Wei Zhang
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I've been guiding travelers to Leshan for over a decade. The biggest mistake? Following the crowds to the Buddha at noon. Let me show you how to nail this day trip without melting in the sun or wasting money.
Why One Day in Leshan Works
Leshan is only 120 km from Chengdu. A day trip is totally doable — if you time it right. Most tourists rush and miss the charm of the old town. I'll help you balance the iconic Buddha with local food and riverside strolls.
Getting from Chengdu to Leshan
Your best bet is the high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station. It takes about 50 minutes and costs around 54 RMB per person one-way (second class). Book tickets on 12306.cn at least 3 days ahead — weekend trains sell out fast. Get off at Leshan Station, not Leshan North (which is farther from the Buddha).
Morning: Leshan Giant Buddha
Ticket Purchase & Entry
Adult ticket: 80 RMB (peak season), 50 RMB (off-season). Children under 1.2m free. Buy via the official WeChat mini-program '乐山大佛景区' — but it's all in Chinese. Ask your hotel front desk in Chengdu to help you book. Show your passport at the entrance.
Best Route & Timing
Enter through the North Gate. Walk down the Nine-Curve Plank Road — that's the steep, narrow stairway snaking down the Buddha's left side. It's the only way to see the full face. Avoid the South Gate entrance — it adds an extra 30 minutes uphill.
Arrive at 9 AM. By 10:30, the crowds surge. I once counted 45 minutes waiting to start the descent. At 9 AM, you'll walk right down.
Photo spot
Don't stop at the bottom lookout. Walk to the platform on the right side of the Buddha's feet — fewer people, better angle. Best time for photos: 9:15-9:45 AM, before the light gets harsh.
Key Numbers
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket | 80 RMB (Apr-Oct) / 50 RMB (Nov-Mar) |
| Free entry | Children under 1.2m, seniors 65+ with ID |
| Opening hours | 07:30 - 18:30 (last entry 17:30) |
| Suggested visit | 2 hours (including plank road) |
| Nearest bus | Bus 3 or 13 from Leshan Station to 'Liantian' stop, then 10 min walk |
| Best arrival time | 09:00 - 09:30 |
Lunch: Where Locals Eat
Skip the restaurants near the Buddha entrance. Walk 15 minutes to Laodouhua Tofu Pudding Shop. My go-to: the spicy tofu pudding (8 RMB) and the braised beef noodles (15 RMB). Google Maps rating: 4.6. Cash or WeChat Pay only — no international cards. English menu? No, but just point at what others eat. Peak hours 12:00-13:00, queue around 15 minutes.
Another option: Zhang's Claypot Rice. Try the sausage claypot rice (18 RMB). They accept Alipay connected to international cards.
Afternoon: Exploring Old Town
After lunch, stroll through Leshan Old Town (starting from the central pedestrian street near Qingxiang Pond). It's not huge — 1.5 hours is enough. Look for the ancient city wall remnants near the river. If you need a break, Yueya Cafe has decent coffee and AC. Free WiFi works fine.
Alternative if it rains: Head to Leshan Museum (free entry, open till 17:00, closed Mondays). It's small but has a few interesting Buddha artifacts and air conditioning.
Evening: Riverside Dinner
Walk along the Min River promenade around 17:30. The sunset light on the river is gorgeous. For dinner, I always take my groups to Wang Po B&B Kitchen. They do a mean Sichuan spicy fish (48 RMB for a whole fish). Book a table by calling 0833-2111111 — no English, ask your hotel to help. They open at 17:00, and by 18:30 there's a wait.
After dinner, catch the 20:31 train back to Chengdu from Leshan Station. Last train is around 21:30, but 20:31 gets you back by 21:30 — perfect for checking into your hotel.
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