Nestled on the southwestern fringe of the Sichuan basin, Emeishan is the beacon calling those who seek solace and grandeur at Mount Emei—China's revered mountain of Buddhist pilgrimage. Soaring into the heavens and standing proud as a UNESCO-acclaimed heritage jewel, Emeishan welcomes its visitors into a realm where culture breathes through the 430,000 souls in its 12 towns and 6 townships.

Wander through Emeishan and you'll traverse a unique mosaic of ecological wonders, crafted by its subtropical humid monsoon climate. With over 2,300 species of wild beasts calling this city their sanctuary, including the national treasures—giant pandas—spotted near the serene Douliang village, it’s truly an Eden for the refined naturalist.

Conveniently a stone's throw away from urban hubs, just 120 kilometres from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and a mere 30 from Leshan River Port, Emeishan stands as a multifaceted siren of tourism. Whether you are drawn to the pulsating heart of its natural vistas, the solemnity of a Buddhist trail, the warmth of tea traditions, or the charm of the countryside, this city calls to the trailblazer yearning for the embrace of the truly spectacular.

Read also: Things to Buy at Emeishan, China

Table of Content

1. Mount Emei Scenic Area
2. Jinding
3. Baoguo Temple
4. Xianzhi Zhujian Ecological Garden
5. Zhuyeqiang Tea Garden
6. Damiao Feilai Temple
7. Exiu Lake
8. How to Get to Emeishan, Sichuan

Top Attractions in Emeishan, Sichuan

Top Attractions in Emeishan, Sichuan

Mount Emei Scenic Area

Mount Emei in Sichuan Province is the highest of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, standing at 3,099 metres. It is located on the western edge of the Sichuan Basin and is known as China's most spectacular mountainous terrain. The mountains west of it are referred to as Daxiangling. Mount Emei is administratively located near the same-named county-level city, which is part of the Leshan prefecture-level city. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Mount Emei Scenic Area, Sichuan

Jinding

With a height of 3,077 metres, Jinding is the main summit of Mount Emei. It is also the name given to the Buddhist Huazang Temple, which is located on the top. Jinding is the highest Buddhist temple in China's predominantly Han districts. At the peak, you are invited to immerse in its "four wonders": the sunrise, the sea of clouds, the "Buddhist halo", and the magical "divine light".

Jinding in Emeishan, Sichuan

Baoguo Temple

Bao Guo Temple is the largest temple on Emei Mountain and is located at the entrance to the peak. The temple faces the Phoenix Lake and is the first spot where the sunrise is visiblel in the morning and the last place to see the sun set at twilight.

The temple was built in the Ming Dynasty and was originally known as the Hui Zong Hall, with the intention of bringing together Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. In 1703, the name was changed to "Bao Guo" which literally translates to "service the nation".

Baoguo Temple in Emeishan, Sichuan

Xianzhi Zhujian Ecological Garden

Xianzhi Zhujian Ecological Park is a scenic spot in Emeishan's eastern suburbs, about 8 kilometres from the city centre. The 300-acre tourism park is mostly a showcase for local tea, with a stunning teahouse and a local production plant on-site, but there is also a dinosaur museum and a Panda Hall tucked away within the park.

There are three sections in the Dinosaur Hall: dinosaur fossil skeleton exhibition, bionic dinosaur exhibition, and dinosaur commodity exhibition. There are seven tactile simulation fossils, two sets of dinosaur eggs, eighteen total dinosaur skeletons, one dinosaur fossil pit, and twenty small dinosaur fossils showcased here. This attraction is truly immersive, transporting you to the Jurassic period.

Xianzhi Zhujian Ecological Garden in Emeishan, Sichuan

Zhuyeqiang Tea Garden

To get a taste of culture, visit Emeishan Zhuyeqing Ecological Tea Garden in Leshan. Explore the forest or gaze out at the surrounding mountains. The Tea Expo Garden, Mingqing Garden, Ecological Garden, and Tea Plantation & Processing Area are the four main attractions here. Within the expo garden, there are three showrooms, each showcasing a different theme, such as tea folk culture, Zhuyeqiang folk culture, and a dedicated art gallery. It is an interesting combination of exhibitions, tea art performance, and shopping.

Zhuyeqiang Tea Garden in Emeishan, Sichuan

Damiao Feilai Temple

Feilai Hall, located in Emei County's northwest corner, was built during the Song Dynasty. It is a national organisation dedicated to the preservation of cultural relics. The three halls here were destroyed by fires several times, but the argon wood structure remained intact. After 83 years, the National Cultural Heritage Bureau preserved the original style. The stone had been paved thousands of years ago, including the ground, and it was antique, authentic, and welcoming, with no artificially carved decorations.

Exiu Lake

Exiu Lake is a man-made lake with an expansive surface area, located at the eastern foot of Emei Mountain. It is a beautiful leisure spot that's perfect for slow living in the city. Hotels, theatres, opera houses, and restaurants can be found all around the beautiful Exiu Lake - perfect for a quick and relaxing getaway.

Exiu Lake in Emeishan, Sichuan

How to Get to Emeishan, Sichuan

In Emeishan, you can find two railway stations. When booking your ticket, choose the Emeishan Railway Station because it is the closest to Mount Emei Scenic Area. For trains to the city, depart from the Emei Railway Station instead. Additionally, there are 12 bullet trains that run daily between Chengdu and Mount Emei. Each trip takes approximately one hour.

After arriving at Emeishan Railway Station, take bus 5A or 12 to Baoguo Temple, which serves as the major entrance to Mount Emei Scenic Area. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which will take you directly to the spectacular scenic spot in just 10 minutes.

As our journey in Emeishan draws to a gentle close, we're reminded that adventures don't just happen—they're crafted from the very soul of destinations like this. Stepping through this patchwork of culture and serene spirituality has been an enriching ballet of experiences, each step on the mountain paths or gaze upon the ancient temples telling tales older than time.

For those among us with an appetite for the untamed and an appreciation for cultural reverie, Emeishan offers not just a sojourn but a transformative odyssey.

Fellow adventurers, remember to chronicle your epicurean journey and awe-inspiring escapades on Instagram. By tagging @rollinggrace or using #RollingGrace, we can voyage together. Forge ahead and embrace the joy of travel!