Ting Chen
Quick Guide
Let me tell you a story. Last spring, I met a couple from Germany at the base of Mount Emei. They had bought tickets online—sort of. But they missed the key detail: the ticket was only valid for one day, and they wanted to stay two. So they had to queue for a full refund and repurchase, losing an hour. That’s the kind of headache I want to save you from. Mount Emei tickets aren’t complicated once you know the ropes. I've been guiding groups here for years, and I'll walk you through everything—prices, where to buy, and the sneaky pitfalls that trip up even savvy travelers.
Ticket Prices & What You Get
The entrance fee to Mount Emei Scenic Area changes slightly between peak and off-peak seasons. As of current rates, here's the breakdown:
| Category | Peak Season (Mar–Nov) | Off-Peak (Dec–Feb) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (full price) | 160 CNY | 110 CNY |
| Student (with valid ID) | 80 CNY | 55 CNY |
| Senior (60–69, Chinese ID) | 80 CNY | 55 CNY |
| Child (1.2–1.5m tall) | 80 CNY | 55 CNY |
| Child under 1.2m | Free | Free |
What the Ticket Covers
The ticket gives you access to the entire scenic area, including the hiking trails and temples. It does not include cable cars, which are separate (see below). The ticket is a single-entry pass: once you leave the designated exit gates, you'll need to buy a new one if you re-enter.
How to Buy Mount Emei Tickets Online
Skip the ticket booth queues. Buy your ticket in advance using one of these methods. Yes, you can do it without a Chinese phone number—but it's tricky.
Option 1: Official WeChat Mini-Program
The official channel is the “峨眉山景区” mini-program on WeChat. The catch: It's entirely in Chinese, and it requires a Chinese bank card or WeChat Pay linked to a Chinese bank account. Most foreign tourists hit a wall here. If you have a local friend or your hotel concierge can help, great. Otherwise, skip to Option 2.
Option 2: Third-Party Platforms (Trip.com, Klook, etc.)
This is your best bet. Trip.com (formerly Ctrip) and Klook both sell Mount Emei tickets in English. They accept international credit cards. I usually recommend Trip.com because their refund policy is clearer. Tickets are e-tickets—they send you a QR code via email or app. Show it at the entrance scanner. Done.
Cable Car Tickets: Separate Purchase Required
Mount Emei has two cable car sections: one from Wannian Temple to the upper area, and one from Jieyin Hall to the Golden Summit (Jinding). Both require separate tickets, not included in the entrance fee.
| Route | One Way (Adult) | Round Trip (Adult) |
|---|---|---|
| Wannian Temple – Upper Station | 65 CNY | 120 CNY |
| Jieyin Hall – Golden Summit | 55 CNY | 100 CNY |
You can buy cable car tickets at the respective stations or on the same platforms (Trip.com/Klook) when you purchase the entrance ticket—they offer combo deals. My advice: Buy the combo online. The queue at the cable car station can be 30–60 minutes in peak season, and if you haven't prepaid, you'll waste even more time.
Peak vs Off-Peak: When to Go
Most visitors flock to Mount Emei during Chinese holidays and summer. But here's my honest take: October and November are the sweet spot. The weather is crisp, the autumn leaves are stunning, and the crowds thin out after National Day. December to February is off-peak price wise, but the summit can be icy and foggy—you might see nothing from the Golden Summit. I always tell my clients: "If you want clear views of the sea of clouds, aim for late spring (April–May) or autumn."
Tips for Foreign Travelers
- Bring your passport. You'll need it to buy tickets at the physical counter (if you haven't booked online) and for any random ID checks. I've had tourists turned away without it.
- International credit cards are useless at the gate. The ticket office only takes cash (CNY) or Chinese mobile payments. So always bring enough cash if you plan to buy on-site. But really, buy online.
- Mount Emei is HUGE. Don't think you can hike from base to summit in one day unless you're an ultra-runner. Most visitors take the cable car for at least one section. The hike from Jieyin Hall to the summit takes about 3–4 hours (steep stairs). If you want to do it, start early.
- Accommodation inside the park. Several temples offer basic dormitory-style rooms (around 50–100 CNY per person). You can book on the official WeChat mini-program or ask a local guide. It's a unique experience, but don't expect hot showers.
A Quick Word on the "Emei Pass"
You might see references to an "Emei Pass" that bundles tickets + cable car + accommodation. As of now, no such official pass exists for foreign tourists. The so-called "pass" on some third-party sites is just a package sold by travel agencies. I recommend buying only the entrance ticket and cable car from trusted platforms—packages often overcharge for hotels.
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