Home to the world-famous Leshan Giant Buddha, a 71-meter-tall Tang dynasty statue carved into a cliff face at the confluence of three rivers.
Leshan sits at the confluence of the Min, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers in south-central Sichuan, where the rivers emerge from the mountains onto the Chengdu Plain. The city is defined by water, stone, and faith: its landscape was carved by the same rivers that shaped its history as a transport hub and pilgrimage center.
The Leshan Giant Buddha — a 71-meter sandstone colossus carved between 713 and 803 AD — anchors the city identity. Built to calm the treacherous waters where three rivers meet, the Buddha fulfilled both a spiritual and practical purpose: the stone debris from carving was deposited into the river, altering the current and making the waters safer for passing ships. Today, the statue is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a defining symbol of Chinese Buddhist art.
Leshan history spans over 3,000 years. During the Warring States period, it was part of the Shu kingdom. The region became the Qianwei Commandery under the Qin dynasty and later Nan'an county under the Han.
The most significant event in Leshan history began in 713 AD when the Tang dynasty monk Haitong initiated the carving of the Giant Buddha. Haitong spent 20 years raising funds for the project, and when local officials tried to extort money from him, he reportedly gouged out his own eyes to demonstrate his resolve. The project was completed by his disciples 90 years later.
Mount Emei, located 40 kilometers west of Leshan, became one of China most important Buddhist centers during the Tang and Song dynasties. The mountain was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. In modern times, Leshan has grown into a major tourism destination and light manufacturing center.
Leshan economy is anchored by tourism, which attracts over 50 million visitors annually to the Giant Buddha and Mount Emei. The tourism sector drives hospitality, dining, retail, and transportation services throughout the region.
Hydropower generation along the Min River is a significant industry, with several dams and hydroelectric stations operating in the prefecture. Agriculture plays an important role, with Leshan being a major producer of tea (particularly Zhuyeqing tea), bamboo shoots, and fruits.
Food processing is growing, driven by the popularity of Leshan cuisine across China. The city also has a developing pharmaceutical and new materials manufacturing sector. GDP reached approximately ¥220 billion in 2024.
Discover the culinary treasures of Leshan, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) or Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) — both about 1.5 hours by car. Leshan also has a regional airport under expansion.
Leshan Railway Station has frequent high-speed trains to Chengdu (~1 hour), Xi'an, Guiyang, and other major cities. The Chengdu-Leshan high-speed rail line is one of the busiest in Sichuan.
No metro. Public buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps are the main urban transport options. Buses connect the city to the Giant Buddha scenic area and Mount Emei.
Mar - May
Mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Perfect for hiking Mount Emei and visiting outdoor attractions. The rapeseed flowers around Jiayang are at their peak.
Jun - Aug
Warm and humid with occasional rain. Good time to escape the heat at Mount Emei and Heizhugou. Peak tourist season at the Giant Buddha.
Sep - Nov
Cool, clear weather with stunning autumn foliage on Mount Emei. The clearest views of the Giant Buddha. Best season for photography.
Dec - Feb
Cold but mild compared to northern China. Snow on Mount Emei summit creates a magical landscape. Fewer tourists and lower prices.
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