Leshan Giant Buddha – Chengdu Day Trip
By Annie
I help travelers design tailor-made journeys across China, and one of the places I always recommend near Chengdu is the Leshan Giant Buddha. I’ve been there more than once, and every time I stand at its feet, I feel a mix of awe and peace.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha — including how to get there from Chengdu, what to expect, and my personal travel tips to make your China tour smooth and memorable.
How to Get from Chengdu to Leshan Giant Buddha?
Private Car to Leshan Giant Buddha (Recommended for Comfort & Flexibility)
Booking a private car with a driver is the easiest and most flexible way, especially if you’re on a custom China tour. Travel time is around 2 to 2.5 hours each way depending on traffic. You can leave early, avoid the crowds, and stop for snacks or photo breaks along the way.
High-Speed Train to Leshan Giant Buddha(Fast & Affordable)
Take a high-speed train from Chengdu East or Chengdu South to Leshan Station. The ride is about 1 hour. From Leshan Station, it’s a 30-minute taxi or bus ride to the Buddha Scenic Area.
This is a good option if you’re traveling light and independently, but train tickets can sell out during peak seasons.
What to See and Do at the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area?
Once you arrive, you’ll enter the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, which is a large park with temples, walking trails, and viewpoints. Expect to spend 3–4 hours inside.
Climb Down the Cliff Path (Close-Up View)
This is the most immersive experience. You start at the top of the Buddha’s head (yes, you’ll see the curly hair details!), and then descend the steep plank-style steps down to the Buddha’s feet. You’ll see how massive each part of the statue really is.
Please note that during weekends or holidays, the path becomes very crowded.
Annie’s Tip: Arrive early (before 9:00 AM) or visit on weekdays to avoid long queues. Wear comfortable shoes, and avoid flip-flops or heels.
Take a River Boat to View Leshan Giant Buddha(Best for Photos)
If you prefer to skip the climb or want great photos of the Buddha’s full front view, the boat tour is ideal. Boats depart every 30–60 minutes and do a loop in front of the Buddha for perfect photo ops.
Annie’s Tip: The boat ride lasts about 30 minutes and operates from the nearby docks. You can buy tickets on-site or ask your tour guide to arrange it.
Best Time to Visit Leshan Giant Buddha
You can visit the Leshan Giant Buddha all year, but here’s what to expect:
| Spring (March–May) | Pleasant weather and blooming flowers — one of the best times to go. |
| Autumn (September–November) | Mild temperatures, clearer skies, fewer tourists. |
| Summer (June–August) | Hot and humid; also the busiest season. Expect crowds. |
| Winter (December–February) | Fewer people, but foggy days may affect visibility. |
Other Sights Inside the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
Lingyun Temple: Located at the top near the Buddha’s head. It has beautiful old halls and incense-filled courtyards.
Wuyou Temple: Further uphill, a quieter and less crowded temple with peaceful surroundings and great views of the river.
Giant Reclining Buddha: Seen from the top near Lingyun Temple, the landscape forms a sleeping Buddha when viewed from a certain angle!
