乐山市

Why this place

Leshan is where, in the eighth century, a monk organised the carving of a 71-metre Buddha out of the cliff where two rivers meet — the project took 90 years and the rubble that was dumped into the river is said to have calmed the currents. It is the largest stone Buddha in the world.

What to see

• The Leshan Giant Buddha, seen from the boat (weeping away for the full view) or the cliff stairway beside it
• Emei Mountain, one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains of China, an hour away
• The Dongpo and Guoguo old-town quarters, and the Lingyun Temple above the Buddha

What to eat

• Leshan is one of the best food cities in Sichuan — 'bobo ji' (skewers in chilli oil) and 'qiaojiao' beef
• Sweet-skin duck and the local 'tianpi' snacks

How to plan

One day for the Buddha and Leshan's food, one or two days on Emei Mountain.

Best time

March–May and September–November; Emei Mountain is best in spring and autumn

Practical tips

• The boat gives the only full view of the Buddha; the cliff stairs give the close view — do both if you can