Our 14 Favorite Leshan Tours

Leshan is a city where history, spirituality, and natural beauty come together in a way that’s hard to find elsewhere in China. The Leshan Giant Buddha stands as a testament to ancient craftsmanship and spiritual devotion, while the surrounding landscapes and temples add layers of experience for all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re interested in a private, leisurely exploration or an active day packed with hiking and local food, Leshan offers something special. We particularly like the Private Tour to Leshan Giant Buddha & Huanglongxi Old Town because it combines iconic sights with authentic rural life—plus, it’s tailored entirely to your pace. If boat rides and street food are your thing, the Leshan Buddha boat and food half-day trip delivers a lively, intimate taste of the city’s flavors and views. All the options listed below are designed to give you a genuine feel for Leshan’s culture, history, and landscape.

Quick Overview

The tours in Leshan include private guided experiences, boat cruises, day trips from Chengdu, and multi-day adventures. Many options feature UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei, with some offering immersive visits to ancient towns like Huanglongxi or spiritual sites like Emei Mountain. You’ll find tours that focus on sightseeing, cultural hikes, Buddhist temples, and local cuisine, providing a versatile choice for all interests. For a deeper dive into what’s available, check out the full list below.

1. Private Tour to Leshan Giant Buddha & Huanglongxi Old Town

This private day trip is perfect for those who want a relaxed experience without feeling rushed. It includes visits to the world’s biggest carved stone Buddha and a charming 1700-year-old town. The tour offers plenty of photo opportunities—imagine viewing the 1300-year-old Buddha from different angles, including a boat ride that gives a unique perspective. The itinerary is flexible, letting you explore Huanglongxi Ancient Town at your own pace, soaking in its traditional shops and riverside charm. Rated 4.8/5 by six reviews, this private tour is a favorite for its personalized approach and in-depth sightseeing. It’s ideal for travelers who want to combine monumental history with authentic rural life. Expect a full day of discovery, with a comfortable car, expert guide, and time to enjoy each site.

Bottom Line: A tailored, comprehensive experience that balances cultural sights with scenic views at a reasonable price.

2. Leshan Buddha boat and food half-day trip

At number 2, this half-day tour scored a perfect 5-star rating from two reviews. It’s designed for those who want a compact yet lively experience. The trip includes a boat cruise to see the Leshan Giant Buddha and the Sleeping Buddha, guaranteed boat tickets, and a street food tasting tour. The guide introduces you to 8 different local delicacies, immersing you in Leshan’s vibrant culinary culture. The tour is intimate, with groups limited to 8 people, making it easy to ask questions and get personalized attention. One reviewer recounted how guide Victor waited for a delayed traveler and still managed to fit in the boat trip, making it a memorable, hassle-free experience. It’s perfect for travelers short on time but eager for a taste of Leshan’s iconic sights and flavors.

Bottom Line: An efficient, fun-packed half-day adventure that combines sightseeing with authentic local eats, ideal for food lovers and first-timers.

3. Mount Emei: Experience Natural Beauty and Buddhist Culture

Rated 5/5 by two reviewers, this day tour offers a rich experience at Mount Emei, a UNESCO heritage site. The tour includes a scenic 8-hour guided exploration with transportation from Chengdu, giving you time to enjoy hiking, photography, and temple visits. You’ll experience the diverse geological wonders, lush landscapes, and spiritual sites that make Mount Emei special. The tour offers multiple options to customize your adventure, whether you want a leisurely walk or more strenuous hiking. With an efficient booking process and dedicated staff, it’s well-suited for travelers interested in natural beauty and Buddhist culture without the hassle of planning every detail.

Bottom Line: A comprehensive, flexible day tour perfect for those who want to explore mountain scenery and spiritual sites with ease and comfort.

4. Leshan Giant Buddha Tour: Discover Ancient Stone Masterpiece

This tour focuses on the world’s largest stone-carved Maitreya Buddha and offers a straightforward day of sightseeing. You’ll visit the scenic area for about four hours, with options for climbing or a boat ride to see the Buddha from multiple perspectives. Afterward, enjoy lunch and free time to explore or relax. Rated 4.3/5 from three reviews, it’s an accessible option for travelers who want to experience the cultural grandeur and spiritual significance of the site without extra fuss. The inclusion of optional activities lets you tailor your visit—whether you prefer walking or viewing from the river.

Bottom Line: An iconic, easy-to-join tour that offers a close-up look at China’s largest cliff carving with some flexibility.

5. Chengdu to Leshan Buddha & Oriental Buddha Capital Private

This private full-day tour takes you from Chengdu to explore the Leshan Giant Buddha along with the Oriental Buddha Capital, home to 3,000 Buddha statues. You’ll cruise past the giant Buddha and the Sleeping Buddha for stunning panoramic views, then hike or explore the forested hills filled with Buddha statues. The tour includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, and a private guide, making it perfect for travelers who prefer a personalized, all-inclusive experience. The flexibility to hike or visit the museum ensures you can customize your day.

Bottom Line: An immersive, private experience that combines monumental sights with cultural exploration—ideal for those wanting a personalized journey.

6. Close to Chengdu: Leshan Giant Buddha & Tasty Local Eats

This private day trip is designed for travelers who want a spiritual experience combined with local flavors. You’ll get up close to the world’s largest stone Buddha, visit peaceful temples like Lingyun and Wuyou, and escape the crowds at hillside temples with scenic river views. The tour also includes a stroll down a traditional old street filled with snacks and craft stalls. It’s a flexible option, with hotel or train station pickup in Leshan, and rated without a specific score, but praised for its intimate nature.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a spiritual and culinary taste of Leshan in a relaxed, private setting.

7. From Chengdu: Leshan Grand Buddha Private Day Tour

Rated 4.8/5 from reviews, this private day tour from Chengdu offers a dedicated guide and vehicle to see the world’s largest stone Buddha. The tour includes a two-hour drive, a four-hour guided sightseeing at the Buddha site, and a boat cruise for different angles of the monument. The personalized approach ensures a relaxed atmosphere. The highlight is feeling the massive scale of the Buddha up close, making it an excellent choice for those wanting a private, comprehensive experience.

Bottom Line: A smooth, private day trip perfect for those who want to combine sightseeing with a scenic boat ride at a relaxed pace.

8. Leshan Buddha, Tea House & Mt. Emei 2 Days Private Tour

Rated 5/5, this two-day experience blends culture, nature, and local life. You’ll visit a 100-year-old tea house, stroll through tea plantations, and see the largest stone Buddha. The second day includes a trip to Mt. Emei, where you’ll enjoy views from the Golden Summit if weather permits. It’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting an immersive experience, with opportunities to mix with locals over tea, hike, and explore scenic sites.

Bottom Line: An ideal multi-day tour for those who want a deep dive into Sichuan’s cultural and natural treasures with plenty of authentic moments.

9. Chengdu: Leshan Buddha and Emeishan Guided 2-Day Trip

Rated 4.7/5, this guided two-day tour covers the Giant Buddha and Mount Emei, including temple visits, hiking, and cloud sea views. It includes all entrance fees, bus, and cable car rides. Perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive experience that combines natural scenery and cultural sites with ease of logistics. The itinerary balances sightseeing, walking, and leisure time, making it suitable for those comfortable with a bit of physical activity.

Bottom Line: A well-rounded, guided multi-day journey ideal for those wanting a thorough exploration of Leshan and Emei without any planning hassle.

10. Leshan Giant Buddha & Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Tour

This all-inclusive day tour combines a boat trip to view the Buddha with a visit to Huanglongxi Ancient Town, famous for its centuries-old architecture and riverside charm. The private transfer and boat tickets are included, making it a hassle-free option. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy scenic views on the river and explore an authentic old town full of shops and local cuisine.

Bottom Line: An easy, all-in-one day trip for travelers who want a scenic view of the Buddha and a stroll through historic streets.

11. Mount Emei and Leshan Giant Buddha Two-Day Private Tour

This private two-day adventure combines the majestic Leshan Buddha with Mount Emei’s temples, hiking, and sea of clouds. It’s designed for those who want a deep cultural and natural experience. The itinerary includes local food tasting, scenic photography, and overnight stays at Emei. It’s a more immersive option for travelers who want to spend more time exploring and soaking in the atmosphere.

Bottom Line: Perfect for culturally curious travelers willing to spend two days exploring spiritual sites and mountain landscapes.

12. One-day private transfer service to Leshan from Chengdu

For simplicity and flexibility, this private transfer offers personalized transportation with a dedicated driver. It’s ideal if you want to explore Leshan at your own pace without a guided tour. The service includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it a great option for those who prefer to plan their own day or combine it with other activities.

Bottom Line: The best choice for travelers seeking a flexible, private transport experience without a fixed itinerary.

13. Explore Leshan’s Gems: Boat Trip, Cultural Hike & Foodie Quest

This full-day, personalized experience combines a boat trip to see the Buddha, a cultural hike on Wuyou Mountain, and local food tastings. It’s designed for travelers who want an intimate, active day packed with scenery, culture, and cuisine. The flexible itinerary allows you to tailor the day to your interests, with plenty of time for photos, walks, and delicious bites.

Bottom Line: An ideal choice for active travelers who want a comprehensive, multi-faceted day in Leshan.

14. Leshan Giant Buddha Private Tour & Jurassic Expedition

This unique tour combines hiking through Alsophila Canyon to discover ancient “living fossil” plants with a boat cruise for full-body views of the Buddha. It also offers a taste of Leshan cuisine, making it perfect for nature lovers and those interested in dinosaur-era plants. The flexible itinerary suits travelers who want a mix of adventure and culture.

Bottom Line: A distinctive, nature-focused tour combining botanical wonders with cultural sights for a memorable experience.

How to Choose

When selecting your ideal Leshan tour, consider your budget, fitness level, and specific interests. If you prefer a personalized, relaxed day, the Private Tour to Leshan Giant Buddha & Huanglongxi Old Town might suit you best. For those eager to combine sightseeing with local cuisine, the Leshan Buddha boat and food half-day trip offers a lively, immersive experience. Budget travelers and convenience-seekers may prefer private transfer services or self-guided options, while active explorers will appreciate multi-day itineraries with hiking and temple visits.

Booking early is advisable, especially for tours during peak season or public holidays. Also, check availability and specific starting times, as some tours operate only on certain days or require advance reservations.

Final Thoughts

Leshan offers diverse ways to experience its monumental Buddha, ancient towns, and mountain scenery. For a deep culture, consider the 2-day Mount Emei and Leshan combo tours. If a quick but flavorful visit is what you want, the half-day Buddha boat and food tour hits the spot. For those who want a private, flexible experience, the Private Tour to Leshan Giant Buddha & Huanglongxi Old Town is unbeatable.

No matter which you choose, Leshan’s charm lies in its ability to connect natural wonder with human craftsmanship. Planning ahead and booking early will ensure you secure the experience that fits your desires and makes your trip memorable.