Mount Emei
Located in Sichuan Province, about 2–3 hours from Chengdu by high-speed train, Mount Emei (Emeishan) is one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Standing at 3,099 meters, it offers a stunning blend of natural beauty, ancient temples, and spiritual significance. This guide covers everything from the iconic Golden Summit to cheeky monkeys, sunrise views, hiking trails, and practical travel tips.
Buddhism on Mount Emei
Mount Emei has been a sacred Buddhist site for over 1,500 years. It is traditionally considered the bodhimanda (place of enlightenment) of Samantabhadra (Puxian Bodhisattva) , the bodhisattva of great practice. Throughout the mountain, you will find dozens of temples, stupas, and stone carvings. The most important Buddhist sites include Wannian Temple (Ten Thousand Years Temple), Baoguo Temple, Fuhu Temple, and the massive golden statue of Samantabhadra at the summit.
The Golden Summit (Jinding ) – Sunrise & Sea of Clouds
The Golden Summit is the highest reachable point of Mount Emei and the ultimate destination for most visitors. At 3,077 meters, it features:
•The Golden Statue of Samantabhadra – a 48-meter-tall, ten-faced golden statue overlooking the mountain.
•Golden, Silver, and Bronze Temples – three breathtaking temples gleaming in the sun.
•Sea of Clouds – on clear days, clouds stretch below like an ocean, with distant peaks rising like islands.
•Sunrise – a world-famous spectacle. The sun rises from the cloud sea, painting the sky in gold and orange.
Best time for sunrise:
Arrive at the summit before 6:00 AM (summer) or 7:00 AM (winter). Stay overnight at the summit or take the first cable car from the Jinding Cable Car station.
Wannian Temple – The Oldest Temple
Located halfway up the mountain at 1,020 meters, Wannian Temple (Ten Thousand Years Temple) is the most historically significant temple on Mount Emei. Built during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (4th century), it houses the Beamless Brick Hall (无梁殿) – a unique structure built entirely of brick without a single beam – and a 7.4-meter bronze statue of Samantabhadra riding a six-tusked elephant, cast in 980 AD.
How to reach:
From Baoguo Temple, take the cable car or hike 2–3 hours. Wannian Temple is a major stop on the central hiking route.
Other notable temples:
•Baoguo Temple (base) – the gateway temple.
•Fuhu Temple (Tiger Crouching Temple) – hidden in dense forest.
•Xianfeng Temple (Elderly Peak Temple) – a quiet, atmospheric stop on the hiking trail.
•Hongchunping Temple – surrounded by ancient fir trees and streams.
Tibetan Macaques (Monkeys) – Cute but Cunning
Mount Emei is famous for its troops of Tibetan macaques, especially along the monkey zones between Hongchunping and Xianfeng Temple, and near the Eco-Monkey Area. These monkeys are used to humans and can be entertaining – but also aggressive.
Monkey safety tips:
•Do NOT carry plastic bags (they think it’s food).
•Do NOT tease or make eye contact.
•Hide snacks and water bottles.
•If a monkey approaches, act big and loud, or toss something else to distract it.
•Keep valuables zipped inside your backpack.
Hiking Trails on Mount Emei
Mount Emei offers two classic hiking routes: central route (cultural & scenic) and front route (steeper & wilder). Both take 2–3 days to complete.
Classic Full Hike (Central Route – 60 km)
Route: Baoguo Temple → Fuhu Temple → Wannian Temple (cable car or hike) → Xianfeng Temple → Yuxian Temple → Xixiangchi Pool → Jinding (Golden Summit)
Duration: 2 full days (overnight at Xixiangchi or a mid-mountain temple).
Difficulty: Moderate to hard – around 50 km of stone stairs.
Highlights: Dense forest, small waterfalls, temple stops, monkey zones, and finally the summit sunrise.
Short Hiking Option (Day Trip)
Take the sightseeing bus from Baoguo Temple to Wannian Temple parking lot → hike up to Wannian Temple → continue to Baiguo Temple or Qingyin Pavilion → bus up to Jinding cable car station → cable car to Golden Summit → bus back down.
Emei Cable Cars
•Wannian Cable Car: links Wannian Temple parking lot to the temple.
•Jinding Cable Car: links Jinding station (mid-mountain) to the summit. Highly recommended for sunrise seekers.
Practical Travel Tips & Itinerary
Classic 2-Day Itinerary:
•Day 1: Chengdu → high-speed train to Emeishan Station → bus to Baoguo Temple (base). Visit Baoguo and Fuhu temples. Hike or take bus + cable car to Wannian Temple. Stay overnight at Wannian Temple area or take bus up to Xixiangchi (mid-mountain) for next day’s summit.
•Day 2: From Xixiangchi or Jinding cable car station → cable car to Golden Summit for sunrise. Explore temples, statue, and sea of clouds. Hike or cable car down. Bus back to base. Return to Chengdu.
Getting There:
•From Chengdu East or Chengdu South Station, take a high-speed train to Emeishan Station (≈1 hour, 65 RMB).
•From the station, take bus 1A or a taxi to Baoguo Temple visitor center (≈10–15 minutes).
•By private car – available if you book our tour package that includes Mount Emei.
Tickets & Fees (approx.):
•Entry ticket: 160 RMB (peak season), 110 RMB (low season).
•Sightseeing bus: 90 RMB (round trip, base to Leidongping near Jinding).
•Jinding cable car: 65 RMB (up), 55 RMB (down).
•Wannian cable car: 65 RMB (up), 45 RMB (down).
Best Time to Visit:
•Spring (April–June): flowers and mild weather.
•Autumn (September–November): clear skies, best for sunrise and sea of clouds.
•Winter (December–February): snow-covered temples and empty trails – magical but cold (bring crampons if hiking). Avoid rainy season (July–August) for hiking.
What to Pack:
•Layered clothing (summit is cold even in summer).
•Hiking shoes (not sneakers – lots of stairs).
•Raincoat (mountain weather changes fast).
•Snacks and water (vendors exist but far apart on trails).
•Cash (some temples and small shops don’t take cards).
Local Food:
Try Emei vegetarian meals (made famous by temple kitchens), tofu pudding, and Sichuan pepper noodles near the base area.
Mount Emei is not just a mountain – it’s a spiritual and natural masterpiece. From the awe-inspiring Golden Summit sunrise to the ancient Wannian Temple, cheeky monkeys, and multi-day hiking trails, it offers something for every traveler. Plan for at least two days, wear good shoes, and respect the monkeys.