Wei Zhang
Quick Navigation
I've led this trip more times than I can count. And every time, I see tourists making the same mistakes — arriving at the wrong gate, getting stuck in midday heat, or missing the best food. So here is the real deal: a stress-free Chengdu to Leshan day trip itinerary that actually works.
The secret? Start early. Leave Chengdu by 7:30 AM, take the bullet train, and hit the Buddha before the tour groups flood in. Here is the exact playbook.
Morning: Getting from Chengdu to Leshan
Most visitors assume taking a bus is the cheapest option. It is not. The high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Leshan Railway Station costs only 54 RMB (about $7.50) and takes 46 minutes. Buses take 2+ hours and are rarely on time.
| Transport Option | Duration | Cost (per person) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed train (G/D trains) | 46 min – 1 hr | 54 RMB (second class) | Book via 12306 app or Trip.com; trains depart every 20–30 min |
| Bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Station | 2 – 2.5 hrs | 35–45 RMB | Less reliable; traffic can double the time |
| Private car / Didi | 1.5 – 2 hrs | ~200–300 RMB | Convenient for groups of 3+; tolls included |
My tip: Book the earliest train — around 7:30 AM. You'll arrive at Leshan Station by 8:20, just as the temple gates open. Avoid the 10 AM trains; that's when the crowds hit.
From Leshan Station, take Bus K1 or K3 to the Giant Buddha scenic area (about 30 minutes, 2 RMB). Or grab a Didi for 20–25 RMB. Tell the driver to drop you at the North Gate (北门) — that's the main entrance for the mountain trail.
Midday: Exploring the Leshan Giant Buddha
Tickets & Entry
| Ticket Type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (peak season) | 80 RMB | March – October; includes mountain and temple areas |
| Adult (off-peak) | 50 RMB | November – February |
| Student (with valid ID) | 40 RMB | Only for full-time students under 24 |
| Senior (60+) | Free or half price | Check on-site; need passport |
Must know: You must book online via the official WeChat mini-program (search "乐山大佛") or on Trip.com. Walk-up tickets are no longer sold at peak times. The mini-program is in Chinese only — ask your hotel receptionist to help you book the night before. I've seen too many tourists turned away because they couldn't navigate the app.
Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM). Arrive by 8:30 AM to beat the worst queues.
The Experience
Once inside, you have two choices: hike down the Nine Turn Stairway to stand at the Buddha's feet, or take a boat cruise for the iconic wide shot. I recommend doing both if you have time, but if you only pick one — do the hike. The boat gives you the postcard view, but standing under the 71-meter statue is something else.
The stairway is narrow and steep. In peak season (May–October), it can take 45 minutes to descend and another 30 to climb back up. Here's the catch: by 11 AM, the queue for the stairway can stretch to 2 hours. Go straight there at 8:30, and you'll have the path nearly to yourself.
For the boat cruise, head to the Leshan Port (about 1 km east of the main gate). Tickets are 120–150 RMB per person, boats run every 20 minutes, and the ride lasts 30–40 minutes. No need to book in advance except on Chinese holidays.
Afternoon: Additional Sights & Lunch
By noon, you'll be hungry. Leshan is a food city — don't waste your appetite on a tourist-trap restaurant inside the scenic area.
Take a 10-minute Didi to East Street (东大街) or Zhanggong Bridge (张公桥). That's where locals eat. My go-to:
- Koujiao Beef (翘脚牛肉) at Zhouji Koujiao Beef — Address: 181 Binguan Street. Beef tripe and tendon in a peppery broth. Spicy but not overwhelming. ~30 RMB per person. Cash or WeChat (international cards rarely work).
- Sweet Duck (甜皮鸭) at Zhaoji Sweet Duck — Address: 189 East Street. Crispy skin, sweet glaze. Half a duck is enough for two. ~35 RMB.
- Liangfen (凉粉) — cold jelly noodles with chili oil. Grab a bowl from any street stall. ~5 RMB.
After lunch, you have two options. If you're feeling adventurous, visit Wuyou Temple (乌尤寺) on a separate island — accessible by a small bridge. It's quieter than the main Buddha area and offers a different perspective. Entry is included in your ticket.
If you're worn out, just wander around Old Town Leshan near the port. There's a small museum (Leshan Museum) that's free and air-conditioned — a good Plan B for rainy afternoons.
Alternative: Skip the Crowds with the Sichuan Ba Guo Boat Route
Some tour companies offer a combo ticket that includes a longer boat ride along the river, passing the Buddha from a different angle. I personally find it overpriced (200 RMB) unless you hate walking. Stick to the regular cruise.
Evening: Return to Chengdu
Trains back to Chengdu run until 9 PM. Aim for one around 5:30–6 PM — that gives you time for a relaxed dinner and a bit of shopping (try the Leshan sesame candy at the train station shop).
Book your return ticket early in the morning, because evening trains often sell out. The 5:42 PM train gets you to Chengdu by 6:35 PM – perfect timing for a Sichuan hotpot dinner.
One last thing: if you're prone to motion sickness, sit facing forward on the train (the seats are reversible, but the direction can be confusing). And bring a reusable water bottle — the climb up the stairway is no joke in summer.
Where to Eat in Leshan
| Restaurant | Specialty | Address | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zhouji Koujiao Beef | Braised beef offal | 181 Binguan Street | 30–50 RMB | Spicy; picture menu available. No English. |
| Zhaoji Sweet Duck | Glazed duck | 189 East Street | 35–60 RMB | Takeaway available. Cash only. |
| Old Matou Hotpot | Sichuan hotpot | 45 Renmin South Road | 80–120 RMB | English menu. Credit cards accepted. |
I always grab a bag of Leshan fried skewers (油炸串串) from a street cart near the train station – about 10 RMB for a mix of chicken and veggies. Perfect snack for the ride back.
FAQ: Common Questions About the Chengdu to Leshan Day Trip
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
No comments yet.