Planning a visit to the Leshan Giant Buddha—one of China’s most iconic marvels—often leads to a delightful conundrum: Should you float past its majesty or climb your way through its ancient grandeur? Here’s your compass for navigating that choice, plus a few edible reasons to linger after.
🎟 Tickets & Timing
Boat Tour: ¥70 per person
Hiking Ticket: ¥80 per person (Free for guests 60 and above)
Hours: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM (subject to seasonal shifts)
Best Time: Spring and autumn—the weather’s kind, and the crowds aren’t.
For more details on ticket booking, visit the official Leshan tourism website.
📸 Best Views: Floating or Footing?
Boat Tour: A full-frontal, awe-inspiring view of the Buddha as he reclines against the cliffs—majestic from every angle.
Hiking: You’ll trace the very folds of his robe, studying every moss-covered carving, but you’ll miss the panoramic drama.
🚢 Boat Tour: The Lazy River of Enlightenment
Step 1: Getting There
From Leshan city center, flag a taxi (~¥20) to “Leshan Giant Buddha No. 6 Ground Parking Lot – Exit 2.”
Follow the locals toward the North Gate—skip the detours, ignore dubious lines.
Step 2: Grab Your Tickets
Hiking? Pick the ¥80 ticket.
Cruising? Buy the ¥70 boat ticket and head for Jiazhou Ferry Pier.
Step 3: To the Dock
Backtrack 100 meters from the counter to queue for the electric shuttle (included). A breezy 5-minute ride later, you’re at the pier.
Step 4: The Cruise
A gentle 25-minute float past cliffs and temples. Cameras come out as the boat pauses before the Buddha himself. Everyone gets their moment.
As a bonus, you’ll glide over the grand confluence of the Minjiang, Qingyi, and Dadu Rivers—where waters (and camera shutters) meet.
🥾 Hiking the Giant: Step by Sacred Step
Why Choose the Trail?
Feel the true scale of the Buddha—massive, silent, and humbling.
Wander through relics, pagodas, and pathways whispering history.
Perfect for lovers of slow travel, ancient stone, and aching calves.
Route Highlights
Enter via the North Gate.
Descend the narrow stairs carved beside the Buddha—yes, to his actual feet.
Admire intricate carvings along the path.
Climb back up… with some heavy breathing and a few breaks.
Note: For elders and little legs, the boat is far kinder.
🚀 Final Choice: Cruise or Climb?
| Aspect | Boat Tour | Hiking Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Families, photographers, short trips | Culture lovers, hikers, history buffs |
| Duration | 25 minutes | 2–3 hours |
| View | Full-body panoramic | Detailed, intimate close-up |
| Effort Level | Low | High—expect steep staircases |
✅ Short on time? Take the boat.
✅ Craving the full journey? Put on those walking shoes.
🍽 Refuel Like a Local
After your spiritual stroll or scenic cruise, reward yourself at Shangdongshun Food Street—a beloved alley of flavors. Though Jiaxing Road offers some bites, Shangdongshun is the jackpot of Leshan eats:
🥟 Leshan Sweet Skewers (甜皮鸭) – Glazed, crisp, and hauntingly savory.
🌶 Leshan Spicy Tofu (钵钵鸡) – Tongue-tingling and soul-warming.
🍜 Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles (过桥米线) – Brothy comfort with depth.
🌟 In Conclusion
The boat tour offers grandeur with ease; the hike, detail with effort. Both are windows into the timeless calm of the Leshan Giant Buddha. Just don’t leave before sampling the flavors this ancient city so lovingly stirs.