Leshan Giant Buddha
Nature, with its uncanny craftsmanship, has carved the solemn Leshan Sleeping Buddha. The area is steeped in Buddhist art and rich cultural heritage. Su Xun, Su Shi and Su Zhe,…
Leshan Giant Buddha, Chengdu
Key facts
- Admission
- ¥80; river boat ticket ¥70 (covers views of the full Giant Buddha, the Sleeping Buddha and the Three Rivers)
- Opening hours
- 7:30–18:30 (April–October); 8:00–17:30 (October–March)
- Getting there
- 1. At the entrance, multiple buses run back to the city centre, and there are cross-river ferries nearby to Leshan Port (乐山港) on the opposite bank. You can also take a taxi directly to the Qiche Zhongxinzhan (汽车中心站, Central Bus Station), for about ¥15. 2. Travel agencies near Guanfo Tower (观佛楼) organise boat trips to see the Leshan Giant Buddha for ¥70. The difference is that these are sightseeing boats, which can linger on the water near the Giant Buddha for longer, no need to
- Guidebook rating
- 4 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 354. Open in Google Maps
About Leshan Giant Buddha
Nature, with its uncanny craftsmanship, has carved the solemn Leshan Sleeping Buddha. The area is steeped in Buddhist art and rich cultural heritage. Su Xun, Su Shi and Su Zhe, the father and sons who were giants of Song-dynasty literature, were all from Leshan, as was the modern writer Guo Moruo. The best place to view the Giant Buddha is from the ferry, which passes in front of it so that the full figure of the Buddha comes into view. Guantao Pavilion (观涛阁), built on a cliff on the hill of Wuyou Temple (乌尤寺), is the finest spot to watch the Dadu River and the Min River converge. The silt-laden waters rush and roar past in a spectacular display.
Walking along the Lingyun Plank Road (凌云栈道) to the left of the Giant Buddha takes you directly to its base. Looking up from here, you feel as if the Buddha rises ever higher the more you gaze at it. To the right of the Giant Buddha is the Nine-Bend Ancient Plank Road (九曲古栈道), carved into the sheer cliff beside the statue. It is extremely steep and winds through nine turns, allowing you to climb to the top of Lingyun Hill and admire the sculptural artistry of the Giant Buddha's head.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Leshan Giant Buddha cost?
Admission to Leshan Giant Buddha is ¥80; river boat ticket ¥70 (covers views of the full Giant Buddha, the Sleeping Buddha and the Three Rivers), as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
What are the opening hours of Leshan Giant Buddha?
Leshan Giant Buddha is open 7:30–18:30 (April–October); 8:00–17:30 (October–March).
How do I get to Leshan Giant Buddha?
1. At the entrance, multiple buses run back to the city centre, and there are cross-river ferries nearby to Leshan Port (乐山港) on the opposite bank. You can also take a taxi directly to the Qiche Zhongxinzhan (汽车中心站, Central Bus Station), for about ¥15. 2. Travel agencies near Guanfo Tower (观佛楼) organise boat trips to see the Leshan Giant Buddha for ¥70. The difference is that these are sightseeing boats, which can linger on the water near the Giant Buddha for longer, no need to
Where is Leshan Giant Buddha?
Leshan Giant Buddha is in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, in the Southwest of China. No. 2435 Lingyun Road, Shizhong District, Leshan City
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