A Rainy Morning at Leshan Giant Buddha – Exploring China's Colossal Masterpiece

After the tour of Emeishan (峨眉山) the day before, it was finally time to visit the city's most famous landmark—the magnificent Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛) . The day began under grey skies with a light drizzle falling across the city, creating a peaceful and atmospheric setting for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Leshan Giant Buddha

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Early Morning Departure

I started my day early at Holiday Inn Express Leshan City Square. After breakfast, I hailed a taxi and headed directly to the North Gate entrance of the Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛) Scenic Area. The short ride was convenient and allowed me to arrive before the larger tour groups.

View of Min River by the Leshan Giant Buddha ticket office

Upon arrival, I purchased my entrance ticket and entered the scenic area. The cool weather and light rain made the surroundings feel especially tranquil, with mist hanging over the cliffs and ancient trees.

Approaching North Gate entrance

Entrance ticket to Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area

First Glimpse of the Giant Buddha

Without delay, I made my way straight toward the highlight of the park—the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛) . 

Walking uphill towards the Buddha viewing platform

First glimpse of the Giant Buddha head

Carved into the red sandstone cliffs more than 1,200 years ago, the giant seated Maitreya Buddha stands an incredible 71 metres tall, overlooking the confluence of three rivers.

View of the river confluence

Standing near the top viewing platform, I was immediately struck by the immense scale of the statue. Even through the drizzle, the Buddha's calm expression seemed to dominate the entire landscape.

Giant Buddha in sitting posture

Descending the Nine-Turn Cliff Road (九曲栈道)

To fully appreciate the monument, I followed the famous Nine-Turn Cliff Road (九曲栈道), a narrow and steep pathway carved into the cliff face beside the Buddha. The zigzagging route slowly descends from the head of the statue down to its enormous feet.

Information on the cliff roads in Leshan Giant Buddha

Walking down the narrow stairway carved by the cliff

View of the river cruise approaching the Giant Buddha

The path was wet from the rain, but the journey offered spectacular close-up views impossible to experience from above. Each turn revealed new perspectives of the giant figure—from its massive ears and shoulders to its hands resting gently on its knees.

View of the Giant Buddha feet at the base

Reaching the base of the Buddha was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the visit. Looking upward from the foot of the statue truly demonstrated its extraordinary scale. The Buddha towered above the visitors below, appearing even more impressive than from the viewing platforms.

Majestic view of the Giant Buddha from the base

View of the Nine Turn Cliff Road

Walking the Lingyun Cliff Road (凌云栈道)

After spending time at the base, I began the uphill journey via the Lingyun Cliff Road (凌云栈道). The scenic route wound through lush greenery, ancient rock carvings, and dramatic cliffside viewpoints overlooking the rivers below.

Uphill trek up the Lingyun Cliff Road

View of Min River and the tourist cruise

The gentle drizzle continued throughout the morning, enhancing the beauty of the landscape. The mist-covered hills and river valleys created a dreamlike atmosphere that made the climb especially memorable.

Exploring Lingyun Temple (凌云寺) and Lingbao Pagoda (灵宝塔)

Back at the top of the cliff, I continued exploring several of the scenic area's historic attractions.

Walking through the quiet part of the scenic area

Stairs up to Dongpo Tower

Introduction of Dongpo Tower

Lingyun Temple (凌云寺) provided a peaceful retreat from the crowds. Its traditional architecture, incense-filled halls, and centuries of history reflected the deep Buddhist heritage of the region. The rain-soaked courtyards and ancient trees added to the temple's serene ambience.

Lingyun Temple

Nearby, I visited Lingbao Pagoda (灵宝塔), which stands prominently atop Lingyun Mountain. From the surrounding viewpoints, I enjoyed sweeping views of the rivers, cliffs, and the surrounding cityscape. Despite the overcast weather, the scenery remained spectacular.

Introduction of Lingbao Pagoda

Lingbao Pagoda

Exiting Through the East Gate

After completing the walking circuit, I exited the scenic area through the East Gate. While many visitors conclude their trip at this point, I wanted to experience another famous perspective of the Giant Buddha—from the water.

Exit at East Gate

A pleasant walk led me to Baxiandong Dock (八仙洞游船码头), where I purchased a ticket for the river cruise.

Baxiandong Dock

River cruise ticket

Boarding the cruise

Viewing the Giant Buddha from the River

The cruise offered a completely different perspective of the monument. As the boat moved along the river, the full scale of the Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛) gradually came into view.

Leaving the dock

Lingbao Pagoda can be seen towering the Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area

View of Min River

Unlike the close-up experience from the cliff paths, the river cruise allowed me to appreciate the Buddha's position within the entire landscape. The enormous statue appeared seamlessly integrated into the towering cliff face, watching over the meeting point of the Min River, Dadu River, and Qingyi River.

View of the Buddhist Warrior Attendant statues that can only be seen from the river cruise

View of Leshan Giant Buddha from the river cruise

View of the Lingyun Cliff Road

Lingyun Cliff Road

The drizzling weather added a touch of mystery to the scene. Low clouds drifted across the hills while the giant figure emerged from the mist, creating one of the most photogenic moments of the day.

After circling the viewing area, the cruise returned to Baxiandong Dock (八仙洞游船码头), bringing my visit to a satisfying conclusion.

Cruise making a U-turn back to Baxiandong Dock

Final Thoughts

Although the weather was wet and overcast, the light drizzle ultimately enhanced the experience at Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛). The misty scenery, quieter pathways, and atmospheric river views made the ancient monument feel even more majestic.

Combining the cliffside walk, close-up views at the Buddha's feet, exploration of Lingyun Temple (凌云寺) and Lingbao Pagoda (灵宝塔), and the scenic river cruise provided a complete experience of one of China's greatest cultural treasures. For anyone visiting Leshan (乐山), experiencing both the land and river perspectives of the Giant Buddha is highly recommended.

A Food Lover’s Evening at Zhanggongqiao Food Street, Leshan

After a day of exploring Emeishan, I headed to Zhanggongqiao (or Zhanggong Bridge) Food Street (张公桥好吃街), one of the city’s most popular dining destinations. As evening fell, the street came alive with glowing signboards, bustling crowds, and the irresistible aroma of Sichuan cuisine drifting through the air. Locals and visitors alike filled the restaurants and food stalls, creating a lively atmosphere that perfectly captured Leshan (乐山)’s reputation as a food lover’s paradise.

The vibrant Zhanggongqiao Food Street

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The first specialty I had to try was Leshan (乐山)’s famous Sweet Skin Duck (甜皮鸭). Displayed prominently in shop windows, the golden-brown ducks looked incredibly tempting. The skin was thin, crispy, and lightly glazed with a delicate sweetness that gave the dish its name. Beneath the crackling skin was tender, juicy duck meat packed with flavor. The combination of sweet and savory notes made it one of the most memorable dishes of the evening and a true Leshan (乐山) classic.

The famous Leshan Sweet Skin Duck

For the main course, I chose a restaurant packed with diners enjoying seafood and local specialties under the warm evening sky. The relaxed outdoor setting allowed me to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Zhanggongqiao Food Street (张公桥好吃街) while watching the constant flow of people passing by.

Restaurant setting

Restaurant Menu

The highlight of the meal was a whole grilled fish, served sizzling in a large tray filled with aromatic broth, vegetables, and Sichuan seasonings. The fish was perfectly cooked, with tender, flaky meat that absorbed the rich flavors of garlic, chili, and spices. Every bite delivered a wonderful balance of freshness and heat, making it a perfect dish to share.

Spicy Grilled Fish

Alongside the fish was a generous plate of garlic crawfish (we opted for the garlic version instead of the normal spicy version), one of the most popular choices among the evening crowds. The crawfish were coated in a fragrant garlic sauce that filled the air with an irresistible aroma. Peeling each crawfish revealed succulent, sweet meat infused with the rich flavors of roasted garlic. It was messy, delicious, and well worth the effort.

Garlic Crawfish

As the evening progressed, the restaurant became even livelier. Families gathered around large tables, friends toasted with cold drinks, and the sounds of conversation blended with the sizzling of freshly prepared dishes. The combination of excellent food and a vibrant street atmosphere made dinner feel like a celebration of Leshan (乐山)’s culinary culture.

A visit to Zhanggongqiao Food Street (张公桥好吃街) is about much more than simply eating. It is an opportunity to experience the city's passion for food, from traditional specialties like Sweet Skin Duck (甜皮鸭) to popular seafood dishes enjoyed in the open air. Between the crispy duck, flavorful grilled fish, and aromatic garlic crawfish, the evening became one of the highlights of my time in Leshan (乐山).

For anyone visiting the city, spending an evening at Zhanggongqiao Food Street (张公桥好吃街) is a must. Come hungry, explore with an open mind, and enjoy the incredible variety of flavors that make Leshan (乐山) one of Sichuan’s most beloved food destinations.