Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 103 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip worth booking?
Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip is a 8-hour experience in Chengdu, China, from $93 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 103 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (103)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $93 per person
The personal drivers we provide are professional drivers who serve foreign tourists all year round. They will do a good job of safety and service! This is a private travel event only for you and your family and friends. In order to save your costs we do not include tickets, and some older guests do not need tickets, but please bring your passport. The Leshan Giant Buddha (simplified Chinese: 乐山大佛; traditional Chinese: 樂山大佛; pinyin: Lèshān Dàfó) is a 71-metre (233 ft) tall stone statue, built between 713 and 803 (during the Tang dynasty), depicting Maitreya.It is carved out of a cliff face of Cretaceous red bed sandstones that lies at the confluence of the Min River and Dadu River in the southern part of Sichuan province in China, near the city of Leshan. Huanglongxi Ancient Town features its ancient culture of water culture, Buddhism culture, tea culture, ecologic farming culture integrated with colorful folklore culture, screen culture and cooking culture.
What you get
About this experience
The personal drivers we provide are professional drivers who serve foreign tourists all year round. They will do a good job of safety and service! This is a private travel event only for you and your family and friends. In order to save your costs we do not include tickets, and some older guests do not need tickets, but please bring your passport. The Leshan Giant Buddha (simplified Chinese: 乐山大佛; traditional Chinese: 樂山大佛; pinyin: Lèshān Dàfó) is a 71-metre (233 ft) tall stone statue, built between 713 and 803 (during the Tang dynasty), depicting Maitreya.It is carved out of a cliff face of Cretaceous red bed sandstones that lies at the confluence of the Min River and Dadu River in the southern part of Sichuan province in China, near the city of Leshan. Huanglongxi Ancient Town features its ancient culture of water culture, Buddhism culture, tea culture, ecologic farming culture integrated with colorful folklore culture, screen culture and cooking culture.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Attractions text explanation(English)
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Tickets
- The tour guide
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Leshan Giant Buddha
The Leshan Giant Buddha is a 71-metre (233 ft) tall stone statue, built between 713 and 803 (during the Tang dynasty), depicting Maitreya.It is carved out of a cliff face of Cretaceous red bed sandstones that lies at the confluence of the Min River and Dadu River in the southern part of Sichuan province in China, near the city of Leshan. The stone sculpture faces Mount Emei, with the rivers flowing below its feet. It is the largest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world and it is by far the tallest pre-modern statue in the world. The Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area has been listed as a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site since 1996. History Construction started in 713 AD, led by a Chinese monk named Hai Tong. He hoped that the Buddha would calm the turbulent waters that plagued the shipping vessels traveling down the river. When funding for the project was threatened, he is said to have gouged out his own eyes to show his piety and sincerity. After his death, however, the construction was stuck due to insufficient funding. About 70 years later, jiedushi Wei Gao decided to sponsor the project and the construction was completed by Hai Tong's disciples in 803. Apparently, the massive construction resulted in so much stone being removed from the cliff face and deposited into the river below that the currents were indeed altered by the statue, making the water safe for passing ships. A sophisticated drainage system was incorporated into the Leshan Giant Buddha when it was built. It is still in working order. It includes drainage pipes carved into various places on the body, to carry away the water after the rains so as to reduce weathering. When the Giant Buddha was carved, a huge thirteen story wood structure (similar to the one at the Rongxian Giant Buddha) was built to shelter it from rain and sunshine. This structure was destroyed and sacked by the Mongols during the wars at the end of the Yuan dynasty. From then on, the stone statue was exposed to the elements.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Huanglongxi Ancient Town
Huanglongxi Ancient Town features its ancient culture of water culture, Buddhism culture, tea culture, ecologic farming culture integrated with colorful folklore culture, screen culture and cooking culture. For its rich natural landscape resources and humanistic and cultural tourism resources, it is famed as Historic & Cultural Town, the Hometown of Chinese Folk Art (Fire Dragon). And being a national film and television photography base, it is also called Film City and Chinese Hollywood. Besides, it was The Home of Tea and The Ancient Tea Horse Road in the ancient times on account of its long experience of growing tea. Huanglongxi Ancient town still keeps the planning style and layouts as it was in Qing Dynasty which is made up of 7 streets and 9 allies on which 76 Western Sichuan style houses are scattered. In Zheng Street, the main street stands three temples. In addition, there are 6 over 1000-year-old banyans in Huanglongxi Ancient Town which make a unique view different from other ancient town.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- pandachinago
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 101 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
101 verified traveler reviews for Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Very hard communicate with driver. There is no tour guide. It just a driver who is using her phone to communicate
We were really excited to visit the Giant Buddha, but our experience was unfortunately overshadowed by stress. We were picked up by a driver ms Yan who didn’t speak English, and she was not an and she was not a tour guide. She was just a driver due to a miscommunication with tickets, that turned out to be our driver‘s mistake, we were rushed. We were told we had the wrong tickets and had to hurry back, even though we actually had the right ones all along. After the chaos, we barely had time to enjoy the site. That said, the driver did try to make up for it by buying us a few souvenirs, but sadly, the whole visit just didn’t meet our expectations. Basically felt like she had no idea what she was doing. And / or she was disoriented. She tried to enter a couple different sites from the exit door. I was just wondering if she’s never done this before. But then I see her name in other reviews. So I don’t know what was happening. If I knew it was going to be so crazy, I would definitely not sign up for this tour When we got on top of the giant Buddha, we started getting crazy messages from the driver saying that we have to go back immediately that there was a mistake. now note that we already climbed up. That’s a lot of steps. 🤪 So, no. Not recommending.
Response from the operator: Dear guest, I am very sorry that you did not have a pleasant experience. Due to the tight supply of tickets during the National Day holiday, the driver did indeed act that way when tickets were being purchased on-site. Please accept our apologies once again.
via Viator
The water town was so...
The water town was so peaceful & cute. The boat ride to the buddha was easy. Keep in mind that this booking does not include the option to hike up to the top of the buddha. Great experience, our driver Mr. Liao was so sweet & helpful. We really enjoyed him & he made our whole day.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback on our work! Wishing you all the best!
via Viator
Miss the Budda
Unfortunately the visit to the Buddha was cancelled as rain had increased the swell on the water which is essential for the boat to the Buddha. I am really pleased as I found out that the Budda if you want to climb for for the best view contains a lot of steps which is not apparent in any prior details. The shops and especially the driver were excellent
Response from the operator: We are very sorry, dear guest, that you were unable to view the Great Buddha by boat; weather conditions are unpredictable. Wishing you and your family all the best.
via Viator
Great time
Yingwei met us at our hotel at 8am. He was so friendly and a great driver. It was quite hot out so having an air conditioned car take us everywhere was amazing, since both sites are outside of the city proper. He was also very helpful with getting boat tickets at Leshan Giant Buddha. My husband and I had a wonderful time seeing the giant Buddha and then Huanglongxi.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback on our work! Wishing you all the best!
via Tripadvisor
Leshan Giant Buddha built across three generations
We visited the Leshan Giant Buddha with a local guide, and I’m glad we did. The guide shared fascinating stories about the Buddha and Lingyun Temple, which helped us understand the history and purpose behind its construction. The ascent was manageable, but the descent to the feet of the Buddha can be a bit tedious for those with less stamina. Overall, the experience was enriching
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback on our work! Wishing you all the best!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $93 to $180
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 36
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by pandachinago, who run 14 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.4.
See everything pandachinago runsWhy this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chengdu.
How much does Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip cost?
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Prices start at $93 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chengdu usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chengdu is not rushed.
Is Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 103 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Chengdu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip?
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Around 36 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chengdu can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chengdu and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chengdu within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Chengdu?
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On Outty we rank every Chengdu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Chengdu Cooking Class with a Local Market Visit, Private Chengdu Day Tour: Giant Pandas and Jinsha Site Museum, Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Chengdu?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Chengdu?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip?
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Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; Attractions text explanation(English); All Fees and Taxes; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Tickets; The tour guide; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1598 listed pickup locations in and around Chengdu.
What languages is Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip offered in?
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It is offered in Japanese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Chengdu. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip?
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Across 103 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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