Travel with Wonder: A 2-Day Winter Trip to Mount Emei Plus Leshan Food Adventure

Mount Emei, located in Sichuan Province, is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising 3,099 meters above sea level, it features remarkable Buddhist cultural sites, diverse vegetation zones, and spectacular natural scenery. The mountain is famous for its Golden Summit, Cloud Sea, and occasional weather phenomenon known as the Buddha's Halo. Having visited Mount Emei a decade ago in autumn, this winter trip offered me a completely different perspective of the mountain's ever-changing beauty.

Each season offers its own unique experience at Mount Emei:
▶ Winter (Dec. to Feb.): Snow-covered landscapes, fewer crowds, and excellent visibility on clear days make for stunning photography.
▶ Spring & Autumn: Comfortable temperatures and ideal hiking conditions.
▶ Summer (Jun. to Aug.) Cooler than surrounding areas but can be crowded and rainy.
Please check more detailed information at Best Time to Visit Mount Emei ⋙.

2 Days Mount Emei Leisure Hiking Tour from Chengdu

Itinerary: Mount Emei
Highlights: Hiking from Qingyin Pavilion to Wannian Temple (about 1.5 hours); Hiking from Leidongping to the Golden Summit (about 2 hours); Leshan Giant Buddha

Key attractions covered in this trip:
▣ Leidongping (雷洞坪): Located at 2,400 meters above sea level, this is the main transfer station for visitors heading to the Golden Summit. The area features a restaurant complex and serves as the starting point for the final ascent. In winter, this area often presents stunning snow scenes and is known for its rapidly changing weather conditions.
▣ Golden Summit (金顶): The mountain's highest point accessible to tourists, featuring the famous golden statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, ancient temples, and viewing platforms for sunrise, sunset, and the sea of clouds. The summit is known for its challenging weather conditions and breathtaking views.

Day 1 - Ascent to the Golden Summit

Our journey began with a high-speed train ride from Chengdu East Railway Station to Emei Station (approximately 1~1.5 hours). Upon Arrival, we took the direct shuttle bus to the entrance/Passenger Transportation Center at Baoguo Temple (报国寺), followed by a two-hour sightseeing bus ride to Leidongping. While the views are spectacular, the continuous curves on the mountain roads can cause motion sickness. I'd recommend taking motion sickness pills if you're sensitive to such journeys.

How to Get to Mount Emei from Chengdu ⋙
Mount Emei Cable Cars & Sightseeing Buses ⋙

The snow-covered landscape at Leidongping welcomed us with its serene beauty

After lunch at Leidongping, we embarked on the two-hour hike to the Golden Summit. The snow-covered paths and fellow hikers created a unique atmosphere.

My Tips: Please take necessary time to acclimatize at Leidongping before continuing your ascent. The altitude change can affect some visitors.

Visit Mount Emei in Winter - Weather, Scenery, Packing List & Tips ⋙
3 Days Mount Emei Winter Tour with Skiing and Hot Spring Experience ⋙

The snowy trail leading to the Golden Summit, bustling with winter adventurers

The two-hour hike from Leidongping to the Golden Summit is challenging but rewarding. Starting in cloudy conditions, we were initially worried about visibility to the scenic views. About halfway through our climb, something magical happened—the clouds began to part, revealing patches of blue sky. This transformation of weather is apparently common on Mount Emei, creating what locals call "four seasons in one day."

Surprising weather change on our way to the top

Reaching the Golden Summit was a triumphant moment. The area is more extensive than it appears in photos, with several key attractions:
▣ The golden statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (十方普贤像)
▣ Huazang Temple (华藏寺)
▣ Multiple viewing platforms for different perspectives

The magnificent views from the summit, with clouds rolling beneath us

We spent several hours exploring the summit area, visiting the temples, and taking photos from different vantage points. The late afternoon brought particularly spectacular views as the sun began to set, creating golden light across the snow-covered landscape.

Beautiful sunset on the mountain top

We checked into the Jinding Hotel for the night. While it's rated three stars, it's one of the best accommodation options on the mountain top. The rooms are clean and well-heated, which is crucial in winter.

Day 2 - Sunrise and Descent

Rising early for sunrise proved worthwhile. The morning light created stunning photo opportunities, with the golden statue seemingly glowing against the dawn sky. Before departing, we captured more photos of the summit area.

The breathtaking sunrise view from the Golden Summit

The descent involved a short walk to the cable car station, followed by a scenic ride down to Leidongping, and finally catching the sightseeing bus back to the base.

An unexpected vista caught during our descent—nature's parting gift

Leshan Food Adventure

With time to spare, we decided to discover Leshan's food culture. The city is renowned for its unique local snacks and street food. We took a Didi (online car-hailing service) to downtown Leshan and explored the famous snack streets.

Must-try local specialties we enjoyed:
★ Oil-fried skewers (油炸串串) - various vegetables and meats on bamboo sticks
★ Wolf-tooth potatoes (狼牙土豆) - spiral-cut potatoes with other veggies
★ Bing Fen (冰粉) - a unique local dessert made from ice jelly

Emei to Leshan Train Schedules ⋙
What to Eat in Leshan 2025 ⋙

Delicious Leshan Street Food

Winter at Mount Emei offers a uniquely beautiful experience. The snow-covered landscapes, challenging hikes, and stunning views combine to create an unforgettable adventure. While the weather can be unpredictable, the possibility of clear skies and amazing photo opportunities makes it well worth the effort. Remember to check weather forecasts before your visit and be flexible with your plans—mountain weather can change rapidly, but that's part of what makes each visit to Mount Emei unique and memorable.

2 Days Mount Emei Leisure Hiking Tour from Chengdu

Itinerary: Mount Emei
Highlights: Hiking from Qingyin Pavilion to Wannian Temple (about 1.5 hours); Hiking from Leidongping to the Golden Summit (about 2 hours); Leshan Giant Buddha

Are you interested in traveling to Mount Emei with me? Browse our best Mount Emei Tour Packages, or just share your travel preferences, and I'll use my experience and knowledge to provide you with an unforgettable customized Mount Emei trip.

Travel with Me

Hi, I'm Wonder. Are you interested in my exploration in Mount Emei? Feel free to contact me and I will be glad to tell you more travel stories about the places I have visited. Or, if you want to customize a tour on your own, I'm always ready to help at any time. With my passion and knowledge, I promise to make the tour memorable and meaningful for you.

Wonder

Travel Consultant

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