📍Leshan + Mount Emei in a Day – Yes, You Can!

We packed a full day visiting two of Sichuan’s UNESCO gems — the Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei (Emei Shan) — both doable in a single day if you plan smart. We started from Chengdu in the morning and headed straight to Leshan (about 1.5 hrs by car or high-speed train). The Leshan Giant Buddha was truly awe-inspiring — standing at 71m tall, it’s even more impressive in person than in photos. 📸 We opted for the river boat ride, which gives you a full frontal view of the Buddha without having to queue for the cliff path. Super worth it! From Leshan, it’s about a 40-minute drive (or 15-minute train ride) to Mount Emei. We didn’t do the full hike or visit temples like Baoguo or Fuhu — there just wasn’t enough time. But even catching a glimpse of the lush scenery and feeling the peaceful vibe at the base made the trip worthwhile. A proper summit hike will have to wait for next time! ⸻ 🧭 Useful Tips for Future Travellers: ✔️ Start early (6:30–7am from Chengdu) ✔️ Join a day tour or book a private car for the easiest logistics ✔️ Leshan + Emei are not side by side, but close enough to pair in one trip ✔️ Bring comfortable shoes and snacks – the day is long! ✔️ Want to do the full Mount Emei hike? Set aside at least 2 days for that #summervacay #leshangiantbuddha #mountemei #emeishan #sichuantravel #daytripfromchengdu #chinaitinerary #traveltipschina