but can be crowded.
Pleasant weather and colorful foliage. Great for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Cool and misty. The Leshan Giant Buddha is less crowded, but the weather can be chilly.
Leshan at Night
Hiking in Leshan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A famous Buddhist mountain with stunning views and numerous hiking trails, known for its rich biodiversity and cultural significance.
A scenic area with gentle hiking paths that offers panoramic views of Leshan and the surrounding landscapes.
This park features several hiking trails amidst beautiful gardens and exquisite views of the Leshan Giant Buddha.
A UNESCO World Heritage site that includes various hiking routes around the Giant Buddha and nearby cliffs.
A hiking spot that provides access to historical artifacts and breathtaking scenery, ideal for both hiking and sightseeing.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Leshan through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Leshan by plane.
Located approximately 140 kilometers from Leshan, it is the nearest major international airport, serving numerous domestic and international flights.
About 460 kilometers from Leshan, this airport offers various international connections and is one of the largest airports in Southwest China.
Situated around 500 kilometers from Leshan, this airport is a major hub for domestic flights and offers some international routes.
Approximately 720 kilometers from Leshan, it is a significant international airport in Shaanxi province, connecting various international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The dominant ethnic group in Leshan, making up the majority of the population.
A small but significant ethnic minority group found in the western regions of Leshan.
An ethnic minority primarily residing in the mountainous areas around Leshan.
Another minority group found in the region, with historical roots in the area.
Includes smaller groups such as the Miao, Hui, and others representing a diverse cultural mosaic.
The Soul of Leshan
Discover the essence of Leshan through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is highly popular among youth and is played in schools and community parks throughout Leshan.
Table tennis is a widely enjoyed sport in Leshan, played both recreationally and competitively.
Soccer has a strong following in Leshan, with many amateur leagues and local clubs.
Badminton is a favorite pastime in Leshan, often played in parks and sports centers.
Traditional Chinese martial arts are practiced by many individuals in Leshan, reflecting the region's cultural heritage.
The scenic landscapes around Leshan encourage cycling, both for leisure and fitness.
Running is a popular activity for fitness enthusiasts, with various running events organized in the area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Leshan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Sichuan cuisine is renowned for its meat-centric dishes, several establishments in Leshan provide vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Places like Linjiazhai Vegetarian Restaurant offer an extensive meat-free menu, ensuring a satisfying dining experience for vegetarians and vegans.
Navigating gluten-free options can be challenging due to the prevalent use of soy sauce. However, communicating dietary needs to restaurant staff can result in tailored dishes. Rice-based dishes and hotpots can often be adapted to accommodate gluten-free requirements.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Leshan with these cultural adventures.
