2-Day Chengdu Leshan Buddha & Mt. Emei Tour from Xian by Flight

Summary

DAY 1 Xian--Chengdu by Flight: Mt. Emei Scenic Area
DAY 2 Chengdu: Leshan Giant Buddha

DAY 1

At the start of your day, your Xi'an driver will meet you at your hotel lobby and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Chengdu. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by our local Chengdu guide at the airport exit, holding a welcome sign reading "Your Way Holiday." Your guide will ensure a smooth transition from the airport to your tour, providing insightful information and assisting with all your needs as you embark on a two-day adventure in Chengdu.

In the morning, your guide will accompany you on a scenic drive to Emei Mountain, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours. On the way, you'll stop at Baoguo Temple, the largest temple at the base of Mt. Emei. As you explore this historic site, your guide will provide insights into its significance and history. The temple features tranquil gardens adorned with rare plants, a library of sacred sutras, and a grand porcelain Buddha. Among its treasures is a massive 25-ton bronze Bell, reputed to be the second largest in China. Your guide will help you appreciate the temple's serene beauty and provide commentary on the various viewpoints of Mt. Emei, enriching your visit with engaging stories and local knowledge.

Upon arrival at the base of Emei Mountain, you'll board an eco-car for a convenient ride through the Scenic Area to Leidongpin. From there, you'll embark on a hike to Jieyin Hall, a historic site with rich cultural significance. Next, you’ll take a cable car to the Golden Summit, standing at an impressive altitude of 3,077 meters. At the summit, the panoramic views are nothing short of spectacular. You'll marvel at the majestic Huazang Temple, renowned for its architectural splendor and spiritual ambiance. On clear days, you may witness the breathtaking sea of clouds stretching across the horizon, creating a surreal and awe-inspiring landscape. Your guide will be on hand to offer detailed commentary and ensure you fully experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this revered mountain.

Next, you'll descend to the Wannian Temple parking lot, where you’ll board a cable car to ascend to Wannian Temple, situated midway up the mountain. The temple is renowned for its historical significance and scenic beauty. From here, you’ll embark on a picturesque hike to Wuxiangang parking lot. En route, you’ll encounter Qingyin Pavilion, known for offering some of the most stunning vistas of Mt. Emei. As you hike, you'll be treated to captivating views of lush forests, tranquil streams, and the majestic mountain landscape. The serene beauty of Qingyin Pavilion provides a perfect vantage point to appreciate the intricate interplay of nature and architecture, making this segment of your journey a highlight of your Emei Mountain experience.

After a day filled with exploration and breathtaking views, you’ll be driven to your hotel near Emei Mountain. Our experienced driver will ensure a smooth and comfortable transfer, while our tour guide will assist you with the check-in process, making sure everything is taken care of. Once settled, you can relax and unwind, enjoying the serene surroundings and preparing for another exciting day ahead.

DAY 2

After a day filled with exploration and breathtaking views, you’ll be driven to your hotel near Emei Mountain. Our experienced driver will ensure a smooth and comfortable transfer, providing a relaxing journey after your adventure. Once you arrive, our knowledgeable tour guide will assist you with the check-in process, ensuring a seamless experience so you can settle in without any hassle. The hotel, nestled in the tranquil environment of Emei Mountain, offers a perfect retreat to unwind. Enjoy the serene surroundings, perhaps with a view of the lush mountain landscape, and prepare for another exciting day ahead, fully refreshed and ready to continue your journey.

The Leshan Giant Buddha, also known as Dafo, is an awe-inspiring masterpiece situated east of Leshan City, at the confluence of the Min, Qingyi, and Dadu Rivers. This monumental statue, overlooking the sacred Mount Emei, presents a serene and majestic figure of a monk. Seated with a tranquil demeanor, the Buddha’s heavy-lidded eyes are cast gently across the flowing rivers below. This colossal sculpture is identified as Maitreya, a Buddha symbolizing future happiness and enlightenment. Its grandeur extends beyond its massive scale to its meticulous craftsmanship. Carved entirely from stone, the Buddha’s ears are uniquely crafted from wood and clay, while its hair features 1,021 intricately spiraled curls. The Leshan Giant Buddha’s remarkable blend of size and artistry makes it a profound symbol of peace and spiritual serenity.

As the biggest carved stone Buddha in the world, Dafo is featured in Chinese poetry, song and story. For the ancient Chinese, building a statue of this size and stature was a way of thanking their gods. Even after its completion, people continued to carve Buddhas, small ones, all around this massive statue. On the cliffs beside the Giant Buddha, there are two carved stone warriors in battle robes, holding a halberd (a combined spear and battle-ax).  Besides the Giant Buddha, are thousands of other carved Buddhas, making the mountain a museum of Buddhist carvings. Han Dynasty cliff tombs have also been found at the site and there is an onsite temple and shrine dedicated to Hai Tong near the Buddha. Mortuary artifacts have been found here as well making this area particularly important for archaeologists. The site attracts millions of people every year, including Buddhist pilgrims, making it something of a sacred destination and an ancient wonder of the world.

As your Chengdu adventure draws to a close, our dedicated guide will ensure a smooth transfer to Chengdu Airport, assisting you with any last-minute details and making sure your departure is hassle-free. After your flight back to Xi'an, our Xi'an driver will be waiting to welcome you at the airport, ready to provide a comfortable and convenient ride back to your hotel. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences from your two-day Chengdu tour, where you’ve explored stunning landscapes and historical wonders. We hope you’ve enjoyed your journey and look forward to serving you on your next adventure.

Price Per Person in US Dollars