What to do in Leshan

Activities, attractions and tours

Breath taking views from the mountain or river, the giant Buddha sits peaceful as the people go by #Nature
Construction on the Giant Buddha began in 713 AD. It was the idea of a Chinese monk named Haitong, who hoped that the Buddha would calm the turbulent waters that plagued the shipping vessels travelling down the river. His plans were not just supernatural - the enormous amount of rubble carved away from the cliff would be deposited in the river, altering the currents and calming the waters. When government funding for the project was threatened, the monk is said to have gouged out his own eyes to show his piety and sincerity. The construction project was continued by his disciples and finally completed by the local governor in 803. #monks #buddhism #religion #china #History
Giant Buddha in Leshan, China. It is a 71-metre (233 ft) tall stone statue, built during the Tang Dynasty, depicting Maitreya. It is carved out of a cliff face that lies at the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers in the southern part of Sichuan province in China, near the city of Leshan. The stone sculpture faces Mount Emei, with the rivers flowing below his feet. It is the largest stone Buddha in the world and it is by far the tallest pre-modern statue in the world.
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The Leshan Giant Buddha statue is said to have been built to calm the turbulent waters that plagued passing boats and killed many people each year. So, in the Tang Dynasty, a monk named Hai Tong, decided to carve a giant statue beside the river, hoping it would appease the river gods and save more local people’s lives. With this belief, the Hai Tong Monk begged for 20 years to acquire enough funds to begin his work. According to legend, when some local government officials wanted to get large amounts of money from Hai Tong, he said they could have his eyeball but not the money raised for the Buddha statue. When government funding for the project was threatened, the monk is said to have gouged out his own eyes to show his sincerity and devotion to the cause. The officials were scared away, and Hai Tong saved the money and started the project in 713 AD. The project was half finished when he passed away and two of his disciples were left to continue the work. The project was finally completed 90 years later by the local governor in 803 AD. This statue stands next to a cave behind the Giant Buddah where Hai Tong had lived. #LikeALocal

Leshan Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Leshan has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Leshan is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Leshan to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Leshan Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Leshan.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Leshan attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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What to do in Leshan

Discover the most popular places to visit in Leshan

Leshan Dafo, giant buddha, Leshan, China

Leshan Giant Buddha

You can find out about the history of Leshan with a stop at Leshan Giant Buddha. Wander the riverfront or discover the area's mountain views.

Leshan Giant Buddha
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Emeishan Zhuyeqing Ecological Tea Garden

You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Emeishan Zhuyeqing Ecological Tea Garden in Emeishan. Wander the forest or discover the area's mountain views.

Emeishan Zhuyeqing Ecological Tea Garden

Mount Emei

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Emei during your travels in Emeishan. Wander the seaside and parks while you're in the area.

Mount Emei

Jinding Temple

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Jinding Temple during your travels in Emeishan. Discover the area's mountain views and temples.

Jinding Temple

Leshan Bridge

Learn about the local history of Leshan with a stop at Leshan Bridge. Amble around the area's riverfront or visit its temples.

Leshan Bridge

Baoguo Temple

Learn about the local history of Emeishan when you spend time at Baoguo Temple. Wander the seaside and parks while you're in the area.

Baoguo Temple

Golden Summit

Find out about the history of Emeishan when you take a trip to Golden Summit. Amble around the area's parks or visit its temples.

Golden Summit

Xianfeng Temple

Xianfeng Temple is just one of the places to see in Emeishan, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the seaside or visit the temples while you're in the area.

Xianfeng Temple

Farmhouse Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Farmhouse Museum during your trip to Leshan. Stroll along the marina or discover the area's mountain views.

Farmhouse Museum

Explore areas of Leshan

Wuyou Temple in the Leshan Giant Buddha complex, China.

Shizhong District

While visiting Shizhong District, you might make a stop by sights like Leshan Giant Buddha and Leshan Bridge.

Shizhong District
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Wutongqiao District

While visiting Wutongqiao District, you might make a stop by sights like Farmhouse Museum and Ding Youjun Memorial Hall.

Wutongqiao District
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Shawan District

You might make a stop by Guo Moruo Former residence while you're exploring Shawan District.

Shawan District

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Leshan

Buddah statue at the Golden Summit of the Mount Emei.

Emeishan

Frequently asked questions

Is Leshan worth visiting?
Leshan has a unique mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or traditional cuisine, there's plenty you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Leshan?
Start your adventures with a visit to the top attractions in the area. Then, explore other areas of Leshan for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Leshan?
Scroll up to browse a selection of recommended things to do in Leshan, including inexpensive tours, family-friendly ideas and other must-do highlights.
Is three days enough to stay in Leshan?
If you just want to tick off the leading attractions, three days is plenty of time for a vacation in Leshan. Stay for a week or more for the chance to really appreciate the local vibe, tour nearby highlights and explore a few hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in Leshan with kids?
If you're looking for sights and tours for all ages, check out these terrific ideas for what to do in Leshan with kids.

What to do in Leshan for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Leshan for adults.
Are there free things to do in Leshan?
With loads of free things to do in Leshan, you can experience the area without reaching for your wallet. Catch free shows and events or explore the local neighbourhoods.

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