Mount Emei

Address No. 41 Mingyue South Road, Emeishan City (Base Tourist Center), Leshan, Sichuan
Hours 06:00–17:00 (Scenic buses start at 06:00; individual temples typically operate 08:00–17:30)
Phone +86 833 5533355
Announcement: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Entrance ¥160
Hours 06:00–17:00 (Sceni...
Best Season April to May for b...
Time needed 1–2 days
Last visit: Aug 27, 2026
Author: Ming Yang
Reviewer: Jun Li

Mount Emei Overview

One of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China, renowned for its profound spiritual heritage, towering peaks, and ancient monasteries hidden within lush alpine forests. The spectacular Golden Summit frequently rests above a breathtaking sea of clouds.

Mount Emei Opening Hours & Tickets

  • 06:00–17:00 (Scenic buses start at 06:00; individual temples typically operate 08:00–17:30)
  • Best season: April to May for blooming azaleas, or September to October for clear skies and autumn foliage. Winter offers magical snowscapes at the higher elevations.
  • Ticket note: The main entry ticket is valid for two consecutive days. Sightseeing buses and c...

Essential Mount Emei Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 833 5533355
  • Comprehensive scenic shuttle bus network
  • Two major cable car lines
  • Monastery guesthouses and luxury summit hotels
  • Heavy coat rentals near the summit
  • Bamboo walking stick vendors

How to Get to Mount Emei

Take a high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Emeishan Station (about 1.5 hours), followed by a 10-minute taxi ride to the Baoguo Temple Tourist Center at the mountain base.

Mount Emei Travel Safety & Advice

Dial 120. Medical clinics are available at the base tourist center and the Golden Summit. Buy a cheap bamboo walking stick at the base to help with stairs and to deter aggressive monkeys.

Practical Info

  • No. 41 Mingyue South Road, Emeishan City (Base Tourist Center), Leshan, Sichuan
  • 06:00–17:00 (Scenic buses start at 06:00; individual temples typically operate 08:00–17:30)
  • +86 833 5533355
Ming Yang
Ming Yang
Certified National Tour Guide
Ming Yang is a Chongqing-based Certified National Tour Guide and an established Culinary Heritage Expert, focusing on the vibrant food scenes and unique shopping experiences of Southwest China.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.4 (20 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • The main entry ticket is valid for two consecutive days. Sightseeing buses and c...

Online booking may be required

Tips

International travelers must bring their physical passports for ticket checks and hotel registrations. To witness the famous sunrise and 'se...

Reality Check

  • Wild Tibetan macaques along the middle hiking trails are notoriously aggressive; do not show them food or carry plastic bags.
  • Weather at the summit is highly unpredictable and drastically colder than at the base.
  • During national holidays, waiting for the shuttle buses and cable cars can take hours.

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Recent Reviews

4.4 ★★★★☆ (20)
solo_sam_tra Aug 11, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Mount Emei exceeded every expectation I had. As a solo traveler, I loved the mix of nature and Buddhist culture — the smell of incense, birdsong, and low temple bells echoing through the mist felt so peaceful. I walked the quieter stretch from Wannian Temple to Qingyinge, through forest waterfalls and empty trails away from the summit crowds. The whole place has this unhurried, spiritual energy that's hard to describe. Best thing I did in Sichuan. Will definitely come back for autumn colors.

FoodieOnFoot Aug 11, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Not just a mountain — it's a journey. My friend and I spent two days here, staying overnight near Jinding, and it was magical. The sunset from the peak was phenomenal, and that night the stars felt close enough to touch. Next morning the sunrise didn't disappoint either, with snowy Himalayan peaks glowing in the distance. The cable car staff were a little brusque, but the views erased any annoyance. Definitely one of my top five travel experiences ever. Can't recommend it enough.

hikinghannah Aug 11, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

This was absolutely unforgettable! I took the bus to Leidongping, hiked the last stretch to the summit, and arrived just before sunrise. Seeing the sea of clouds glow pink and gold below the Golden Summit made me tear up. Ten Thousand Buddha Temple is breathtaking too. The wild monkeys on the path are cheeky but harmless if you keep your distance. Just bring warm layers — it's freezing up there even in spring. Easily one of the best hikes of my life. Go early, beat the crowds!

K.D.Lin Aug 11, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Great trek overall, but it is tough — my knees are still sore. We hiked all the way from Baoguo Temple over two days and spent one night at a monastery near Xixiangchi. The forest sections were gorgeous, full of mossy trees and streams, and the temple atmosphere felt truly authentic. The only downside was the hard bed and very basic food at the monastery, but that's kind of the experience. Reaching the summit for sunrise made it worth it. Solid four stars.

mike_b123 Aug 11, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly, I really wanted to love Mount Emei, but the day we went the weather was terrible. Everything above Leidongping was just thick fog, and by the time we reached the Golden Summit we couldn't see anything except white. The cable car queue was also chaos — we waited over an hour and a half. The lower sections near Qingyin Pavilion were nice and the monkeys were fun to watch, but one did try to steal my friend's water bottle. For the cost and effort, I left feeling a bit let down.

DerekExplore Aug 03, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly, I was a little underwhelmed. The mountain is beautiful in the lower sections, but the whole experience is commercialized and expensive—90 yuan bus, another 120 cable car, plus the entry ticket. When we finally got to the summit, there was no view at all, just cloud and wind. The snack stalls at Jinding charge crazy prices for a small bottle of water. We didn't stay for a sunrise because the rooms were too pricey. I'm glad to say I have been, but I wouldn't do it again. If you want a peaceful natural experience, the nearby smaller mountain trails are just as green and far less hassle.

urbanskip Aug 03, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Mount Emei is certainly impressive, but I think I came on a bad day. The bus took forever, and by the time we reached Jinding a thick fog had rolled in. You could barely see the statue until a gust cleared it for a moment. The tea stand at the top was overpriced and not that good. The lower sections though—Qingyin Pavilion and the area around Hongchunping—were much more peaceful and beautiful. I enjoyed those trails immensely. I'd probably rate 4 because the logistics and fog let it down at first, but the greenery and temples make it worth seeing.

photographer Aug 03, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

I went in spring. The rhododendrons were blooming and mist rolling through the valleys made every turn look like a Chinese painting. The Golden Summit was clear when I got there, and I spent two hours just taking photos of the Vairocana statue and the lighter-tinted clouds. The cable car ride down is steep but smooth. One tip: arrive early because the summit gets busy after 10am. I've seen the sunset from many peaks, but Emei's is somewhere I'd go back to again and again.

Kavi_TheWand Aug 03, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

We decided to do the full Emei climb over two days and it was both brutal and beautiful. The stone steps seem endless, but the forest is so lush and fresh that every break was a delight. The temple food at Xixiangchi was simple, warm, and perfect after a long day. The staff were welcoming, and the chanting in the morning took me by surprise—I'm not religious but it moved me. Definitely not a relaxing trip, more of a pilgrimage. If you're reasonably fit and want to see the mountain's soul, skip the cable car part and walk.

hannah_roadm Aug 03, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Took the early bus from Baoguo Temple and hiked the last stretch to Jinding. The sunrise was unreal—the sea of clouds stretched forever, and the golden statues glowed as the sun came up. It was cold but 100% worth it. The walking trail near the monkey area is lively—they snatch snacks, so keep your bag closed! I've been to a lot of places in China, but this one felt genuinely sacred and powerful. Highly recommend staying one night at the summit to make sunrise easy.

Mike_Wanderl Jul 27, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Hands down one of the best experiences of my life. Mount Emei offers a perfect blend of physical challenge and spiritual serenity. I particularly enjoyed the section near Xianfeng Temple, where the ancient trees and moss-covered steps felt like stepping into another era. The views from the Golden Summit are unbeatable—you can see for miles. Bring good hiking shoes and plenty of water, and you'll have an unforgettable day.

Sarah_Nomad Jul 27, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

This place is pure magic. I spent two days hiking from Baoguo Temple all the way up to the summit, staying overnight at a monastery. The fog lifted just as I reached the top, revealing a sea of clouds and distant peaks. The chanting of monks at sunrise added a spiritual layer I wasn't expecting. The cable car ride down was also thrilling. Every step felt rewarding. 10/10 would recommend.

Jake_Trekker Jul 27, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely incredible! I've been to many mountains in China, but Mount Emei tops them all. The cloud sea at dawn was like something out of a dream, and the golden statue of Samantabhadra shining in the sunlight gave me chills. The trails are well-maintained, and the mix of nature and Buddhist culture is perfect. I also loved the cheeky monkeys—just hold onto your snacks! A must-visit for any traveler.

Lily_Adventu Jul 27, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Mount Emei is stunning overall, but it's not without flaws. The sunrise from Golden Summit was breathtaking, and the monkeys along the path were entertaining. However, the sheer number of tourists made it hard to enjoy the quieter moments. Also, the food options near the base were overpriced and mediocre. Still, the hiking experience and the ancient temples made it worth the trip—just go early to avoid the crowds.

Dave_Outdoor Jul 27, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly, I was a bit let down by Mount Emei. The weather was foggy the whole day, so I barely saw any views from the summit. The hiking trails were overcrowded even on a weekday, and some of the temple areas felt too commercialized with vendors everywhere. For the price of the entrance ticket and the cable car, I expected a more peaceful experience. Probably wouldn't go again.

NomadPaul_Ex Jul 13, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Mount Emei exceeded every expectation. I took the cable car up and walked down, which gave me both the incredible panoramic views and the intimate forest experience. The temples are beautifully preserved, and the scent of incense mixed with mountain air is unforgettable. The staff at the ticket office were helpful, and the signage is clear. If you go, don’t miss the ‘Sea of Clouds’ viewpoint—it’s pure magic. Already planning my return trip.

TravelBug_Le Jul 13, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

This is hands down one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. From the lush bamboo forests at the base to the ethereal cloud-covered peaks near the top, every step felt like walking through a painting. The monkeys are cheeky but fun to watch (just keep your bags zipped). I did the full hike in one day—exhausting but so worth it. The sunset from the summit left me speechless. Five stars all the way!

Hiker_Mike_8 Jul 13, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely incredible experience! Climbing Mount Emei was the highlight of my China trip. The cloud sea at dawn is something out of a dream. The trail is well-maintained, and the little teahouses along the way offer perfect rest stops. I also met a kind monk who shared stories about the mountain’s history. If you love nature and spirituality, this place is a must. 10/10 would recommend taking the two-day route and staying overnight.

Jenna_in_Asi Jul 13, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Beautiful mountain with stunning temples and lush greenery. The hike up was challenging but rewarding. I loved the ancient Buddhist atmosphere, especially at Baoguo Temple. The only downside: the food options near the summit are overpriced and mediocre. Also, if you’re not super fit, prepare for steep stairs. Still, the sunrise from the Golden Summit was magical enough to make it a 4-star trip.

TrailRunner_ Jul 13, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

I was really excited to hike Mount Emei, but honestly, it was way more crowded than I expected. Even on a weekday, the paths were packed with tour groups, and the golden summit felt like a busy market. The monkeys were aggressive and stole my snack bag. The scenery is beautiful, but the constant noise and wait times took away from the experience. For the price of admission and cable car, I expected better crowd management.

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Mount Emei Travel FAQ

Can I use credit cards at Mount Emei?
No. All ticket counters, shops, and cable car stations accept only cash, WeChat Pay, or Alipay. Foreign credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are not accepted anywhere. Bring enough cash or set up WeChat Pay with your international card beforehand (tricky but possible via a Chinese friend).
Is a Mount Emei day trip from Chengdu realistic for families with kids?
Yes, if you skip the hike entirely. Use the scenic bus and cable car. Kids under 6 get free entrance. The monkey zone is a big hit, but watch your bags. The long bus ride (45 min winding) can cause motion sickness – bring ginger candy. Total walking for a family: less than 3 km.
How do I buy the scenic bus ticket without WeChat?
The ticket office at Baoguo Temple accepts cash. Simply line up at the counter labelled “Scenic Bus” (usually third window from left). Tell the agent “Leidongping” and hand over 90 RMB. They'll give you a paper ticket – keep it for the return bus.
What's the best time of year for a Mount Emei day trip?
April-June and September-October. Summer (July-August) is rainy and crowded. Winter (Dec-Feb) has snow at the summit – beautiful but cable car may close during storms. Check the official WeChat account for real-time weather and closures.
Are there English signs on the mountain?
Basic signage at key points (bus stops, temples) has English. But most menus, ticket instructions, and announcements are in Chinese. I recommend downloading the “峨眉山” app or using Google Translate offline packs.
I only have 24 hours in Chengdu. Can I still visit Mount Emei?
Tight, but doable if you start early. Take the 7am high-speed train from Chengdu East to Emeishan station (1 hour, 65 CNY). Then a taxi to Baoguo Temple (20 mins). Take the tourist bus to Leidongping (2 hours), cable car up, see the summit, and cable car down. You'll be back in Chengdu by 9pm. Skip the hiking — you won't have time. And pray the cable car queue isn't too long.
Are there vegetarian or halal food options on the mountain?
Temples serve simple vegetarian meals (around 20-30 CNY per dish), but don't expect halal. At the summit, there's a KFC and a few noodle shops. For halal, your best bet is to bring your own food. I once had a Muslim group and we loaded up on packed lunches from Chengdu.
Is the cable car safe in winter?
The cable car runs unless wind speed exceeds 15 m/s or there's heavy ice. Check the forecast for wind gusts. In January 2024, I was stuck at Jieyin Hall for 3 hours because of high winds. If you go in winter, have a backup plan: you can hike down if needed (takes 4-5 hours, but icy steps are treacherous).
Can I use my international driving license to rent a car?
No. China does not recognize international driving permits except for a few countries (like Japan, Korea). Do not attempt to drive. Instead, use the high-speed train + local buses/taxis. I've seen tourists get fined heavily.
I have only one day. Can I still do the Mount Emei hiking trail?
Yes, but it will be rushed. Take the bus from Baoguo Temple to Wuyiangang, hike to Xixiang Pond (skip the temple there if short on time), cable car up, see the summit, cable car back, bus down. Total time: 6-7 hours. Start by 6 am. Not recommended if you want a relaxed experience.
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