Written by Clementine |
Mount Emei (Emei Mountain) is one of China’s four famous Buddhist mountains. It’s located in Leshan, Sichuan province, quite close to Chengdu (around 160km).
With a main peak rising to 3,079 meters (10,102 feet), it has become a popular destination for travelers searching for spectacular views of the sea of clouds, sunrise, and the famous Buddha’s Halo.
Mount Emei Quick Facts
- Chinese Name:峨眉山 (Emeishan)
- Location: Huangwan Town, Emeishan City, Leshan, Sichuan Province
- Opening Hours:7:00 AM–6:00 PM (Apr. 1– Oct. 31); 7:30 AM–6:00 PM (Nov. 1– Mar. 31)
- Recommended Visit Time: 1–2 days
- AltitudeGolden Summit: 3,079 m (10,102 ft)
- Entrance Ticket: RMB 160 (USD 22) in peak season; RMB 110 (USD 15) in low season
- Distance from Chengdu: About 160 km
- Best Known For: Golden Summit, sea of clouds, Buddhist temples, sunrise, and monkeys
Cable Car Tickets
Cable Car |
Peak Season |
Low Season |
Golden Summit Cable Car |
RMB 65 (USD 9) up / RMB 55 (USD 8) down |
RMB 30 (USD 4) up / RMB 20 (USD 3) down |
Wannian Cable Car |
RMB 65 (USD 9) up / RMB 45 (USD 6) down |
RMB 30 (USD 4) up / RMB 20 (USD 3) down |
Content Preview
- What Is Mount Emei Famous For?
- Mount Emei One Day or Two Days
- How to Get to Mount Emei from Chengdu and Leshan?
- Best Time to Visit Mount Emei
- Where to Stay at Mount Emei
- Mount Emei Travel Tips
- Travel to Mount Emei with China Xian Tour
What Is Mount Emei Famous For? Top Reasons to Visit
Mount Emei is a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. It amazes travelers around the world with its stunning mountain scenery, deep Buddhist heritage, ancient temples, lush forests, and spectacular natural wonders.
Whether this is your first visit just for sightseeing, or you’re especially coming for photography, light hiking, or cultural experiences, Mount Emei has everything you may be looking for.
The most rewarding highlights include:
- Golden Summit (Jinding): This is the ultimate destination for most visitors. It offers breathtaking views of the Ten Directions Samantabhadra Statue, sea of clouds, sunrise, and the rare Buddha’s Halo phenomenon when weather conditions are favorable.
- Buddhist Culture and Ancient Temples: Buddhist culture has been rooted here for thousands of years. There are dozens of temples built here, such as Baoguo Temple, Fuhu Temple, and Wannian Temple.
- Rich Forest Ecosystem and Mountain Landscapes: Mount Emei has a high forest coverage rate. Diverse landscape changes from subtropical forests at lower elevations to alpine scenery near the summit. Each season offers its own unique scenery.
- Mount Emei Monkeys: While climbing the mountain, you have a great and unique chance to meet the wild Tibetan macaques. You can expect to spot them around Qingyin Pavilion, Yixiantian (One-Line-Sky).
- UNESCO World Heritage Value: Mount Emei was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site in 1996, for both its natural beauty and Buddhist cultural significance.
Mount Emei One Day or Two Days: Which Route Is Better?
One of the most common questions travelers ask is, “Is one day enough for Mount Emei?” The answer depends on what you want to experience.
If you only want to explore the Golden Summit, one day is enough. However, if you want to fully explore the mountain’s highlights, including temples, natural scenery, hiking, and the calm and peaceful atmosphere, then a two-day Mount Emei itinerary is what you need.
Basically, all visitors start their journey from Chengdu to Mount Emei, but it’s not recommended to arrange the return trip on the same day, especially in peak season. Such an arrangement can waste a lot of time in transit, and the time left for sightseeing would be quite limited.
The two following itineraries are based on arriving at Emeishan City one day in advance.
Option 1: One-Day Mount Emei Itinerary (Best for First-Time Visitors)
This is the most popular choice for foreign travelers with limited time who want to explore the major highlights of Mount Emei.
You’ll finish this route mainly by sightseeing bus and the Mount Emei cable car, with only a small amount of walking. It is suitable for families, older travelers, and visitors with limited hiking experience.
Recommended Route:
Baoguo Temple Tourist Center → Sightseeing Bus → Leidongping → Walk to Jieyin Hall → Golden Summit Cable Car → Golden Summit → Return via the same way
However, a one-day trip has some limitations you need to know:
- Limited time to visit temples in the mountain, such as Wannian Temple
- Won’t have the chance to see the sunrise at Golden Summit
- Can’t fully explore the monkey area
Option 2: Two-Day Mount Emei Itinerary (Best Overall Experience)
If your schedule allows, we recommend that you plan a two-day Mount Emei trip.
Compared with a one-day visit, this itinerary allows you to explore the deep essence of Mount Emei at a slower pace. And you’ll get a better chance of seeing the sunrise and the sea of clouds.
For photography lovers and travelers who want to hike Mount Emei, staying here for two days provides you with many more amazing experiences.
- Day 1: Temples, Hiking Trails & Monkeys
Baoguo Temple → Wannian Temple → Qingyin Pavilion → Yixiantian (One-Line-Sky) → Ecological Monkey Area → Stay overnight near Leidongping or Golden Summit
- Day 2: Golden Summit Sunrise Experience
Then take the cable car and sightseeing bus down Emei Mountain.
How to Plan a Mount Emei Trip from Chengdu
For most international travelers, Chengdu is the starting point for their exploration of Sichuan province. Usually, visitors would depart from Chengdu and combine Mount Emei with the nearby Leshan Giant Buddha, creating one of the most classic cultural and natural sightseeing routes.
A recommended 2-day itinerary from Chengdu:
- Day 1: Chengdu → Leshan Giant Buddha → Overnight in Leshan
- Day 2:Leshan → Mount Emei → Chengdu
If you have 4–5 days in Sichuan, you can also extend your itinerary and add Chengdu city attractions, Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, and Qingcheng Mountain to your list.
These are highlights commonly included in a classic Sichuan travel route. You can see ancient irrigation systems, Taoist culture, Buddhist heritage, and natural landscapes along the way.
How to Get to Mount Emei from Chengdu and Leshan?
Transportation to Emeishan City is convenient and well-developed. No matter whether you’re traveling from Chengdu or Leshan, you can reach the mountain within a few hours. Among all, the high-speed train plus sightseeing bus is the best option.
How to Get to Mount Emei from Chengdu?
Option 1: High-Speed Train (Most Recommended)
Chengdu East Railway Station and Chengdu South Railway Station both serve trains running to Emeishan Station. This is the most efficient choice for independent travelers.
Advantages:
- The journey only takes about 1–1.5 hours
- Frequent departures every day(around 25 schedules)
- Reliable and comfortable
- Easy connection to sightseeing buses
High-Speed Trains from Chengdu to Mount Emei (Emeishan Station)
Train Number |
Route |
Departure & Arrival Time |
Travel Time |
Ticket Price (Second Class-First Class) |
C6273 |
Chengdu East Railway Station → Emeishan Station |
6:34 AM – 7:49 AM |
About 1 hr 15 min |
RMB 33–52 (USD 5–7) |
C6343 |
Chengdu South Railway Station → Emeishan Station |
8:04 AM – 9:11 AM |
About 1 hr 7 min |
RMB 62-99 (USD 9) |
C5771 |
Chengdu East Railway Station → Emeishan Station |
12:59 PM – 2:15 PM |
About 1 hr 16 min |
RMB 65–104 (USD 9–14) |
G8561 |
Chengdu South Railway Station → Emeishan Station |
4:53 PM – 6:09 PM |
About 1 hr 16 min |
RMB 62–99 (USD 9–14) |
Note: The train schedules above are updated on July 27, 2026. There are many other high-speed train options available throughout the day.
Option 2: Private Transfer
A private car transfer is always preferred by families, small groups, or travelers who want a more flexible schedule. But it’ll definitely cost more than public transportation.
Advantages:
- No need to transfer in the middle of the way
- Flexible and can combine with a visit to the Leshan Giant Buddha
How to Get to Mount Emei from Leshan
It is common for travelers to combine the Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei in one trip. These two UNESCO World Heritage attractions are only about 30 km apart, and they are both immersed in the Buddhist culture.
A 2-day Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei itinerary is one of the most popular routes in Sichuan.
There are three main ways to travel from Leshan to Mount Emei:
Option 1: High-Speed Train (Fastest Option)
Take a train from Leshan Station to Emeishan Station.
- Travel time: About 15–25 minutes
- Frequent departures available(around 20 schedules)
- Easy connection to sightseeing buses or taxis
Option 2: Taxi or Ride-Hailing Service
This is the convenient option for families and groups.
- Travel time: About 30–40 minutes
- No transfers required
- More comfortable with luggage
Option 3: Private Tour with Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei
If you want to visit both attractions on the same day, you can customize a trip with us.
It saves transfer time on the road, and we can help you adjust the itinerary according to your interests and physical condition.
Best Time to Visit Mount Emei: Weather and Seasonal Guide
Mount Emei offers different scenery in each season, and there is no absolute low season.
Its elevation ranges from around 500 meters to 3,079 meters at Golden Summit. The temperature difference can exceed 10°C between the base and the summit. Even in summer, warm clothing is still necessary when heading to higher areas.
Spring (March to May)
It is an excellent time for photography, flower viewing, and light hiking.
Summer (June to August)
The foothills can be warm, and the Golden Summit remains cool and comfortable. So many Sichuan people would go to Mount Emei to escape from the summer heat.
The mountain is covered with lush forests and fresh greenery. In some areas, such as Xianfeng Temple, the sea of hydrangeas displays during early summer (June-July).
However, afternoon rainfall is common, so remember to bring your rain gear.
Autumn (September to November)
Generally speaking, autumn is considered the best season to visit Mount Emei. The weather is relatively stable, and visibility is better.
From late October to early November, the mountain scenery becomes especially colorful. The areas around Wannian Temple are adorned with golden ginkgo leaves. Along the route from Xixiang Pond to Leidongping, the hillsides burst into layers of red, orange, and purple.
On clear days, you even have opportunities to enjoy distant Gongga Snow Mountain views.
Winter (December to February)
In winter, Mount Emei shows a snowy landscape. There will be snow-covered Golden Summit, frost-covered trees, and beautiful ice formations.
When the sun comes out after snowfall, opportunities to see sunrise, sea of clouds, and the Buddha’s Halo phenomenon will greatly increase.
In addition to exploring the mountain, you may also try winter activities such as skiing at Leidongping Ski Resort. For a more relaxing experience, enjoy hot springs at the foot of the mountain.
Please note that mountain roads start to be icy and slippery. Warm clothing and non-slip shoes are needed.
Where to Stay at Mount Emei: Foothill or Mountain Top?
Whether you should stay overnight at Mount Emei can greatly affect your travel experience. If you’re having a one-day journey, then the accommodations at the foothill are the best.
If you’re coming for the sunrise and cloud-sea view, then choose to stay in the upper mountain.
Foothill Accommodation |
Mountain Accommodation |
|
Recommended Areas |
Baoguo Temple area, Emeishan City |
Leidongping; Golden Summit area |
Best For |
One-day visitors, travelers on a budget, visitors continuing to Leshan or Chengdu |
Photography lovers, sunrise seekers, two-day visitors |
Advantages & Tips |
More hotel choices, better restaurants, and convenient transportation |
Easier access to sunrise views; rooms can be limited during peak seasons, so advance booking is recommended |
Mount Emei Travel Tips: Altitude, Monkeys & What to Pack
We have also prepared a few practical tips for your visit to Mount Emei. They are intended to help you travel more safely and comfortably.
1. Will You Experience Altitude Sickness at Mount Emei?
Although Golden Summit reaches 3,079 meters (10,102 feet), most visitors do not experience serious altitude sickness, especially if they reach the summit by sightseeing bus and cable car. Normally, you would only feel temperatures becoming cooler and slightly short of breath.
However, some precautions are still recommended:
- Older travelers and visitors with heart or lung conditions should take their time and walk slowly. Please avoid intense activities immediately after reaching the Golden Summit.
- Drink enough water and allow your body to adjust to the environment.
2. Are Mount Emei Monkeys Safe? How to Avoid Losing Your Belongings
Seeing the Mount Emei monkeys is one of the most memorable experiences for many visitors. They mainly appear around areas such as Qingyin Pavilion, Yixiantian (One-Line-Sky), and the Ecological Monkey Area.
Monkeys living here are the wild Tibetan macaques. They have been interacting with human visitors quite often, so they won’t be afraid of you and may even approach closely. However, they are generally safe to observe if you follow the park’s rules.
To avoid unwanted encounters:
- Do not carry plastic bags or visible food.
- Snacks, drinks, and mobile phones should all stay in your backpack.
- Do not feed, tease, or try to touch the monkeys.
- Keep a safe distance and follow staff instructions if you get to meet the monkey groups.
3. Other Practical Tips
- The foothill areas are warm in summer. However, the Golden Summit is much colder and windier. So do bring a windproof jacket or warm outer layer even in summer.
- Some sections of Mount Emei have steep paths and many steps. Whether you want to hike a long distance or not, comfortable and non-slip walking shoes are certainly important.
- If necessary, bring or buy hiking poles at the entrance. It can help reduce pressure on your knees, especially during downhill sections.
- Don’t carry heavy luggage up the mountain. It’s better to store large bags at Emeishan Railway Station and then start your visit.
- Emeishan City has two railway stations, one is called Emei Station, and the other one is called Emeishan (Mount Emei) Station. To better visit Mount Emei, choose trains bound for the latter one.
Travel to Mount Emei with China Xian Tour
Whether you’re planning a one-day highlight tour or a two-day exploration of the temples and scenery, proper planning can always make your Mount Emei trip smoother and more enjoyable.
With China Xian Tour, you can enjoy a well-organized Mount Emei tour, which is perfectly combined with a visit to other Sichuan highlights like the Leshan Giant Buddha. With local expertise and flexible arrangements, your journey will be more than comfortable and full of memories.
