Mount Emei is located in Leshan City, Sichuan Province. It is one of the four major Buddhist mountains in China, a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, as well as a national civilized scenic spot demonstration area, and a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Mount Emei belongs to the branch of Qionglai Mountains and is geographically located on the southwestern edge of the Sichuan Basin. This mountain range extends about 23 kilometers from north to south, covering a total area of about 110 square kilometers. Mount Emei is mainly composed of four peaks: Da'e Mountain, Er'e Mountain, San'e Mountain, and Si'e Mountain. Among them, Da'e Mountain is the highest, reaching 3,099 meters in altitude.
Mount Emei has steep terrain and rich vegetation accounting for one-tenth of the total plant species in China. It is known as the Kingdom of Plants, the Heaven of Animals, and the Geological Museum. Green trees can be seen throughout the year. The average temperature difference between the top and bottom of the mountain is about 15°C, so it is often said that there are four seasons in a day on Mount Emei. There are over 5,000 plant species and more than 2,300 wild animal species on Mount Emei, including some protected species such as the leaf butterfly, black stork, glandular pleura frog, and red panda. There are many monkeys on the mountain, and they often gather together to ask for food from tourists, which has become one of the unique features of Mount Emei.
With the introduction of Buddhism, Mount Emei gradually became the sacred place for Samantabhadra Bodhisattva in the hearts of Buddhist believers. The main existing temples include over 20 places, such as Wannian Temple, Baoguo Temple, Fuhu Temple, Huazang Temple, and Shanjue Temple.
Attractions in Mount Emei
Dolden Summit
With an altitude of 3,079 meters, the Golden Summit stands as the second highest peak of Mount Emei and the utmost accessible point for tourists, embodying the very essence and symbol of the mountain. At its peak, a bronze hall shines resplendently, its brightness dazzling like golden light when bathed in the sun's rays, earning it the moniker of Golden Summit. Standing atop this summit, one's gaze can traverse the vast Chengdu Plain, the Ming River, Qingyi River, Dadu River, and even catch glimpses of Gongga Mountain and Wawu Mountain in the distance.
The Golden Buddha that adorns the summit is a testament to its grandeur, being the tallest Samantabhadra (Puxian Buddha) golden statue in the world. Standing at a height of 48 meters and weighing 660 metric tons, this gilded bronze statue was masterfully designed by the renowned designer Li Zuyuan from Taiwan. The statue boasts ten heads facing ten different directions, arranged in three tiers, symbolizing the Buddhas of the past, present, and future, as well as the ten virtues and aspirations embodied by Puxian Buddha.
Wannian Temple
Wannian Temple, situated at an altitude of 1,020 meters, stands as one of the top eight temples in Mount Emei and the largest among them. With a rich history dating back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420 A.D.), this temple is renowned for its devotion to the bronze statue of Samantabhadra. It boasts numerous Buddhist halls, alongside beautiful gardens, serene pavilions, and serene ponds, all contributing to its serene and serene ambiance.
One of the most noteworthy attractions of Wannian Temple is the Brick Hall, a unique structure built entirely with bricks, without the use of a single beam. Remarkably, this hall has survived over 18 earthquakes in the past 400 years, standing as a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship and resilience of Chinese architecture. It is indeed a construction miracle in China, captivating visitors with its historical significance and architectural grandeur.
Baoguo Temple
Nestled at the foothills of Mount Emei, Baoguo Temple stands at an altitude of 551 meters, marking the entrance to this sacred mountain. As the initial temple of Mount Emei, it serves as the epicenter of Buddhist activities, with the Emei Buddhist Association also residing here. Founded in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.), Baoguo Temple now boasts five halls, all strategically aligned along the central axis.
Spanning an area of 40,000 square meters, the temple's halls are constructed in harmony with the mountain's contours. One of the temple's highlights is the Depository of Buddhist Sutras, a repository of cultural treasures that houses numerous relics, paintings, calligraphies, biological specimens from the mountain, and an intricate panoramic model of Mount Emei itself. This treasure trove provides an invaluable resource for those seeking to delve deeper into the mysteries and wonders of this majestic mountain.
Ecological Monkey Zone
Nestled in the heart of Mount Emei, lies the largest Ecological Monkey Zone in China. Here, approximately 1,000 monkeys roam freely, primarily inhabiting the lush forests between 800 and 2,400 meters above sea level. The chances of encountering these mischievous creatures are highest near Hongchunping, Xixiangchi, and Yixiantian. The monkeys in this zone have become accustomed to the presence of tourists, often leaping gracefully from tree to tree and mischievously snatching food from unsuspecting hands. Therefore, if you're not planning on feeding the monkeys or simply fear them, it's best to refrain from holding any food. However, if you're not fazed by these playful primates, Mount Emei offers an unparalleled opportunity to interact with them. Embark on a thrilling adventure, surrounded by the monkeys' antics, and let the joy of their presence fill your heart.
Qingyin Pavilion
Nestled beneath the majestic Niuxin Ridge, Qingyin Pavilion sits at an altitude of 710 meters, earning its place as one of the esteemed top eight temples of Mount Emei. Despite its modest size, Qingyin Pavilion exudes a profound beauty. Its architecture is a testament to the classic Chinese Buddhist temple style, with its gardens showcasing a harmonious blend of nature and spirituality. Furthermore, the surrounding area is home to numerous farmhouse resorts, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture and cuisine of Emei city. These resorts offer a unique opportunity to experience the warmth and charm of this picturesque locale, making Qingyin Pavilion a must-visit destination for any pilgrim or adventurer seeking culinary delights.
Best Time to Visit Mount Emei
The best time to visit Mount Emei is from April to October.
In spring, the mountain is draped in a glorious blanket of azaleas, their vivid hues painting the landscape in a vibrant rainbow. Additionally, the Buddhist Ceremony of Mount Emei, which spans from March to April, is a sight to behold. Thousands of lamps illuminate the night, their glow a humble homage to the Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. Moreover, spring is the perfect time to savor the fresh, fragrant tea of Emei.
As summer ushers in, the skies clear and the weather is fine, ideal for capturing the breathtaking sunrises, sunsets, and vast cloud seas that adorn the mountain. Autumn, though fleeting, is stunning, as the mountain is adorned in a shimmering cloak of red leaves from mid-September to October.
The snow-capped peaks of Mount Emei in winter are a sight to behold, offering the opportunity to ski amidst a winter wonderland. Moreover, the warm embrace of the hot springs provides a respite from the cold. However, it's worth noting that the temperature atop the mountain remains low throughout the year, so packing sufficient warm clothing is essential.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Recommended Visiting Time: 1 ~ 3 days
Opening Hours: all day
Ticket Price: Jan. 16th to Dec. 14th: CNY160; Dec. 15th to next Jan. 15th: CNY110
Wannian Temple: CNY10
Baoguo Temple: CNY8
Address: NO. 41 Minshan South Road, Emeishan City, Leshan City, Sichuan Province
Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate
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