Mount Emei 2 Day Discover Tour

The first Buddhist temple in China was built on Mount Emei. It is one of China’s Four Buddhist Sacred Mountains. Sits at the western rim of the Sichuan Basin, it is renowned for both Buddhist culture and gorgeous natural scenery. People from all around the world come and visit this place to escape city limits, and watch the sunrise from the mountain peaks. As a must-see attraction in Sichuan, Mount Emei is a very big place, it takes you two days to explore the mountain. There are a few different trek routes, but this is the most popular one. It covers almost all the famous scenic spots of Mount Emei.

Preparation Before the Trip

Before this trip, there are several things you need to remember:

• Take a coat with you, because of the changeable weather.
• Prepare some food and water, what the vendors along the side offer is a little expensive.
• When you get into the Monkey Zone, don’t show any plastic bottle or snack in front of the monkey.
• Plan an overnight in the mountains. (recommended place: the Golden Summit)

Day 1: Beginning the Trek

At around 8.30 a.m., arrive at the foot of Mount Emei-Baoguo Temple, and begin your trekking. It’s better to schedule your time in advance. Don’t spend too much time photographing at one spot. There are too many beautiful scenic spots to see along the way. The path itself is very well paved and nothing like the path of Mount Hua (one of the Five Great Mountains in China), it’s not dangerous at all.  If you feel tired during the journey, take a rest that is no more than 10 minutes. If you keep your pace like this, it will make your trekking much easier and more valuable.

Lunch at Fu Hu Temple

It takes you about 3 hours to get to the Fu Hu Temple. When you arrive at this place, it’s just the right time for lunch. We suggest to have the special vegetarian food served at the temple. The food is fresh and delicious, you shouldn’t miss it. Fully recharged then continue your journey. The trekking could be hard, but when you pass through one after one scenic spot, you’ll have a feeling that what you pay is well worth every bit of it. 

Encounter with Monkeys

After 5 hours of trek, and passing a few ancient temples, finally reach the Monkey Zone. Monkeys are another famous tourist attraction of Mount Emei. They are cute, accustomed to tourists, and not afraid of people, they may get very close. Just Keep in mind: never try to give anything except the corns. Everyone would be excited to get a close contact with these adorable monkeys. One kindly tip: Just Watch, No Touching!

The monkeys are a perfect closure to this day. After watching the monkeys, it would be night. You can appreciate the peaceful night views in the mountains. Don’t trek too late at night, because tomorrow would be a day to witness magic. Save your energy.

Trekking in Mount Emei would surely be one of your most unforgettable trips. It requires both perseverance and patience, you can see the most wonderful landscapes only after experiencing the hardest part. Just like the old saying “After rain comes a rainbow”.

Day 2: Ascending to Wonders

Get everything ready early in the morning, like water, food, and a map. Cheer up! It is a magical day to meet wonders. 

Immortal Peak Temple

The first stop would be the Immortal Peak Temple (仙峰寺Xiānfēngsì), 1,753 m high (5,751 ft). It derives its name from the location which sits beside the mountain cliff. There are three different halls in the temple: God of Wealth Hall, Mahavira Hall, and Sarira Hall. Ancient trees tower to the sky around the temple. Before arriving at this temple, you must pass through the longest and steepest path, known as “ninety-nine turns”. The monkey’s habitat is around the temple area. By Feeding the monkeys you can make your journey more fun. Keep moving on, when you pass the cliff side be quick and safe. 

Elephant Bathing Pool

The next stop is the Elephant Bathing Pool (洗象池Xǐxiàngchí). It’s about two hours’ trek from the Immortal Peak Temple. It is said that the oldest disciple of Sakyamuni (the founder of Buddhism) – Samantabhadra bath his elephant here, then got its name this way. As a must pass place, the government has invested to build more guest houses. This is one of the recommended places to stay overnight. At night, the bright moon shining in the sky, moonlight reflects in the pool water, the water and the sky merge in one color, what a beautiful view!

The Golden Summit

Getting closer and closer to the summit, it is not just exciting but also a sense of accomplishment. If you can’t wait to witness the “Four Wonders of Mount Emei“, take a cable car to Golden Summit. The cable car is world class and it can hold the weight of 101 people.  It’s only a few minutes’ ride from Jieyin Hall to Golden Summit. 

Finally, reaching the Golden Summit. Take a moment to cheer for the accomplishment, then enjoy the Four Wonders: the Buddha’s Halo (rainbow-like rings that surround and move with your shadow), Sea of Clouds,  the Holy Lamp and Golden Summit Sunrise (Ok, maybe next time). There is a golden statue which is the highest Buddha in the world. Huazang Si is the best place to experience the Sea of Clouds. Too many things to see at the Golden Summit. Take your time and appreciate these unique views.

After experiencing, wonders at Golden Summit, you also can take a cable car down. Then about half an hour’s walk to Leidongping Bus Station where you can take a bus to down the mountain. It’s about 2 hours’ drive. There’s a long-distance bus station at the foot of Mount Emei, the last bus to Chengdu is at 5:00 PM. 

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• Leshan Grand Buddha and Mt.Emei 3 Day Tour
• World Heritages Sichuan 9 Day Tour
• Chengdu Panda Base and Mt. Emei 5 Day Tour