Overview
What to Expect
Mount Emei, located in Emeishan City, Sichuan Province, is one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a history of over 2,000 years of Buddhist culture, it is famous for its stunning natural scenery, ancient Buddhist temples, and the spectacular Golden Summit (Jinding) at 3,077 meters above sea level. The mountain is home to over 30 Buddhist temples, including the renowned Baoguo Temple, Wannian Temple, and the Golden Summit Temple with its four-sided Buddha statue. Mount Emei is also known for its unique “Sea of Clouds” views at sunrise and sunset, as well as the rare “Buddha’s Light” phenomenon. Connected to the Leshan Giant Buddha (40 mins by car), it forms one of Sichuan’s most popular cultural and natural tourism routes.
One of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains with rich Buddhist heritage
UNESCO World Heritage Site (both cultural & natural value)
Golden Summit with spectacular sunrise, sea of clouds, and Buddha's Light phenomenon
Over 30 ancient Buddhist temples, including Baoguo Temple and Wannian Temple
Things to Do
- Watch sunrise and “Sea of Clouds” at Golden Summit (arrive before 6 AM for best views)
- Visit key temples: Baoguo Temple (entrance), Wannian Temple (ancient Buddha relics), Golden Summit Temple
- Experience the rare “Buddha’s Light” phenomenon (usually appears on clear mornings with mist)
- Hike scenic trails between temples (optional routes for different fitness levels)
- Visit the Emei Monkey Reserve to see wild macaques (follow guide instructions for safety)
Suggested Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrival & Lower Mountain Temples
Take high-speed train from Chengdu to Emeishan (1.5 hours). Check into Baoguo Temple area hotel. Visit Baoguo Temple (main entrance temple) and Fuhu Temple, then relax in the mountain town with local food. - Day 2 – Golden Summit & Scenic Views
Early morning: Take tourist bus + cable car to Golden Summit (2 hours total). Watch sunrise and “Sea of Clouds” (weather permitting). Visit Golden Summit Temple and four-sided Buddha statue. Hike down via Wannian Temple (optional) or take cable car + bus down. In the afternoon, transfer to Leshan Giant Buddha (40 mins by car) for a short visit, then return to Chengdu.
How to Get to Mount Emei
- By high-speed train: Take CRH train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Emeishan Railway Station (1.5 hours, 50-70 RMB). Then take bus No. 5 from the railway station to Mount Emei Scenic Area Entrance (20 mins, 2 RMB).
- By long-distance bus: Take bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station to Mount Emei (2.5 hours, 40-60 RMB).
- By tour: Many 2-day tours from Chengdu include Mount Emei + Leshan Giant Buddha (400-600 RMB including transport, accommodation, tickets).
- Between Mount Emei and Leshan: Take direct shuttle bus from Mount Emei to Leshan Giant Buddha (40 mins, 15-20 RMB) or hire a taxi (100-150 RMB).
Travel Tips
- Altitude preparation: Golden Summit is 3,077m; some visitors may experience mild altitude sickness. Take it slow and drink plenty of water.
- Weather preparation: Temperature at Golden Summit is 8-12°C lower than the mountain base. Even in summer, bring a warm jacket. Check weather forecast for sunrise views.
- Transport combination: Use the scenic area’s tourist bus (90 RMB round-trip) + cable car (120 RMB round-trip) to save time; hiking the entire mountain takes 2-3 days.
- Monkey safety: Wild macaques can be aggressive. Do not feed them directly; keep food in bags and follow staff instructions.
- Accommodation: Stay at Baoguo Temple area (lower mountain, comfortable hotels) or Golden Summit (simple guesthouses, for sunrise views).
FAQ
How many days do I need for Mount Emei?
1 day for Golden Summit and key temples; 2 days for more in-depth exploration including hiking and Leshan Giant Buddha combination.
Is the Golden Summit accessible for all ages?
Yes, with tourist buses and cable cars, it’s accessible for most ages. The final walk to the summit is on flat ground (10-15 mins).
When is the best time to see Buddha’s Light?
Buddha’s Light usually appears on clear mornings (8-10 AM) with mist, most commonly from April to June and September to November.
What’s the entrance fee for Mount Emei?
Main entrance fee: 160 RMB (adults, valid for 2 days). Tourist bus + cable car fees are additional (total 210 RMB round-trip). Discounts for students, seniors, and children.
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