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Nature · Intro

Leshan Giant Buddha

乐山大佛

📍 Shizhong District🏷 Nature Reserve

The Leshan Giant Buddha is the world's largest stone seated Maitreya Buddha, located at the confluence of the Min, Qingyi, and Dadu rivers, in a scene of magnificent grandeur.

Witness the awe-inspiring presence of the world's largest stone Buddha and experience the perfect blend of a thousand years of Buddhist culture with natural scenery.

The Leshan Giant Buddha is a must-see attraction in Sichuan. Despite the crowds, the awe of seeing the Buddha in person is unmatched and worth a special trip.

Tickets & Transport

Tickets

Adult ticket
¥80
Child ticket
¥40
Free
No
Ticket methods
Official WeChat public account, on-site ticket windows, and major travel platforms
Ticket notes
Ticket prices may adjust seasonally. Discounts are available for children, students, seniors, etc. Please bring valid ID.

Opening Hours

—
Last entry
17:00
Ticket sales end
16:30
Holiday hours
Opening hours may be extended on holidays; please check official announcements.
Seasonal hours
In winter the park may close earlier, and in summer it may close later; please refer to the day's announcements.
Opening notes
Opening hours may change due to weather or maintenance. We recommend checking official information before your visit.

Best Time to Visit

Best time of day
Early morning or late evening, when the light is soft and there are fewer visitors
Best day of week
Weekdays
Best season
Spring and autumn (March–May, September–November), with pleasant weather
Avoid times
Public holidays and weekends, 10 am to 3 pm
Avoid days
During long holidays such as National Day and Labor Day
Crowd level
Very High
Crowd peak time
10:00-15:00

Getting There

In Detail

Carving of the Leshan Giant Buddha began in the first year of the Kaiyuan reign of the Tang Dynasty (713 AD) and took 90 years to complete. It was initiated by the monk Haitong to subdue the river floods. The Buddha stands 71 meters tall, with its head level with the mountain and its feet on the three rivers. It is the largest ancient stone Buddha in the world, embodying the wisdom and perseverance of ancient craftsmen.

The Buddha is a seated Maitreya with a kind face, hands resting on knees, and a well-proportioned figure. Carved into the cliff, it merges with Mount Lingyun, holding immense artistic and religious significance. Visitors can walk down the Nine-Turn Plank Path from the head to the feet to feel its magnificence up close.

The scenic area features towering ancient trees and bustling temple incense, with historic sites like Lingyun Temple and Dongpo Tower dotted around. From the platform at the Buddha's head, the confluence of the three rivers, boats on the water, and the blend of mountain and river create a magnificent view that inspires awe.

What to expect

Visitors can first tour Lingyun Temple, then descend the Nine-Turn Plank Path to the Buddha's feet, and climb back up. The plank path is narrow and steep, so be careful. Alternatively, you can take a boat to view the entire Buddha from the river for a different perspective. The scenic area is shaded by green trees and tranquil, but it gets very crowded on holidays.

How to visit

It's recommended to take a bus or taxi from downtown Leshan to the scenic area. After purchasing tickets, visit Lingyun Temple first, then take the Nine-Turn Plank Path down to the Buddha's feet, and finally enjoy a boat ride on the river. The entire tour takes about 3 to 4 hours.

Pros

World-class cultural heritage, awe-inspiring
Combines natural scenery and cultural sites
Unique experience on the Nine-Turn Plank Path
Plenty of delicious local food nearby

Cons

Very crowded on holidays with long lines
The Nine-Turn Plank Path is steep and physically demanding
Hot in summer, so bring sun protection

Highlights

  • The world's largest stone seated Maitreya Buddha, 71 meters tall
  • The Nine-Turn Plank Path offers an up-close view of the entire Buddha
  • The magnificent natural scenery where three rivers converge
  • Historical charm of ancient architectural complexes like Lingyun Temple
  • Classic view of the Giant Buddha from a boat

FAQ

Do I need to book tickets in advance for the Leshan Giant Buddha?

It is recommended to book tickets in advance through official channels or travel platforms, especially during holidays, to avoid sold-out tickets at the venue.

Can I go down to the foot of the Giant Buddha?

Yes, you can go down to the foot of the Buddha via the Nine-Bend Plank Road, but the path is narrow and requires queuing and slow passage.

Is it worth taking a boat trip on the river to see the Giant Buddha?

Yes, it's worth it. Taking a boat allows you to view the entire Giant Buddha from a distance and capture classic photos, offering a different awe-inspiring experience.

Field Tips

Best photo spot 1. Buddha Head Platform: Shoot the Buddha's head from the front for a solemn feel. 2. Midway on the Nine-Bend Plank Walkway: Look up to capture the full body and its majestic scale. 3. At the Buddha's feet: Look up to appreciate the immense size. 4. From a boat on the river: Capture the classic wide shot of the Buddha and the confluence of three rivers.

Best entrance North Gate (main entrance) of the scenic area; visit Lingyun Temple first after entering.

Best exit South Gate of the scenic area, from which you can walk to the bus stop or taxi stand.

Location & Nearby

📍 Coordinates: 29.54400, 103.77100 ⭕ 5 nearby attractions View on Google Maps ↗

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