Leshan, formerly known as Jiading or Jiazhou, is a prefecture-level city located at the confluence of the Dadu and Min rivers in Sichuan Province, China. Leshan is located on the southwestern fringe of the Sichuan Basin in southern Sichuan, about 120 km from Chengdu.

Top Attractions:

1. Leshan Giant Buddha: Marvel at the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone Buddha statue in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carved out of a cliff face overlooking the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers, the statue stands at 71 meters (233 feet) tall.
2. Mount Emei (Emeishan): Explore Mount Emei, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy hiking trails, visit ancient temples, and marvel at the scenic landscapes of this sacred mountain.
3. Lingyun Temple: Visit Lingyun Temple, a historic Buddhist temple located near the Leshan Giant Buddha. Admire its ancient architecture, intricate carvings, and religious artifacts, and learn about its significance in Buddhist culture.
4. Wuyou Temple: Explore Wuyou Temple, another ancient Buddhist temple near the Leshan Giant Buddha. Discover its serene gardens, pavilions, and statues, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
5. Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area: Explore the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, which encompasses the Giant Buddha statue, Lingyun Temple, Wuyou Temple, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the rivers and mountains.
6. Mahao Cave Art Site: Discover the Mahao Cave Art Site, a collection of ancient rock carvings dating back over 1,200 years. Admire the intricate Buddhist sculptures, inscriptions, and religious imagery carved into the cliffs along the Dadu River.
7. Leshan Old Town: Wander through Leshan Old Town, a historic district with traditional Chinese architecture, narrow alleyways, and ancient temples. Explore local markets, sample street food, and soak in the atmosphere of this ancient city.

Things to Do:

1. Boat Tour: Take a boat tour on the Minjiang River to get up close to the Leshan Giant Buddha and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and mountains. Capture photos of the iconic statue from different angles.
2. Hiking and Trekking: Explore hiking trails in the surrounding mountains and countryside, including routes on Mount Emei and along the Dadu River. Enjoy scenic vistas, tranquil forests, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
3. Tea Tasting: Experience traditional Sichuan tea culture by visiting local tea houses and participating in tea tasting sessions. Sample a variety of teas, including jasmine tea, green tea, and pu'er tea, and learn about their production and brewing techniques.
4. Cultural Performances: Attend cultural performances and traditional ceremonies at temples and scenic spots in Leshan. Experience Buddhist rituals, music, dance, and theatrical performances that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region.
5. Photography: Capture the stunning landscapes, ancient temples, and cultural landmarks of Leshan through photography. From the majestic Giant Buddha to the serene mountain vistas, there are endless opportunities for capturing memorable moments.
6. Culinary Exploration: Sample local Sichuan cuisine at restaurants, street stalls, and food markets in Leshan. Taste spicy hotpot, mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, and other regional specialties known for their bold flavors and aromatic spices.
7. Relaxation and Meditation: Find tranquility and inner peace amidst the serene surroundings of Leshan. Practice meditation at temples and scenic viewpoints, listen to the sounds of nature, and recharge your spirit in this cultural and spiritual destination.