Leshan Grand Buddha
Quick links
Vital statistics
| Length: | 2 hrs |
| Maximum Altitude: | N/A |
| Level of Difficulty: | Straightforward |
Walkopedia rating
Beauty
|
28 |
Natural interest |
12 |
Human interest
|
17 |
Charisma |
32 |
Negative points |
(8) |
Total rating |
81 |
| Note: Negs: Excessive crowds | |
China
Key information
- The giant (234 ft) Buddha of Leshan, carved into a cliff during the Song Dynasty, more imposing than beautiful, stares out over the swirling waters of the Minjiang river.
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Take a boat over to his base (a family can picnic on his big toenail), then climb up beside his vast torso to the pretty park on top of the hill.
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Walk back through the park, then along a typical Chinese outskirts road (intense activity and interest, but little that is technically pleasing to the eye) to the intriguing old walled town of Leshan, then wind back through its streets to the watergate by the river, which you may recognise from that wonderful film, The Kings of Masks.
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The Grand Buddha is famous and the crowds can be huge. Look on then as part of the experience.
This walk description page is at an early stage of development, and will be expanded over time. Your comments on this walk, your experiences and tips, and your photos are very welcome.
Other accounts and travel writing
Your comments on this walk, your experiences and suggestions, and your photos are very welcome. Where appropriate, you will be credited for your contribution.
Read about our travel writing and other competitions.
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more
Practical information
See also expedition planning, including our universal expedition checklist. Walkopedia encourages responsible travel.
Guidebooks/maps/background reading
Guidebooks
Section in Southwest China – Lonely Planet: good information and basic map.
Section in Southwest China Off the Beaten Track by K. Mark Stevens and George E. Wehrfritz. Nice hand-drawn map. (1988 – now out of date.)
Section in Sichuan – Mary Holdsworth for Odyssey Guides. (1992 – also out of date, but good depth and quality of information.)
Section in China – Rough Guides.
Other books
Maps
Not needed.
Best times to walk/weather
Best times to walk
Generally thought to be Spring and Autumn. Summer in Sichnan is often likened to a furnace.
Weather
For detailed weather information, have a look at: www.worldweather.org or www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/country-guides
Getting there/transport/permits/fees
Bus from Chengdu is the usual way to get here, or a shared taxi.
Foreigners will need to pay an entrance fee.
Route(s)
See above.
Possible problems, health, other warnings
Heat, humidity and strong sun in summer. Carry enough water and protect yourself.
Health risks: This is a relatively undeveloped country, and you will not get prompt medical help of a standard available elsewhere if you become ill. Come prepared, including getting all appropriate inoculations/medications.
See also the websites in our useful links page for more detailed, and up-to-date, information.
Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and potential problems, and many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks, dangers and problems. Problems of any sort can arise on any walk. This website does not purport to identify any (or all) actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to any particular walk. Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to “Important information” for further important information.
Make sure you have appropriate insurance.
Guided or independent?
Independent
Most people do this walk independently.
Guided/supported
Some people form or join organised/supported groups.
Accommodation
A lot of varied accommodation in and around Leshan. See the guidebooks for ideas.
Other information and tips
Useful websites and information
There are few websites with particularly good information. Try:
· www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leshan_Giant_Buddha has starter information and some good photos.
Other things to do in the area
Other walks
Other activities
Add your experiences, suggestions and photos. We would be delighted to receive your writing and ideas (which will be attributed appropriately where published).
See our Fun page for some entertainment and to read about our travel writing and other competitions.
Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more