Leshan Giant Buddha
Leshan Giant Buddha Overview
The largest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world, carved directly into a red sandstone cliff face at the confluence of the Min, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers. Built during the Tang Dynasty, it was originally designed to calm the turbulent waters for passing ships.
Leshan Giant Buddha Opening Hours & Tickets
- 07:30–18:30 (April to October); 08:00–17:30 (November to March)
- Best season: March to May and September to November. Arrive right at the opening time to beat the massive tour groups.
- Ticket note: Park walking entry is a flat rate. Alternatively, the sightseeing river cruise r...
Essential Leshan Giant Buddha Visitor Information
- Enquiries: +86 833 2115166
- Visitor center
- Public restrooms
- River cruise terminal
- Audio guide rentals
- Luggage storage
How to Get to Leshan Giant Buddha
Take a high-speed train from Chengdu (about 1 hour) to Leshan Station, then take bus K1 or a cheap taxi ride directly to the scenic area.
Leshan Giant Buddha Travel Safety & Advice
Dial 120. First aid stations are located near the main entrance and Lingyun Temple complex.
Practical Info
- No. 2435 Lingyun Road, Shizhong District, Leshan, Sichuan
- 07:30–18:30 (April to October); 08:00–17:30 (November to March)
- +86 833 2115166
We keep this guide current.
Ratings
★★★★☆
4.4
(5 reviews)
On-site notes & editorial review
Tickets
- Park walking entry is a flat rate. Alternatively, the sightseeing river cruise r...
Online booking may be required
Tips
For international visitors tight on time or with mobility issues, taking the river cruise is highly recommended. It offers the absolute best...
Reality Check
- Extremely long, slow-moving queues to walk down the narrow plank path along the Buddha's side, often taking 2-3 hours just to descend in peak season.
- The cliffside steps are steep, narrow, and can be slippery.
- Summer is intensely hot and humid with virtually no breeze on the rock face.
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Recent Reviews
Incredible engineering and artistry. I'm a history buff and was blown away by the fact that this was carved in the Tang Dynasty – 1,200 years ago! The face is so serene. The best part was walking down the narrow staircase near the Buddha's head – you can see the intricate chisels marks up close. Also, the river breeze was lovely. Go early, wear a hat, and don't skip the nearby tombs if you have extra time.
Honestly a bit disappointed. The Buddha is huge, yes, but it's under renovation (I guess there's always some scaffolding?). The viewing platforms were packed shoulder-to-shoulder and it felt more like a tourist factory than a cultural site. The ticket price is steep for what you get – just one main attraction and very little interpretation. Maybe I'd feel different if I came on a weekday, but this was a 3 for me.
One of the most awe-inspiring places I've ever been. The scale is impossible to capture in photos. The way the Buddha sits in the cliff, overlooking the confluence of three rivers, is both peaceful and powerful. I loved walking around the base and seeing all the carved reliefs. Arrived around 11am and it was crowded, but everyone moves slowly so it's fine. A must-see if you're in Chengdu area.
Worth the trip, but be prepared for crowds. I arrived right when it opened at 7:30am and it was already getting busy. The Buddha itself is a marvel – you really can't grasp how massive it is until you stand next to its foot. The temple at the top is nice too. My only complaint is the lack of shade on the stairway, and some of the souvenir vendors were pushy. Still, a solid 4-star experience.
Absolutely breathtaking! The sheer size of the Leshan Giant Buddha is mind-blowing. We took a boat cruise first to get the full view from the river, and then climbed the stairs up close. The details in the stone carving are incredible, especially the hair and ears. It's a spiritual experience even if you're not religious. Bring water and wear good shoes – lots of steps! Easily the highlight of our Sichuan trip.
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