Mount Emei

Mount Emei is a high, sacred Buddhist mountain in Sichuan province with a summit at about 3,099 metres and a long history as a pilgrimage destination. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the Leshan Giant Buddha.

The mountain contains major temple complexes, forested trails, exposed summit ridges and cable-car routes that connect lower temples to higher sanctuaries. Highlights include the Golden Summit with large Buddhist statues and panoramic views, historic temples such as Baoguo and Wannian, and abundant subtropical-to-temperate vegetation along the ascent.

Mount Emei has been a centre of Chinese Buddhism for many centuries, with temples added and rebuilt across the Tang, Song and later dynasties; it developed as a pilgrimage and monastic site over that long period. Modern visitor infrastructure includes paved paths, stairways and multiple cable-car lines to reduce steep walking sections.

Geographically the mountain rises from the basin near the city of Emeishan in Sichuan. It is southwest of Chengdu and forms part of a rugged, forested range that drops steeply into surrounding river valleys.

• UNESCO status: The UNESCO World Heritage listing covers Mount Emei and the Leshan Giant Buddha; the site was inscribed in 1996.
• Wildlife warning: Wild Tibetan macaques are common on the slopes and are often encountered along trails and near temples, so do not feed or approach them.

What to See #

• Golden Summit (Jinding): A granite peak at the summit area that reaches the mountain's highest temples and the Golden Buddha; accessible by trails and by cable car from lower stations.
• Baoguo Temple: A major temple complex at mid-elevation that serves as a common starting point for pilgrim routes and for one of the cable-car terminals.
• Wannian Temple: An extensive temple complex near the upper slopes with long wooden halls and a large bell, located below the summit.