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.
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| 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.
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| Approaching North Gate entrance |
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| 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) .
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| Walking uphill towards the Buddha viewing platform |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Information on the cliff roads in Leshan Giant Buddha |
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| Walking down the narrow stairway carved by the cliff |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Majestic view of the Giant Buddha from the base |
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| 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.
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| Uphill trek up the Lingyun Cliff Road |
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| 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.
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| Walking through the quiet part of the scenic area |
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| Stairs up to Dongpo Tower |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Introduction of Lingbao Pagoda |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Baxiandong Dock |
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| River cruise ticket |
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| 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.
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| Leaving the dock |
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| Lingbao Pagoda can be seen towering the Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area |
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| 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.
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| View of the Buddhist Warrior Attendant statues that can only be seen from the river cruise |
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| View of Leshan Giant Buddha from the river cruise |
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| View of the Lingyun Cliff Road |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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