Four Best Ways to Tour Leshan Giant Buddha: Walk, Boat, Night Cruise, Overlook

Giant Buddha near Leshan, China, is the largest statue of the founder of Buddhism in the world. Flanked by a high cliff from which masters of the Tang dynasty carved it, the enormous statue dominates a three rivers' confluence. The monument is accessible both from land and water, and you can conduct the Leshan Giant Buddha tour in several ways. To find out what top four ways to tour Leshan Giant Buddha are, please read on.

Scenic Leshan Giant Buddha Walk From Head to Toe

Who Fits?

To take a walking tour of the immense Leshan Buddha rock sculpture, you need to be physically fit and not prone to vertigo. Also, it would be helpful to be slim since the stairway of 200+ steps is just over 0.5 meters/1.5 feet wide at its narrowest point.

Admission Fee

The ticket price for a visit to the imposing statue is 90 CNY, which is approximately 13 USD (end of June 2020).

Walking Routes

Besides walking from the top to the bottom of the 71-meter/233-foot high statue, you can hike in the surrounding area. Some routes take you from the main or secondary entrance of the complex to various religious structures and a cave.

Leshan Buddha Scenic Area consists of two parts, divided by an inlet. The western part, whose highlight is the statue of Buddha, features Lingbao Pagoda, Lingyan Pavilion, Dafo Temple, Haishi Cave, and Dongo Tower. The eastern side, connected to the scenic area by a bridge, has fewer attractions, some of which are Wuyou Temple, Erya and Luohan Hall, and Jiemao Kiosk.

Walking Highlights

Besides the monumental sculpture, which is the indisputable highlight of every Leshan Giant Buddha tour, you should see Haoshang Bridge. It prides on an appealing design whose arch reflects clearly on the surface of the water. Some other noteworthy attractions nearby are Haishi Cave, Wuyou Temple, and Lingyan Pavilion.

Walking down from Leshan Giant Buddha’s head to toe

Approximate Duration

How long you need to walk the stairway from Buddha statue's head to feet depends on your and the shape of other climbers. Therefore, the duration of this particular activity is hard to predict, but with queuing, it usually takes a few hours. As for the walking tour of the scenic area around Leshan Immense Buddha, allow up to several additional hours for visiting multiple attractions.

Hours of Operation

The entire complex is open from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm during the high season (April-October). For the rest of the year, you can conduct a Giant Buddha tour from 8 am to 5:30 pm. From Chengdu, you can join a guided walking tour of the monumental rock statue and Panda Base. Both are iconic attractions of Sichuan, and this one-day tour reveals a lot about the region's history and wildlife.

Tips for the Leshan Giant Buddha Walking Tour

1. First and foremost, wear comfortable footwear suitable for climbing. 
2. If you don't speak Chinese, we strongly recommend you to book a guided tour. 
3. Plan a workday for your visit since many visitors come during weekends and public holidays. Otherwise, arrive as early as possible, preferably before 10 am. 

Quick Boat Ride to Leshan Giant Buddha

Who Is Fit Enough for This Tour?

If you aren't a passionate fan of climbing and walking, you may opt for a daytime Leshan Giant Buddha boat tour. This convenient tour requires minimal physical activity and is suitable for everyone.

Boating Ticket Price

The price of a 30 to 40 minutes boat tour is ¥70, which currently corresponds to $10 (June 2020). If you wish to visit the scenic area afterward, you need to pay ¥90 ($13) extra.

Available Route

Ferries depart from the town of Leshan, located on the Min River north of the massive statue. Board a boat either at the Baxiandong Cruise Terminal (八仙洞码头) or Leshan Sightseeing Cruise Wharf (乐山港码头). Once the number of sightseers meets the full capacity, you will sail downstream. After around ten minutes at the site, the ferry will turn around and get back to the port.

Boating Highlights

During the Giant Buddha boat tour from Leshan, you will enjoy viewing a high cliff. And, all of a sudden, it will give way to the world's grandest statue of the founder of Buddhism. Seeing the 71-meter (233-foot) tall monument from up close will send goosebumps down your spine. Don't forget to spare a few glances for the adjacent river confluence.

Taking a boat ride to Leshan Giant Buddha

Duration of the Short Boat Cruise

The quick cruise to the Leshan Buddha statue lasts between 30 and 40 minutes.

Time of Operation

Short boat tours from Leshan to the statue of Maitreya Buddha are available from 7:30 am to 6 pm from April to October. The rest of the year, boats operate from 8 am to 5 pm.

Joining a guided boating tour of the colossal statue of Buddha and Panda Base offers the best value for money to Chengdu visitors. Besides benefiting from personalized attention and learning interesting facts, you will see giant pandas, the symbol of China. After an eventful day, a high-speed railway takes you back to Panda City. 

Daytime Leshan Buddha Boat Tour Tips

1. In case of bad weather, boat tours will be postponed. 
2. Boats don't have toilets.

Three River Night Cruise to Leshan Giant Buddha

Who Can Join Night Cruise Tours?

Three Rivers and Leshan Giant Buddha Night Cruise is suitable for people of all ages. The only requirement you need to meet to enjoy a boat tour is to stay awake long enough.

Night Cruise Cost

The full-price ticket for the three-river night tour is ¥220 (a bit over $30).

Cruise Itineraries

There are two cruise routes you can choose from for this light spectacle.
  1.The first departs from Baxiandong Dock, located on the opposite side of the Min River from Leshan. The first and second Minjiang bridges are initial stops, while the Buddha statue is the third. Before returning to the pier, you will see Guanfo Pavilion.
  2.The second route starts at Wuyou Temple Dock, on the opposite side of the enormous monument from the town. Until the end of the night boat cruise, you will see the sitting Buddha, Guanfo Pavilion, and Minjiang 1st Bridge. The sailing tour ends at Baxiandong Dock.

Night Boat Tours Top Sights

The highlight number 1 of the three rivers night boat tour is the sight of Buddha illuminated with lively lights. Furthermore, you are bound to admire night views of Leshan and Minjiang bridges bathing in various colors. Finally, soft illumination of the environment across the Min River has a spellbinding effect.

Enjoying a night cruise to Leshan Giant Buddha with stunning views passing by

How Long the Three Rivers After Dark Cruise Lasts?

Both available Leshan Buddha Night cruises last approximately an hour.

Times of Departure

From April to October, boat tours commence at 8 pm and 9:30 pm. The rest of the year, departures take place half an hour earlier.

During the Three Rivers Night Cruise, you will witness the biggest light project in Sichuan, China. Sparkling lights, light shows, and jaw-dropping sights will make you glad you stifled a couple of yawns by the end of the boat tour.

Useful Tips

1. In case of unfavorable weather, the Three Rivers cruises won't take place. 
2. Go to the toilet before the cruise. You wouldn't want to miss a thing once it begins. 

Admire Leshan Giant Buddha From Sun Island

Is This Tour Suitable for You?

Another way to admire an immense Buddha statue is from Sun Island. You can enjoy this tour at a relaxed pace since it is suitable for people of any age and fitness level.

What Are Related Expenses?

Unlike other tours of the world's largest Buddha, this one barely costs anything. A symbolic charge (2 CNY) for a transfer to Sun Island is the only mandatory expense.

Tour Route

Sun Island is located on the opposite side of the Min River from the famous statue. To get there, you need to take a boat at Tieniumen Pier.

Top Attractions

Take some time to explore the island and discover its structures, courtyards, and towers featuring traditional styles.

Appreciating Leshan Giant Buddha from Sun Island

Tour Duration

How long you will stay on Sun Island is totally up to you. But, let's say that several hours should suffice for a leisurely experience.

Hours of Operation

Unless you are willing to swim back to the town, plan your Leshan Giant Buddha tour between 8 am and 6 pm. These are the hours of operation of the ferry departing from Tieniumen Pier.

Overlooking the colossal monument to Maitreya Buddha from Sun Island is a popular activity among the local Chinese. While travelers resort to other options, the local people prefer to take things easy. The best period for enjoying this particular activity is from March to November.

Tips for Seeing an Immense Buddha Statue from Sun Island

1. During the rainy season, the rivers may swell and submerge some parts of the island, limiting the views.
2. You can picnic and barbecue on Sun Island.
3. Bring a magnifying glass to see the world's largest Buddha, which is about 500m/1,650ft away, in detail.

Enjoy Leshan Tour with 3rdpoletour

Travelers who don't speak English may find communicating difficult during their Leshan tour. Besides, such an outstanding tourist destination abounds with facts you can learn only from a local. Therefore, you should rely on the expert assistance of bilingual 3rdpoletours local guides, who specialize in Leshan and Sichuan, and deliver personalized service.

Conclusion

The distance between Chengdu, the principal Sichuan city and metropolis, and Leshan is around 140km/85mi. Travel times are approximately 1:45 hours by car, up to 3 hours by bus, and less than an hour by high-speed train.

From the railway station, bus number 3 takes passengers to the Scenic Area in an additional 45 minutes. But, if you are somewhere in the town, a taxi may take you there in half that time. Now, you're all set. Choose whether to tour Leshan Giant Buddha by walk, daytime boat tour or nighttime cruise, or to observe it from the distance, and have a great time.