Leshan

Leshan Giant Buddha

Carved on the cliff at the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers, the Leshan Giant Buddha is the world’s largest stone-carved sitting Maitreya Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began in 713 AD during the Tang Dynasty and took 90 years to complete. The Buddha stands 71 meters tall, with its ears 7 meters long and feet 8.5 meters wide, capable of accommodating over a hundred people on its sole. It was built to calm the turbulent river currents and protect passing ships. The drainage system hidden in the Buddha’s body shows the extraordinary wisdom of ancient craftsmen. The surrounding scenic area includes Lingyun Temple, Dongpo Tower and other historical sites, and visitors can view the giant Buddha from the river by boat for a panoramic view.

Mount Emei

Known as “the most beautiful mountain under heaven”, Mount Emei is one of China’s four famous Buddhist mountains, the dojo of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stretches over 200 kilometers, with the highest peak, Wanfo Summit, at an altitude of 3,099 meters. The mountain features diverse natural landscapes, from lush forests and gurgling streams at the foot to snow-capped peaks and spectacular sea of clouds at the top. The main scenic spots include Baoguo Temple, Wannian Temple, Fuhu Temple, and the Golden Summit, where the golden statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva shines brightly under the sun. It is also famous for its rare animal, the Emei monkey, which often interacts with tourists. As a sacred Buddhist site, it attracts countless pilgrims and tourists every year.

Jiajiang Qianfo Cliff Grottoes

Located on the banks of the Minjiang River in Jiajiang County, the Qianfo Cliff Grottoes are a precious group of stone-carved artworks from the Southern and Northern Dynasties to the Tang Dynasty. There are more than 10,000 Buddha statues carved on the cliffs over 1,000 meters long. The statues vary in size and posture, with exquisite carvings, reflecting the development of Buddhist art in different periods. The most famous ones include the Maitreya Buddha Grotto, the Thousand-Buddha Grotto and the Avalokitesvara Grotto. The grottoes are not only artistic treasures but also historical records of the cultural exchanges and religious beliefs along the ancient Minjiang waterway.

Jiayang Small Train

The Jiayang Small Train in Qianwei County is a well-preserved steam locomotive train line in China, originally built in 1958 for coal transportation. Today, it has become a unique tourist attraction. The train travels through the idyllic countryside, passing through tunnels, bridges and terraced fields. In spring, the railway is lined with golden rape flowers, creating a fairy-tale-like scene. The train stops at small stations such as Bagou Old Town, where visitors can experience the nostalgic atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, visit the coal mine museum, and enjoy the local rural scenery and folk customs.

Luocheng Ancient Town

Luocheng Ancient Town in Qianwei County is known as the “ship-shaped ancient town” in China. Its main street is built in the shape of a wooden ship, with a length of 200 meters. The town was built during the Ming Dynasty and flourished in the Qing Dynasty as an important commercial town on the ancient post road. The traditional wooden buildings on both sides of the street are well-preserved, including old shops, teahouses and residential houses. The central part of the “ship” is a square where local residents gather to chat, drink tea and watch folk performances. It retains a strong traditional rural atmosphere and is a perfect place to experience the original Sichuan folk culture.

Wuyou Mountain

Wuyou Mountain is located on the west bank of the Minjiang River, opposite the Leshan Giant Buddha. It is a famous Buddhist mountain with a history of over 1,700 years. The mountain got its name because it is surrounded by water and looks like a floating island. The main temple, Wuyou Temple, was built in the Eastern Jin Dynasty and is one of the earliest Buddhist temples in Sichuan. It houses many precious cultural relics, including the stone carvings of the Tang Dynasty and the wooden Buddha statues of the Ming Dynasty. The mountain is covered with green trees and has a quiet environment, with scenic spots such as the White Cloud Pavilion and the Plum Blossom Garden. It is a peaceful place for meditation and sightseeing, with a panoramic view of the Leshan Giant Buddha and the Minjiang River.

Muchuan Bamboo Sea

The Muchuan Bamboo Sea is a vast natural bamboo forest area in Muchuan County, covering an area of over 100,000 mu. It is a typical subtropical bamboo forest landscape, with dense moso bamboos growing tall and straight, forming a green sea. The scenic area has clear streams, waterfalls, and winding mountain roads. Strolling in the bamboo sea, you can hear the rustling of bamboo leaves and the singing of birds, feeling relaxed and happy. There are also unique bamboo-themed tourist attractions, such as bamboo houses, bamboo bridges, and bamboo craft shops. It is an ideal place for summer vacation, photography, and experiencing the tranquility of nature.