Leshan is incredibly beautiful, but I honestly don't recommend visiting in July because...

Leshan: The Perfect Fusion of Buddhist Landscapes and Earthly Delights Keywords: The Millennium Gaze of Leshan Giant Buddha, Emei Mountain's Sea of Clouds & Buddhist Halo, Suji Ancient Town's Stewed Beef with Herbs, Jiazhou Night Market's Spicy Street Food Transportation: 30-minute high-speed train from Chengdu to Leshan Station; about 1.5-hour drive from Chengdu, ideal for a 2-3 day in-depth trip. I. Must-Visit Attractions: Understanding Leshan Through Its Landscapes and Culture 1. Leshan Giant Buddha (Ticket: ¥80, Boat Ticket: ¥70) The world's largest stone-carved seated Maitreya Buddha: Standing 71 meters tall, with its head level with the mountain and feet resting on the river, it took 90 years to carve. Known as "The mountain is a Buddha, the Buddha is a mountain." How to explore: Hike up close – Enter from the North Gate, descend the "Nine-Turn Plank Path" to the Buddha's feet (about 1 hour), touch the millennia-old feet, and look up at the Buddha's compassionate face. Hidden photo spots: Capture the full view from the "Buddha Viewing Platform" in Lingyun Temple or take a boat to the river's center (recommend "Jiazhou Boat") for a majestic shot of the Buddha and the confluence of three rivers. Night tour (19:30-22:00, Ticket: ¥120): Lights outline the Buddha's silhouette, and the riverside walkway transforms into a luminous corridor, perfect for couples or photography enthusiasts. 2. Emei Mountain (Ticket: ¥160, Sightseeing Bus: ¥90) "Emei's Beauty Under Heaven" & one of Buddhism's Four Sacred Mountains: At 3,079 meters, Golden Summit is famed for its sea of clouds, sunrise, Buddhist halo, and sacred lamps. Ancient temples dot the mountain, and playful macaques add to its fairy-tale charm. How to explore: Classic route – One-day trip: Baoguo Temple (starting point) → Sightseeing bus to Leidongping (2 hours) → 1.5 km walk to Jieyin Hall → Golden Summit Cable Car (¥65 up) → Golden Summit for clouds/sunrise → Return the same way. Two-day trip: Stay near Qingyin Pavilion on Day 1, hike the "Qingyin Pavilion-Ecological Monkey Area-Hongchunping" trail (about 6 hours) to experience the poetic "Twin Bridges and Clear Sound." Must-do: Golden Summit pilgrimage – Touch the feet of the "Golden Statue of Samantabhadra" for blessings; listen to monks chant at Huazang Temple for inner peace. Monkey encounters: The Hongchunping to Jiulao Cave section is macaque territory – avoid carrying plastic bags or food to prevent "robberies." 3. Suji Ancient Town (Free) A millennium-old riverside gem: Emei River flows through this Ming-Qing era town, where cobblestone streets, old teahouses, and stewed beef shops paint an authentic Leshan scene. How to explore: Food highlights – Stewed Beef with Herbs (¥30/person): Must-order "beef hotpot + blood tofu + crispy intestines," dipped in dry spice mix. Locals love "Zhouji Stewed Beef." Rice Crisp (¥15/bag): Suji specialty made with glutinous rice, peanuts, and sesame – crispy and sweet. Try "Gu's Rice Crisp." Cultural touch: Visit the "Suji Silk Culture Museum" or take a wupeng boat ride (¥30/person) along Emei River, admiring willow-lined banks. 4. Jiazhou Changjuan·Tianjie (Free) Leshan's "Along the River During Qingming Festival": A Song Dynasty-style riverside block with blue tiles, white walls, and upturned eaves. Lit up at night, it feels like time travel. How to explore: Hanfu photoshoot – Rent a set (¥50/hour) for vintage shots at the "Tianjie" archway, bridges, or teahouses. Night market bargains: Handmade bamboo crafts, oil-paper umbrellas, and Leshan paper-cuts at half the scenic spot prices – perfect souvenirs. 5. Luocheng Ancient Town (Free) "China's Noah's Ark": A 209-meter-long "ship-shaped street" with wooden buildings as hulls and cobblestones as decks – the world's only boat-shaped ancient town. How to explore: Tea & opera – Sip tea (¥10/cup) at Qilin Teahouse on the "ship's deck," watching locals play cards or Sichuan opera face-changing. "Eight Bowls Feast": Salt-braised pork, steamed pork with rice flour, duck with shredded kelp (¥40/person) – a traditional Sichuan banquet. II. Food Map: From Street Snacks to Spicy Feasts – Leshan's Joy is "Málà Xiānxiāng" 1. Must-Try Trio Stewed Beef with Herbs: Beef and offal boiled in herbal broth, dipped in dry spices. Try "Fengsanniang Stewed Beef" (¥35/person). Sweet-Skinned Duck: Duck glazed with malt sugar and fried crispy – sweet-salty perfection. "Zhao Duck" (half duck ¥35, vacuum-packed). Bobochicken: Skewered chicken gizzards, livers, and veggies soaked in chili/pepper broth. "Ye Grandma's Bobochicken" (¥40/person). 2. Street Eats Tofu Pudding (¥8/bowl): Leshan-style "pepper soup" – silken tofu + vermicelli + beef/chicken, topped with cilantro and peanuts. "Jiujiu Tofu Pudding." Kabing (¥6/piece): Steamed buns stuffed with spiced beef/intestines, drizzled with chili oil. Try stalls near "Sifang Dried Tofu." Egg Pancakes (¥5/piece): Crispy shells with fillings like cream, pork floss, or Lao Ganma. "Master Gao's Egg Pancakes" (Zhanggongqiao Night Market). 3. Night Markets & Spicy Feasts Zhanggongqiao Food Street: Di Dad Fried Skewers (Wang Hedi's dad's shop) – golden-fried pork belly, beef, and corn skewers (¥30/person). Ju Grandma Shaved Ice: Emei Snow (local soda) flavor (¥15/bowl) – perfect spice antidote. Jiaxing Road Food Street: Ji Liuniang Sweet-Skinned Duck – crispy, moderately sweet (half duck ¥35, vacuum-packed). String Sister Fancy Ice Jelly – Handmade jelly with glutinous rice, hawthorn, raisins (¥8/bowl), pairs perfectly with stewed beef. 4. Souvenirs Leshan Chili Powder: Erjingtiao + heaven-facing peppers – fragrant but not too spicy (¥10/bag, shops near Haihuiyuan). Emei Snow Soda: Local "happy water," lychee-flavored (¥2/bottle in supermarkets, ¥5 in scenic spots). Zhuyeqing Tea: Emei Mountain's "Hermès" of green tea – gift-worthy "Lundao" grade. III. Deep Experiences: Live Like a Local 1. Emei Hot Springs Lingxiu Hot Spring (¥168/person): Emei's largest radon spring – soak in 38°C waters with mountain views. 2. Zen at the Buddha's Feet Wuyou Temple Zen Retreat (free): One-day meditation with sutra chanting, copying, and vegetarian meals. 3. Jiayang Steam Train Yuejin Station to Bagou Station (¥80/one-way): The world's only operational narrow-gauge steam train – a fairy-tale ride through spring rapeseed fields. 4. Leshan Dialect Crash Course Learn local phrases: "Chi mangmang" (eat), "Bai longmenzhen" (chat), "Bashi de ban" (super comfy) – bond with locals! IV. Stay Recommendations: Immerse in Landscapes & Local Life 1. Near Leshan Giant Buddha (¥150-500/person) Chanyi·Jiading Courtyard: Zen-style rooms with river views, 5-minute walk to the Buddha. Riverside Stay B&B: River-view rooms (¥150/person), balconies overlooking boats – great value. 2. Emei Mountain Base (¥200-800/person) Emei Mountain Le Méridien Resort: Infinity pool, private hot springs, 10-minute walk to Baoguo Temple. Emei Mountain Hot Spring Hotel: Rooms with hot spring baths (¥300/person) – book 1 month ahead in peak season. 3. Suji Ancient Town (¥100-300/person) Ancient Town Homestay: Century-old house with wooden beams – wake up to birdsong by Emei River. V. Practical Info: Must-Know Before You Go 1. Best Seasons Spring (Mar-May): Emei azaleas bloom; fewer crowds at the Buddha. Summer (Jun-Aug): Emei escapes heat (bring rain gear); Leshan night markets thrive. Autumn (Sep-Nov): Emei's fiery foliage; crisp Buddha views with few tourists. Winter (Dec-Feb): Possible Emei snow; higher chance of Golden Summit clouds; half-price hot spring hotels. 2. Transport Tips Train: Chengdu East/South → Leshan Station (30 mins, ¥54); taxi to downtown (¥10). Drive: Chengdu → Leshan (Chengdu-Leshan Expressway, 1.5 hrs, ¥40 toll); Emei parking ¥20/day. Scenic transport: Leshan Buddha shuttle (¥20/person, North-East Gate); Emei sightseeing bus (¥90, full mountain route). 3. Heads-Up Emei macaques are bold – no plastic bags or visible food. Buddha scenic area "incense" is overpriced – buy small bundles outside (¥2 at supermarkets). Order small portions of bobochicken/stewed beef first to avoid waste. Leshan dialect is fast – say "Speak slowly, I don’t understand" for Mandarin service. Leshan's romance lies in the Buddha's three-river confluence, Emei's divine clouds, Suji's beefy aromas, and night markets' spicy buzz. Here, city stress fades into "Buddha-like" slow living and "Bashi" coziness. Pack your appetite and joy – come be a "happy wanderer" in Leshan's landscapes!