[Mount Emei Travel] Your ultimate 4-day, 3-night itinerary to explore Mount Emei

Start your journey with a taste of handmade tofu pudding in Huangwan Town, then snap stunning photos of mountain and lake reflections along the scenic boardwalk at Exiu Lake. Step into a world of fantasy at Drama City, where you can witness the legendary Sacred Elephant of Mount Emei—and experience the magic where nature meets urban charm.

Stop by the Big Buddha Temple to gently touch the “Fu” character and make a wish for good fortune. Catch the mesmerizing face-changing performance of Sichuan Opera at Xiangcheng Theater, take on a via ferrata climb to hunt for hidden panda Easter eggs, and explore unique blends of Buddhist rituals sure to quicken your pulse.

Mount Emei, one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China, is known as the spiritual home of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. Dotted with ancient temples, the mountain has a mystical charm that draws visitors in. Each season paints a different picture here, offering stunning natural beauty year-round. On clear days, you might even catch the breathtaking sunrise or a sea of clouds. And watch out for the cheeky monkeys—they’re fearless around people and aren’t shy about asking for snacks!

Address: Huangwan Town, Emeishan City, Leshan, Sichuan Province

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

Located on Mingshan South Road in Emeishan City, Exiu Lake Park is a peaceful natural escape built around the tranquil Exiu Lake—an artificial body of water nestled at the eastern foot of Mount Emei, just about three miles from the famous Baoguo Temple. The park is surrounded by lush mountains and shimmering water, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll, scenic views, and a quiet moment in nature.

Address: Mingshan South Road, Emeishan City, Leshan, Sichuan Province

Opening Hours: Open 24/7, year-round

Spotting the iconic “Famous Mountains Under Heaven” archway means you’re right at the doorstep of the Mount Emei Scenic Area—this striking gateway marks the official entrance to the mountain. On the back, you'll find the inscription “Buddhist Holy Land,” penned by Zhao Puchu, former President of the Buddhist Association of China.

Address: Entrance to Mount Emei, Emeishan Scenic Area, Emeishan City, Leshan, Sichuan Province

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day, year-round

Nestled at the base of Mount Emei, Huangwan Town stretches across thousands of acres and offers a charming blend of culture and nature. The town features traditional Western Sichuan-style architecture, set against a picturesque backdrop of rolling mountains and winding rivers—making it a scenic and peaceful place to explore.

Address: 50 meters north of Ehong Road, Emeishan City, Leshan, Sichuan Province

Opening Hours: Open 24/7, all year round

Step into a magical world at the "Only Mount Emei" drama fantasy city, where art and nature come together through three immersive theaters: "Above the Clouds," "In the Clouds," and "Under the Clouds." Together, they showcase the stunning landscapes of Mount Emei and the rich tapestry of Chinese culture.

"Above the Clouds" offers a breathtaking perspective—literally and emotionally. This moving performance explores themes like time, dreams, fate, and connection. As you walk from scene to scene, you’ll journey through six visually captivating spaces, each telling its own unique story. The experience is both visually stunning and spiritually stirring. Wander through an 8,000-square-meter foggy dream forest that feels like floating in a sea of clouds. With 500,000 tiles arranged to recreate the classic painting A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains, it’s a living work of art where every step feels like walking through paradise.

"Under the Clouds" brings you back down to earth with heartwarming nostalgia. It recreates the feel of a 1980s Sichuan village with lifelike scenes, vibrant characters, and everyday objects steeped in history. As you explore, you’ll stumble upon emotional, funny, and even quirky performances unfolding in each household—every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered.

Address: No. 99, Echuan Road, Emeishan City, Leshan, Sichuan Province

Opening Hours: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM daily

Located in the heart of Mount Emei’s urban area, the Big Buddha Temple is a grand and modern temple situated right next to Emeishan Buddhist College. Its vast scale and striking architecture—featuring a golden rooftop that mimics the mountain’s peak—make it a standout spiritual landmark.

The temple faces both east and west and is thoughtfully divided into three zones:

-The northern section, which faces the city, serves as a sacred space for Buddhist worship and ceremonies.

-The central area is a serene cultural garden open for sharing Buddhist teachings and experiences.

-The southern section houses the Sichuan Buddhist College (also known as Emeishan Buddhist College), making it a hub for religious education.

Wander through the temple grounds and you’ll also come across ancient banyan and bodhi trees, many of which have been growing for decades, adding to the temple's tranquil, meditative atmosphere.

Address: No. 274, Foguang South Road, Emeishan City, Leshan, Sichuan Province

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily

Step into the theater for an evening of cultural magic, where you’ll be treated to captivating opera performances and the famous face-changing act of Sichuan opera. These shows beautifully blend local traditions with classic Chinese culture, giving you a vivid glimpse into Sichuan’s rich folk heritage.

Address: No. 6 Daguangming Road, Emeishan City, Leshan, Sichuan Province

Opening Hours: Please contact the venue directly for the latest schedule and performance times.

Located in the heart of Emeishan, Emei Elephant City sits right next to the Big Buddha Temple and shares a single entrance pathway with it, making it a natural extension of the spiritual experience. This vibrant cultural district features a wide variety of buildings and attractions—everything from theaters and stages to boutique inns, themed clubs, business villas, and charming courtyard homes.

Stroll through the area and you’ll encounter artistic landmarks like the “Xiang Xiang Ruyi” statue and the “Pilgrimage Starting Point” archway. Rock gardens, flowing water features, and beautifully landscaped greenery add to the peaceful atmosphere. Notably, the archway along the Pilgrimage Avenue is inscribed with the words “The Starting Point of the Pilgrimage,” handwritten by Venerable Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan.

Emei Elephant City celebrates Buddhist culture in imaginative and immersive ways. It’s a perfect destination for those looking to explore spirituality, enjoy scenic beauty, do some shopping, or simply unwind. Together with the Big Buddha Temple, it forms a key part of Emeishan’s growing appeal as a world-class cultural and heritage site.

Address: No. 6 Daguangming Road, Emeishan City, Leshan, Sichuan Province (near Dafo Zen Temple)

Opening Hours: Please contact the venue for the most up-to-date information.

Just 6.8 kilometers from Baoguo Temple—about a 17-minute taxi ride—this popular snack street is a must-visit for food lovers in Mount Emei. With meals averaging just 40 yuan per person, you can enjoy a wide variety of delicious, hearty local dishes without breaking the bank. The street is lined with bustling food stalls and shops, each offering something tasty, and thanks to government-regulated pricing, you won’t need to worry about overpaying.

Be sure to try local Chengdu favorites like Chuan Chuan Xiang (skewered hot pot) and Long Chao Shou (Sichuan-style wontons)—a real treat for your taste buds!

Address: Bailong South Road, Emeishan City, Leshan, Sichuan Province (near Emei Building)

Opening Hours: Please contact the location directly for current hours of operation.

Mu Mansion is a beautifully preserved example of traditional Bai architecture. The interior is neat, elegant, and filled with lush greenery, creating a serene atmosphere. Walking through this historic residence offers a glimpse into the refined lifestyle of affluent families from ancient times, making it a cultural and architectural experience worth exploring.

Address: Binhu East Road, Emeishan City, Leshan, Sichuan Province

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily

Add a burst of excitement to your life with the Emei Panda via ferrata challenge—an unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping journey that’s as much a test of courage as it is a soulful adventure.

Start with cliff climbing, where every careful step teaches you patience, focus, and the beauty of steady progress. It’s not just a physical test—it’s a deeply personal experience, a quiet dialogue between body and soul. As you ascend, open your arms to the endless blue sky and feel the pure, unfiltered freedom that comes with conquering fear and finding strength. One try, and you'll be hooked.

Then comes the cable bridge. Just a thin wire beneath your feet and open space all around—the heart-racing view will leave you breathless, and the thrill that follows is beyond words.

Address: Heye Village, Suishan Town, Emeishan City, Leshan, Sichuan Province

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily