A trip to visit the Giant Leshan Buddha from Chengdu is simple, so you can easily add it to your backpacking China itinerary. Besides, seeing the UNESCO credited, 233 ft tall Giant Leshan Buddha is a must-do! Here is the essential guide on how to make a day trip.
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How to get to the Leshan Buddha from Chengdu
To reach the Leshan Buddha from Chengdu, you can take a bus that runs directly to Leshan from the Xinnanmen Bus Station in Chengdu. Make sure to purchase your ticket before getting on the bus at the ticket office. Prices range from 42 – 55 Yuan ($6.02 – $7.89) per person, depending on what time you get the bus. For more information on bus times, click here. Once you have purchased your ticket, you will be given a seat number so you know where to sit.
After around 2 hours you will reach Leshan. When you arrive in Leshan, the bus will stop at the bus station. Walk out onto the main road and you will see a bus stop. Get on bus number 13, which will take you directly across the road from the Leshan Giant Buddha. The bus costs just 1 Yuan ($0.14). Remember, that you will need the exact amount, as you will not receive change.
Entrance to the Leshan Giant Buddha
Option 1- Hike to the Leshan Giant Buddha
The Leshan Giant Buddha is surrounded by a mountain and a scenic area. To get up close to the Buddha you will need to enter the mountain. There are viewpoints and other points of interest along the way. The cost to go on a long hike up the mountain is 90 Yuan ($12.90). If you choose this option, you will need to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Whilst we opted again for the hike, we have read that the hike can take at least an hour. This option is not for people who are afraid of heights, as you will need to walk down very steep narrow steps, and then back up to exit.
Option 2 – Take a ferry
So, what can you do if you’re feeling a little lazy like us? Easy! You can enjoy the view from the comfort of the ferry whilst relaxing your feet. The only downside to this is that you won’t be able to get up close to the Buddha, but at least you get the full-length picture you wanted! To board the ferry, you will need to walk a couple of hundred meters back from where the bus dropped you off. Along the way, you will find the ferry dock. The cost of a return journey on the ferry to the Big Buddha is 70 Yuan ($10.04) per person, and the trip takes 30-40 minutes.
The boat journey doesn’t take that long to reach the Buddha, but it stops for at least 10 minutes for everyone to take pictures. Luckily for us, there was plenty of room on the boat and we didn’t need to shove our way through for a picture. If you’re there on a busy day, make sure you get a spot on the right-hand side of the boat. After taking a few snaps, you will head back to the dock where you boarded the boat.
Where to stay in Chengdu
Feeling luxurious: Felton Gloria Grand Hotel – Elegantly decorated rooms with plentiful facilities. There is also an indoor swimming pool for guests to enjoy.
Budget private room: Travelling with Hotel – Cozy place to stay with a great social vibe. The hotel offers free board games and table tennis.
Dorm life: Chengdu Flipflop Hostel Poshpacker – Fantastic location! The hostel boasts a cosy lounge area with games and books for guests. They also offer tour services.
For more prices and deals on properties in Chengdu, CLICK HERE.
Essential resources for travelling in China
Travel Insurance – No matter where you’re travelling to, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any accidents or losses. We spent days and weeks searching for insurance, but most insurers would not allow us to take out a policy as we were already abroad. Our personal choice is Safteywing. You can opt for automatic monthly payments, just like a subscription. More importantly, it is available in 180 countries and can be purchased whilst already travelling. There is no cap on the duration of travel.
Visa – Before you travel to any country, make sure to check if you need a visa. iVisa is a fantastic website that is super easy and quick to use. Just type in where you are from. and where you are going. to check if you need a visa. If you do, you can quickly make an application online.
Accommodation – Booking.com is our go-to when looking to pre-book accommodation online. Booking.com tend to almost always have the best rates and a FREE cancellation policy for most properties.
Tours & Activities – If you want to book tours and activities online, make sure to check out Get Your Guide. Get Your Guide takes the stress out of booking activities abroad. You will also find a range of benefits, such as skip-the-line passes, lunch included in your tours, and so much more.
Travel tips ebook -Before you head off on your adventure, make sure to download our free ebook. It has a whopping 109 budget travel tips to help you make your hard-earned cash go further. Click here to download your FREE ebook.
Do you have more time in Chengdu? Then you must check out the Chengdu Panda centre.
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