Leshan

Leshan is the kind of city that is “worth a special trip just for the food.” A 2-day, 1-night pace is the most comfortable: you can pay your respects to the Buddha and feast your way through the city. Here is a no-backtracking, hand-holding guide!

2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Landmark Check-Ins and Street-Level Local Life
  • Morning: After arriving by high-speed rail, head straight to Leshan Giant Buddha (try to arrive before 8:30 to avoid the crowds). It is recommended to enter from the North Gate, follow the trail downhill for a close-up view looking up at the Buddha, take the Lingyun Plank Road to the Buddha’s feet, and finally exit from the East Gate. The whole route takes about 2.5-3 hours.
  • Lunch: Head into the city for authentic Qiaojiao Beef. The broth is fresh and flavorful; the must-orders are blood curd and steamed pork with rice flour.
  • Afternoon: Wander around Suji Ancient Town and soak up the slow pace of life, then have a bowl of Xu Lianggao; or go to Jiazhou Long Scroll · Tianjie for cultural and creative photo spots.
  • Evening: Take a night food walk along Zhanggongqiao Food Street or Shangzhongshun Street, eating your way through Bobo Chicken, Sweet-Skin Duck, fried snacks, and fluffy shaved ice. Time to switch into full-on eating mode.
• Day 2: Slow Ancient-Town Wandering and Artsy Leisure
  • Morning: Have a meal of handmade shaomai (crab roe or durian flavor is recommended), then head to Leshan Confucian Temple for old-style photos against red walls, or go to Xiaowuli Bookstore to write a postcard.
  • Afternoon: Go to Hengdu Ferry Pier for coffee and river views, or visit Green Heart Park for fresh air and a sense of the city’s “green lung,” loved by locals.
  • Dusk: Buy some rice crispy candy as souvenirs, finish with a bowl of tofu pudding, and get ready for the return trip.

Must-Visit Attractions

Beyond the core sight of Leshan Giant Buddha, these places around Leshan are also worth checking out:

Must-Eat Food List

Food is the real star of Leshan. Do not miss these authentic local flavors:

Accommodation and Transport Pitfalls to Avoid

• Where to Stay: The top choice is near Zhanggongqiao/Shangzhongshun Street, where food and drink are concentrated and the riverside is within walking distance. If you need to catch the high-speed train, choose somewhere near Leshan Railway Station/Wanda, where transport is convenient and prices are more affordable.
• Getting Around: For high-speed rail, prioritize Leshan Railway Station, which is closest to the city center. In the city, shared electric scooters or buses are recommended. Taxi fares start at 6 yuan. Do not take the “scenic-area direct buses” promoted by people on the roadside, as they can easily involve forced spending.
• Giant Buddha Tips: Be sure to reserve tickets online in advance! Do not buy the sightseeing bus ticket (it is only a 10-minute walk from the North Gate). If you do not want to walk, buy a boat ticket directly and view the full panorama from the river.