Mt. Emei (Emeishan)
Chengdu, Sichuan
At 10,167 feet (3,099 meters), Mt. Emei is the highest of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes over 70 temples, monasteries, and attractions, culminating in the Golden Summit, where visitors can take in the giant Puxian Buddha and stunning mountain views.
The Basics
It’s possible to hike up Mt. Emei, but many visitors choose to take the bus up, and hike or take the cable car the rest of the way. The top attraction at the Golden Summit is the 157-feet-tall (48 meter) statue of the Puxian Buddha facing in 10 directions. There’s also an observation platform to take in the stunning views. With the right timing, visitors might see the “Four Wonders of Mt. Emei”—the Golden Summit Sunrise, the Sea of Clouds, the Divine Lights, and the Buddha’s Halo.
Many visitors staying in Chengdu combine a visit to Mt. Emei with a trip to nearby Leshan Giant Buddha, which is only about 30 minutes away. Such guided tours usually last two days, and it’s possible to add a side trip to see some pandas as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
There are separate fees for the mountain, some of the temples, the bus, and the cable car.
Bring a jacket or warm layers for the top, as it will be much cooler than at the base, even in the summer.
It often rains at Mt. Emei, so bring an umbrella or a rain jacket.
Be careful of the monkeys. They can be aggressive and have been known to attack and rob visitors.
How to Get There
Mt. Emei is located 90 miles (145 kilometers) southwest of Chengdu. High-speed trains take about an hour and most depart from Chengdu East Station, with a few departing from Chengdu South Station. Buses depart from the Tourist Bus Station in Chengdu and take about three hours. Visitors then need to take a taxi from Emeishan City to Baoguo Village, at the base of the mountain.
When to Get There
Sunrise and sunsets are the best time to be at the top of Mt. Emei. April and October are the best months to visit, as there are generally fewer cloudy days. It can snow during the winter.
Top Attractions on Mt. Emei
Those with more time should consider visiting some of the other top attractions on Mt. Emei, including Baoguo Temple (the mountain’s largest temple), Fuhu Temple (noted for its gardens), and Qingqin Pavilion (built on an outcropping in the middle of a stream). Popular mid-mountain attractions include Wannian Temple (the oldest temple on Mt. Emei) and Elephant Pool Temple.
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