Visit Mount Emei: Discover Culture, Nature, and Spirituality in Sichuan

Written by Clementine | Updated January 02,2026

Mount Emei is the general name of da’e, Mt.er’e, and Mt.san’e. The mountain, in the southwest of Sichuan province, is located at the southwest edge of the Sichuan basin, 168 km from Chengdu and 37 km from Leshan, two popular tourist cities in Sichuan province. Rich in cultural heritage, it is the holy land of Chinese Buddhism, which is known as the “Buddhist paradise”, and was listed as one of the world’s cultural and natural heritage by UNESCO.

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• Fast Facts about Mount Emei
• Why Visit?
• Top Attractions & Temples on Mount Emei
• Top Things to Do
• Best Time to Visit
• How to Get to
• Where to Stay
• Nearby Attractions
• Useful Tips for Visiting Mt. Emei
• How to Plan a Trip to Mt. Emei
• FAQs about Mt. Emei
• Plan Your Chengdu Tour with China Xian Tour

Fast Facts about Mount Emei

• Location: Huangwan Town, Emeishan City, Leshan City, Sichuan Province
• Chinese name: 峨眉山(Emei)
• Height:3099 meters
• Tickets: The admission fee is 160 yuan from Jan. 16th to Dec. 14th, and 110 yuan from Dec. 15th to Jan. 15th
• Opening hours: 06:00-18:30 for May 1stto October 7th, and 07:00-17:30 for October 8th to April 30th next year
• Time needed:1-3 days
• Best time to go: Spring & Autumn

Why Visit?

• With the steep terrain and charming scenery, it is known as “the most beautiful mountain in China”.
• Due to its height and geographical location, the scenery here is changeable and different from the mountain top to the bottom.
• Mount Emei scenic area has become a new multi-functional complex scenic area integrating recreation, health, culture, entertainment, sightseeing, and delicious food.

Top Attractions & Temples on Mount Emei

Golden Summit

Golden Summit is the symbol of Mount Emei, and there is a saying that “you haven’t been to Mt. Emei if you haven’t seen the Golden Summit”. A 48-meter-high golden statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva stands on the middle of the golden summit for people to worship, which is also regarded as the landmark of Mount Emei.

Baoguo Temple

Baoguo Temple is at the foot of Emei Mountain, the first temple on the mountain. Its architecture is immense and grand, with red walls and green tiles, flying eaves and interlocking brackets. Once you enter the temple, you will be embraced by the towering old trees and peaceful and harmonious sentiments.

Qingyin Pavilion

At the foot of Niuxin Ridge, Qingyin Pavilion is one of Mount Emei’s most famous scenic spots. The region is known for its crystal waters and beautiful landscape. Two clear streams merge in front of the pavilion and splash against a rock, producing a tinkling sound.

First-Sky Pass

One of the famous natural wonders of Mount Emei is first-sky pass. As you walk along the actual plank path, you can look over your shoulder and see the sky pinched into a thin line, beams of sunlight streaming through the cracks and forming columns of golden light.

Wannian Temple

Wannian Temple is an ancient temple whose history can be dated back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Its highlight is a hall built completely with bricks without using any beam column. The Baishui pool in front of the temple is renowned as one of the top 10 scenic spots in Mount Emei. During autumn, the water surface is like a painting. The surrounding red leaves, mountains and sky are all reflected in the mirror-like surface.

Leidongping

Leidongping is an important hub and viewing platform of Mountain Emei. It is the destination of the sightseeing bus, so all tourists will get off here and walk about 1.5 km to the cable car station. It is also famous for its flower sea of alpine azalea. There are 12 kinds of alpine azalea unique to Mount Emei. In summer, the flowers are all over the mountain, forming a spectacular scene. In winter, it turns into a ski resort from December to February, adding fun to the tour.

Ecological Monkey Zone

As one of China’s largest wild natural monkey zones, it is home to the national protected animal – macaca thibetana. These monkeys are not afraid of people, so you will see the lively scene of monkeys playing in the forest freely. It will be a unique experience of Mount Emei tour.

Xixiangchi Temple

Located at the altitude of 2,070 meters, Xixiangchi Temple is a serene ancient temple. Since ancient times, its wonderful moonlit night view has been famous. At night, the pool in front of the temple is covered by the clear moonlight. Together with the surrounding fir forest, a secluded atmosphere is created. Your heart will feel at peace.

Top Things to Do

Cultural exploration

Mount Emei is a renowned Buddhist sacred site in China and a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site. It is famous for the integration of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, martial arts, tea culture, etc. Here, the natural scenery and humanistic spirit complement each other, forming a unique cultural treasure that draws countless visitors to explore.

Hiking and trekking

Hiking Mount Emei is rather attractive for many hikers. It is also a spiritual and physical challenge, with mist-shrouded forests, ancient temples, and cheeky monkeys accompanying your climb. Whether you choose the easy route or the tough one, each step reveals breathtaking vistas.

• Half-day route: Baoguo Temple – Fuhu Temple – Leiyin Temple – Chunyang Hall – Shenshui Pavilion – Zhongfeng Temple – Guangfu Temple – Qingyin Pavilion – Wuxian Ridge.
• Two-day route: Baoguo Temple – Wannian Parking Lot – Wannian Temple – Xixin Hall – Chudian – Huayan Peak – Jiuling Ridge – Xixiang Pond – Leidongping – Jieyin Hall – Golden Summit.
• Three-day route: Baoguo Temple – Wuxian Ridge – Qingyin Pavilion – First-Sky Pass –  Emei Mountain Monkey Area – Hongchunping – Tianchi Peak – Xianfeng Temple (Jiu Lao Cave) – Xixiang Pond – Leidongping – Jieyin Hall – Golden Summit.

Note: Climbing Mount Emei on foot may take 2-3 days.

Relaxing with the Hot Spring

Mount Emei is famous for its rare radon hot springs, which can stimulate the contraction and expansion of skin blood vessels, contributing to regulate cardiovascular functions. Well, imagine relaxing in a hot spring after a full day of hiking. That enables your sore feet and tired body to be completely refreshed.

Enjoying the Breathtaking Landscape

“A mountain consists of all four seasons simultaneously, with weather changing every ten miles.” This is what the Chinese acestors said about Mt. Emei. How beautiful and how unique Mount Emei is, you will understand once you visit.

• Emei Sacred Lights: On dark, moonless evenings on the Golden Summit, you can see lights called Sacred Lights or Buddha Lights. Below the Precipice Rock, floating green light orbs often appear, starting from one or two points and gradually forming thousands of points, twinkling like stars and flickering in the dark valley. In ancient times, this phenomenon was praised as “ten thousand lamps shining towards Samantabhadra.”
• Emei Sunrise: The sunrise at the Golden Summit of Mount Emei is an imminent and majestic sight. As the sun rises in the east, the sky is filled with rosy clouds, and countless rays of golden light shine upon the earth. From top to bottom, Mount Emei seems to slowly put on a golden robe, revealing its perdition pride.

Best Time to Visit

For sightseeing, the best time is Spring and Autumn. During these months, the weather in Emei Mountain is cool and scenery is remarkable. The two seasons are also suitable for Chengdu trips, since the summer in Chengdu can be really hot.

For sightseeing, the best time is Spring and Autumn. During these months, the weather in Emei Mountain is cool, with a temperature of about 2 ℃ and 7 ℃ at the Golden Summit. With weather getting warmer in spring, the flower sea will catch your eyes. Autumn enjoys a stable weather, making it possible to encounter the natural wonders of cloud sea, Buddha’s light, etc. Summer is also cool, but it is foggy in the mountain area, so your view may be affected. Winter is the best season for snow scenery, but the temperature is extremely low at the mountain top.

How to Get to

• Bus:Emei City Bus Station: Take bus routes 1 or 7 to Huangwan Station, and bus route 5 to Fuhu Temple. Routes 7 and 5 pass through the Baoguosi Tourism Transport Center.
• Emei Mountain High-Speed Rail Station Bus: Take bus route 12 to Fuhu Temple (passing through Baoguosi Tourism Transport Center).
• Taxi:The base fare for a taxi in Emei City is 5 RMB for the first 2 kilometers (with a 30% nighttime surcharge). The fare is meter-based.
• Rickshaw: A unique transportation option in Emei City. It is safe, inexpensive, and comfortable. The fare varies from 2 to 10 RMB depending on the distance.

Get to Mt. Emei From Chengdu

Mount Emei is only 200 km from downtown Chengdu, so visitors like to take a side trip to Emei Mountain when traveling Chengdu.

• Bus: Visitors can take long-distance bus to Mt. Emei Tourism Bus Center from Chengdu at the Xinnanmen Bus Station, which may take about 3 hours. The operation time for the bus station is 07:20-19:35.
• High-speed Train: Visitors can take the Chengdu-Leshan-Emeishan Intercity High-Speed Train or Shuangliu Airport – Emeishan Train and get off at Emeishan(Mt.Emei) Station, then take Bus No.8, tourism bus or car to Mt. Emei scenic area.

Get to Mt. Emei from Leshan Giant Buddha

The distance between them is only about 50 km, and several ways are available for tourists to choose.

• High-speed train + bus: a high-speed train from Leshan to Emeishan takes only about 15 minutes. After arrival, transfer to tourist shuttle bus to the destination.
• Bus line 602:This bus will take you from the Tourist Center of Leshan Giant Buddha to that of Mount Emei directly. No transfer is needed. The ticket costs only CNY 5 and the duration is about 2 hours.
• Bus line 601:this bus line also sets out from the Tourist Center of Leshan Giant Buddha, but its destination is Baoguosi Tourist Bus Station, only about 1 km from Baoguo Temple. It also costs CNY 5 and takes about 2 hours.

Where to Stay

Huangwan Town (foot of the mountain), Leidongping (mid-mountain), and Jinding (mountaintop) are the three recommended places to stay.

Huangwan Town

It is suited for family trips. The hotels and guest houses are carefully decorated, making it a good place for relaxation. When you finish climbing the mountain, you can stay at the foothills to rest.

Leidongping

For family members who don’t want to climb, Leidongping is a good place to stay. Plus, charges at Leidongping are quite low, and it is close to Jinding, making it an ideal choice for those on a budget.

Jinding

There are three hotels on Jinding. For those with a sufficient budget, staying at Jinding is a good choice (choose based on your budget). It’s convenient for watching the sunrise the next morning.

Nearby Attractions

• Leshan Giant Buddha: Located 31 kilometers away from Mount Emei. It is also called the Lingyun Giant Buddha, carved into the riverside cliffs of Mount Lingyun.
• Liujiang Ancient Town: A town nestled against mountains and beside water, with a humid climate. It is often enveloped in a light misty rain throughout the year, earning it the beautiful nickname “Smoky Rain Liujiang.”

Useful Tips for Visiting Mt. Emei

• When encountering the monkeys, the first principle is to keep a safe distance. Do not tease or scare them and do not look into their eyes directly. Put your food inside the bag in case they snatch.
• If you visit Mount Emei in winter, remember to check whether the cable car and sightseeing bus are open in advance. Go downhill before 14:00 to leave enough time to queue up.
• The scenic area covers a large area and queuing time is long in peak season, so it is necessary to plan the route in advance and set out as early as possible.
• Bring a raincoat is to tackle the unpredictable weather in the mountain area.

How to Plan a Trip to Mt. Emei

Usually, it is recommended to combine it with Chengdu and Leshan Giant Buddha, because they are close to each other and the essences of western Sichuan are all included in this one tour. You will experience the diverse charm of the province. This itinerary will require 3 – 5 days. In general, 4 days are ideal time. A brief plan is listed below.

Day 1: Chengdu arrival – Broad and Narrow Alley – Jinli Street – Ancestral Temple of Wuhou

Day 2: High-speed train to Leshan – Leshan Giant Buddha – Mt. Emei – Baoguo Temple and Fuhu Temple – live at the mountain foot

Day 3: Golden Summit – Wannian Temple – Qingyin Pavilion – Emei Mountain Monkey Area

Day 4: Return to Chengdu – Panda Base

Recommended tour: 3 Days Mt.Leshan & Mt.Emei Hiking Tour

Can I Have a One-day Round Trip from Chengdu?

Actually, it is not recommended. About half a day will be spent on the transfer. The remaining time is not sufficient for you to appreciate the landscapes carefully. And it definitely has no time to visit the nearby Leshan Giant Buddha.

FAQs about Mt. Emei

Can Foreigners Go to Mount Emei?

Foreigners are welcome to visit Mount Emei. The scenic area of Mount Emei has optimized its payment services, allowing tourists from all over the world to use foreign cards to make payments within the area, including for ticket purchases, dining, and accommodation.

Do I Need A Cable Car to Get Up the Mountain?

Cable car is a very time-saving and effortless option. Inside Mount Emei Scenic Area, there are two cable cars, namely, the Wannian Temple Cable Car and the Golden Summit Cable Car.

What to Pack for A Mt. Emei tour?

ID card, passport, cash, and power bank. It is recommended to wear socks, raincoats, windbreakers, and sports shoes. If possible, bring some water and bread also, as well as a first-aid kit in case of emergencies like altitude sickness.

How difficult is the full hike to the Golden Summit? Are there a lot of stairs?

The full hike is quite demanding. According to the most commonly cited figure, there are around 60,000 stairs. It would normally take 2-3 days for people to travel from Baoguo Temple to the Golden Summit on foot. What makes the trip even more challenging is that there will be countless stone steps, steep ascents, and unpredictable weather along the way. However, if you are physically fit and want to take the challenge, it will be a rewarding experience to reach the top fully on your own strength.

How can I best deal with the monkeys? Are they really that aggressive?

Monkeys living in the Ecological Monkey Zone have long been famous for their bold and clever characteristic. They’ll literally get close to you and grab food or drinks from your hand or your bag. So the best advice is not to carry visible food and never tease or feed them, since these behaviors are not safe for either you or the monkeys. If you want extra security, there will be a lot of stalls selling bamboo sticks. Buy one and keep it handy. However, the key to surviving the path that may have monkeys show up is always to stay calm and not provoke them, and they’ll leave you alone.

Are the cable cars always operating, or can they be closed due to weather?

Normally, if there are no special conditions (e.g., heavy snow, storms, or maintenance), cable cars will always run normally throughout the year. So, especially for visitors who are traveling in winter or the rainy season, we suggest you check the local updates before entering the mountain, and prepare a backup plan in case they are not running.

Can I buy food and water on the mountain, or should I bring my own?

Yes, there are stores providing snacks, hot meals, and bottled water at most major scenic spots and temples. However, since their special locations, prices of goods will usually go higher than in town, we recommend that you bring some of your own supplies, especially water and light snacks, as it will be demanding to climb this mountain.

Is Mount Emei safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Mount Emei is safe for solo travelers, as the trails are all well-marked. And moreover, since it’s such a popular site that attracts a huge amount of travelers year-round, you won’t even feel you’re alone when hiking with that many people.

Plan Your Chengdu Tour with China Xian Tour

Mount Emei can provide you with an exciting natural exploration, but for most visitors, this exploration is often paired with a visit to the Leshan Giant Buddha and other highlights in Chengdu, such as the Chengdu Panda Breeding Center.

As a professional travel agency with over a decade of experience, China Xian Tour can offer customized service for your Chengdu and Mount Emei trip. We guarantee to take care of all the details along the journey, which is just designed according to your own preferences. Our professional travel experts will be there for you 24 hours a day just to make sure your expectations of this Chengdu Emei tour are fulfilled, so that the only thing you need to do is be prepared for some incredibly enjoyable days.