Leshan

Leshan is humid, hot, and rainy in summer, so bring rain gear when you go out.

Leshan works well as a short 2-day, 1-night trip. Spend the daytime visiting the Leshan Giant Buddha, old towns, and city neighborhoods, and focus your meals on local snacks and Sichuan-style dishes.

2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Landmark Visit and Street Food
  • Morning: After arriving by high-speed rail, head first to the Leshan Giant Buddha. Try to arrive before 8:30 to avoid long lines and crowds. One route is to enter from the North Gate, follow the walking path down for a close-up view of the Buddha, continue along Lingyun Plank Road to the Buddha’s feet, then leave from the East Gate. The full route takes about 2.5–3 hours.
  • Lunch: Go into the city to try local Qiaojiao Beef. The broth is fresh and aromatic; you can also order blood curd and steamed pork with rice flour.
  • Afternoon: Visit Suji Ancient Town and take your time strolling through the town. Have a bowl of Xu Lianggao; or go to Jiazhou Changjuan · Tianjie to experience the atmosphere of a cultural and creative district.
  • Evening: Have dinner and late-night snacks on Zhanggongqiao Food Street or Shangzhongshun Street. Try Leshan snacks such as Bobo Chicken, Sweet-Skinned Duck, fried snacks, and shaved ice.
• Day 2: Historic Streets and Easy City Time
  • Morning: Start with a meal of handmade shaomai. Crab roe or durian flavors are both options. Then visit Leshan Confucian Temple to see its red walls and historic architecture, or go to Xiaowuli Bookstore to write a postcard.
  • Afternoon: Go to Hengdu Wharf for coffee and river views, or take a walk in Green Heart Park to enjoy a large green space within the city.
  • Dusk: Before heading home, buy some rice puff candy as a souvenir, then end the trip with a bowl of tofu pudding.

Must-Visit Attractions

In addition to the Leshan Giant Buddha, these nearby places are also worth adding to your itinerary:

Must-Try Food List

Leshan has a dense concentration of places to eat and a strong local food identity. Focus on these categories:

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Where to stay: Prioritize the area around Zhanggongqiao/Shangzhongshun Street, where food options are concentrated and it is easy to walk to the riverside. If you need convenient access to the high-speed rail, stay around Leshan Railway Station/Wanda, where transport is easier and prices are relatively more budget-friendly.
• Getting around: For high-speed rail, Leshan Railway Station is recommended, as it is closer to the city center. For short trips within the city, you can ride a shared electric scooter or take the bus. Taxi starting fares are 6 yuan. “Scenic area direct buses” that solicit passengers by the roadside are not recommended, as there may be extra charges.
• Visiting the Giant Buddha: It is best to reserve tickets for the Leshan Giant Buddha online in advance. The sightseeing shuttle is not always necessary; it takes about 10 minutes to walk from the North Gate. If you do not want to take the walking route, you can buy a boat ticket directly and view the full Buddha from the river.