Mercure Chengdu Chunxi – A Comfortable Stay in the Heart of Chengdu

When visiting Chengdu (成都), choosing a hotel with a convenient location can make all the difference. During my trip, I stayed at the Mercure Chengdu Chunxi (成都春熙美居酒店), a modern and comfortable hotel located right in the city center. With easy access to public transportation, popular shopping districts, and countless dining options, it proved to be an excellent base for exploring the city.

Mecure Chengdu Chunxi

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Checking Into the Superior Room

Upon arrival, I was impressed by the hotel's contemporary design and welcoming atmosphere. My Superior Room was spacious, clean, and thoughtfully designed with modern furnishings. Large windows allowed plenty of natural light into the room, creating a bright and relaxing environment after a day of sightseeing.

Superior Room

Clean and equipped with modern facilities

The room featured a comfortable bed with quality linens, a work desk, ample storage space, and reliable Wi-Fi. The bathroom was equally impressive, equipped with modern fixtures, a walk-in shower, and complimentary amenities. It provided everything needed for a comfortable stay, whether for business or leisure travelers.

Breakfast area

Excellent Location in Chunxi Road (春熙路)

One of the hotel's biggest advantages is its strategic location near Chengdu's (成都) famous shopping district. From the hotel, it was easy to walk to the bustling Chunxi Road (春熙路), one of the city's premier shopping and entertainment areas.

The bustling Chunxi Road

Giant panda mascot scaling the building

Panda themed souvenir shop

The hotel is also conveniently located near the Tianfu Square Metro Station (天府广场站) and Chunxi Road Metro Station (春熙路站), making it simple to travel across the city. Whether heading to historical attractions, cultural sites, or transportation hubs, the metro provided a fast and affordable way to get around.

For travelers planning to visit attractions such as the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (成都大熊猫繁育研究基地) or explore the city's many neighborhoods, the hotel's proximity to public transport is a major advantage.

A Food Lover's Paradise

Chengdu (成都) is renowned for its food culture, and staying at Mercure Chengdu Chunxi (成都春熙美居酒店) places visitors right in the middle of it. Just steps from the hotel are countless restaurants, food streets, cafes, and local eateries serving authentic Sichuan cuisine.

Chunxi Fang Tang-Song Food Street

The popular Xiaolongkan Hotpot

Every evening, the surrounding streets came alive with diners enjoying spicy hotpot, grilled skewers, dumplings, and various local snacks. Whether looking for a quick meal or a full Sichuan dining experience, there was no shortage of options within walking distance.

Grilled skewers restaurant

Rows of skewers for diner to choose from

Piping hot skewers on the grill

The area also offered numerous tea houses and dessert shops, perfect for experiencing Chengdu's (成都) famously relaxed lifestyle.

A Convenient Base for Exploring Chengdu (成都)

Beyond shopping and dining, the hotel's central location made it easy to explore many of Chengdu's (成都) attractions. Taxi and metro connections were readily available, allowing efficient travel throughout the city while returning each evening to a comfortable and quiet room.

Final Thoughts

My stay at the Mercure Chengdu Chunxi (成都春熙美居酒店) was both comfortable and convenient. The well-appointed Superior Room, excellent location near metro stations, easy access to shopping at Chunxi Road (春熙路), and abundance of local food options made it an ideal choice for exploring Chengdu (成都).

For travelers seeking a modern hotel in the heart of the city, Mercure Chengdu Chunxi (成都春熙美居酒店) offers a combination of comfort, convenience, and access to the best experiences Chengdu (成都) has to offer.

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.