Depart from your Chengdu hotel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy the scenery that sprawls on the 2-hour drive to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed monument. On arrival in Leshan, treat your taste buds to an authentic Chinese meal in a popular local restaurant. Revitalized, head to the sacred Temple of the Grand Buddha, located behind the colossal structure’s head.
Marvel at the intricate construction of the head’s hair, gazing at 1,020 twisted buns, and then follow your guide down a twisting trail toward the left side of the mammoth monument. When you reach the bottom, gasp at the 233-foot (71-meter) height of the largest carved Buddha in the entire world and capture fantastic photographs of the sacred site.
Next, explore the right side of Buddha to discover the Wuyou Temple, a pink-hued building containing an abundance of terracotta sculptures and calligraphic paintings. See the Arhat Hall, replete with 500 Arhat statues, then absorb panoramic views of three rivers converging prettily below.
Choose to take a cruise of the river for an alternative perspective of the grand Buddha (own expense) then return to your comfortable vehicle for the relaxing ride back to your Chengdu hotel.
