About Mount Emei
Mount Emei is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China and is associated with the bodhisattva Samantabhadra, known in Chinese as Puxian. Tradition holds that the first Buddhist temple in China was built here in the 1st century CE. Over time, dozens of monasteries spread across its forested slopes, many of which still house monks and offer lodging to pilgrims.
Paths climb from Baoguo Temple at the base to the Golden Summit at about 3,077 meters, where a towering gilded statue of Samantabhadra with ten heads rides on elephants. On clear mornings, visitors may see a sea of clouds and the Buddha's Halo, a glowing optical ring around their own shadow. Wannian Temple, with its brick hall and bronze statue, is among the oldest surviving buildings on the mountain.
What to see
- Golden Summit and the gilded Samantabhadra statue
- Wannian Temple's beamless brick hall
- Baoguo Temple at the mountain gate
- Sea of clouds and Buddha's Halo at sunrise
- Forest trails with playful macaques
Visiting Mount Emei: practical guide
- Best time
- April to June and September to November
- Hours
- Daily from early morning; shuttles run roughly 6:00 to 18:00
- Entry
- About 160 CNY in peak season; buses and cable cars extra
- Dress code
- Warm layers for the summit; modest clothing in temples
- Nearest airport
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), 150 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Stay overnight in a monastery guesthouse for a quieter experience
- Keep food hidden from the monkeys
- Combine with the Leshan Giant Buddha about 40 km away
Festivals and special days
- Birthday of Samantabhadra (21st day of the 2nd lunar month)
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Buddhism tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Remove shoes and hats before entering temple halls.
- Cover shoulders and knees, and avoid revealing clothing.
- Never point your feet toward a Buddha image or monk.
- Women should not touch or hand items directly to Theravada monks.
- Walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels.
- Do not climb on or pose disrespectfully with Buddha statues.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Mount Emei?
Mount Emei is in Emeishan, Sichuan, China, Asia. GPS coordinates: 29.5236, 103.3329. The nearest airport is Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), 150 km.
What is the best time to visit Mount Emei?
April to June and September to November
Is there an entry fee for Mount Emei?
About 160 CNY in peak season; buses and cable cars extra Opening hours: Daily from early morning; shuttles run roughly 6:00 to 18:00
What should I wear when visiting Mount Emei?
Warm layers for the summit; modest clothing in temples
Which religion is Mount Emei sacred to?
Mount Emei is sacred to Buddhism, Taoism. Active place of worship. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
