3 Days Itinerary in Leshan, China - Travel Guide

Days	Description
1	Day 1 - Ascend the Divine: Giant Buddha & Buddhist Temples
2	Day 2 - Navigate Nature: Mt. Emei and Wuyou Temple
3	Day 3 - Elixir of Life: Leshan City Exploration

Introduction

Wander into the natural and cultural richness of Leshan, a charming city in Sichuan province, China. Renowned for its stunning landscapes and Buddhist temples, Leshan offers a unique blend of natural beauty and traditional culture. This itinerary gives you a deep-dive into the city's jewels over three immersive days.

Day 1 - Ascend the Divine: Giant Buddha & Buddhist Temples

Leshan Giant Buddha, the city's main attraction, is our first stop of the day. Standing tall at over 71 feet, this colossal statue offers a staggering view. Carved out of a cliff in the 8th century, it's a testament to the area's rich Buddhist history. Next, we head uphill to the Oriental Buddha Park, where thousands of Buddha statues range from tiny to gigantic. Admire the artistic intricacies of each one - they're a sight to behold! From there, we'll venture to the Hongfu Temple. Nestled on top of Qingyin Mountain, the temple's peaceful vibe and panoramic views all make for a rewarding experience. Wrapping up the day, we'll meander through the bustling local markets near the old port. It's an ideal opportunity to sample local street food, especially the spicy Sichuan dishes, or grab unique souvenirs.

Day 2 - Navigate Nature: Mt. Emei and Wuyou Temple

We'll begin day two with a trek up the magnificent Mt. Emei. One of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains, it promises stunning scenery and spiritual tranquility. Grab your cameras for the sunrise - trust me, you won't want to miss it. Next, let's descend to visit the Wannian Temple, housing a huge and heavy bronze statue of Bodhisattva Puxian. Once done, we'll scoot over to the serene Wuyou Temple, situated on a red hill and surrounded by lush greenery. The temple's elegant architecture, in combination with the scenic beauty, offers a vista that's nothing short of a postcard. End the day at a riverside restaurant and indulge in local specials like stir-fried tofu or Sichuan hotpot – yum!

Day 3 - Elixir of Life: Leshan City Exploration

Day three is all about exploring the city's heart. Let's start with a stroll around the vibrant Shizhong District, a lively area known for its historical houses and bustling shops. Next, we'll pay a visit to JIading Fang, a mesmerizing ancient street that's like stepping into a time machine. Here, red lanterns sway above rustic stone streets, and old-style wooden buildings house shops selling everything you can imagine. Later, drop by the Lingbao Pagoda, an architectural marvel providing panoramic views of Leshan City. As darkness falls, we'll enjoy a leisurely river cruise that'll give a perfect ending to this delightful journey.