Introduction to Emeishan: A Sacred Buddhist MountainWhy Emeishan is a Must-Visit UNESCO World Heritage SiteEmeishan is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains in China. It's where Buddhism started and spread in the country. The place has a spiritual feel with clouds, forests, temples, monkeys, and incense, making it a fantastic journey for those wanting to meet Buddhist pilgrims at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. When to Visit Emeishan for the Best ExperienceBest Time to Avoid Crowds at EmeishanWe visited Emei Mountain in late October, just after the long holiday season in China. Consequently, we encountered fewer people and almost no queues. The experience could have been less pleasant during the high season, as we saw pictures of long queues for the cableway and to climb the golden summit. The average Chinese tourist reaches the Golden Summit in the morning and returns in the afternoon, making use of the cable car during its operating hours. Therefore, staying overnight on the Golden Summit is a rare experience, even though there are many temples and hotels available at a higher cost than average. For those planning to trek, the stairs are so slippery so be careful with what you wear and consider the weather conditions. How to Plan Your Emei Shan Trek: Routes, Tips & Must-See TemplesOur primary goal was to witness the famous cloud sea view from the Golden Summit temple terrace. Therefore, our plan was to ascend as quickly as possible, using both bus and cable car to reach the summit directly. We intended to descend the day after on foot, visiting historical temples hidden in the forest, and enjoying encounters with monkeys and scenic mountain views until we reached Wannai Temple. Essential Tips for Emei Shan: What to Pack & Where to Stay
Emei Shan: 5 Critical Things to Know Before You Go
Emei Shan 2-Day Itinerary: Perfect Plan for Hikers & Non-HikersFIRST DAY IN EMEI SHAN:
The second day:
Quick Emei Shan Itinerary for Late Arrivals: Best and Easy Route
Complete Guide to Emei Shan Bus & Cable Car RoutesNavigating Emei Shan's transportation system is crucial for a smooth trip.
Emei Shan Golden Summit: What to Expect & How to Get ThereAfter leaving our luggage and freshening up in a budget-friendly yet comfortable hotel near the Baoguo bus station, we immediately took the bus to the Linggongli stop, the highest bus stop close to the cable car that climbs up to the Golden Summit. (We debated whether to visit Baoguo Temple before taking the bus, but we were concerned about being too late. We didn’t want to miss the sunset, and, more importantly, the last bus from the foothill was at 16:00, and the last cable car to the peak operated until 18:00. ) Getting the bus ticket was easy; at the station, there was only one staff member who spoke English. She immediately came to help us when she saw us enter the station, assisted us in purchasing our tickets, and showed us the way to the bus. If we hadn't taken a hotel to leave our luggage, we could have left it at the lockers in this bus station, only if she had helped us, as all the instructions were in Chinese. The bus ride was comfortable and took 2 hours with a 10-minute stop midway. Once we arrived at Linggongli Bus Station, we followed the signs going up to the cable car for the Golden Summit. Just as we started climbing the stairs, we saw a shop where they rented coats. Unsure if we would return to the same point, we opted not to rent one. In hindsight, we could have, as we passed the same point on our way back, and the weather turned freezing after sunset. From the bus station to the cable car station, there were large stairs to climb, full of snack shops and a monkey playing point for photography. There are two cable cars going up to the Golden Summit:
Once we got up, we immediately checked into our hotel close to the cable station and left our small backpacks. It was still misty and cloudy, so we preferred to wait while eating some street food. Then we went up to the Golden Summit (just a 5-minute comfortable climb of stairs) and visited the temples and the terrace where we came to watch the cloud sea view, as well as the souvenir/religious articles shops to get some heat. The temperature was quite chilly, and it had been rainy and cloudy all day. We waited until sunset but were not lucky enough to see any views from the terrace. Nevertheless, it was mystical, with the mist covering the golden temple and giant statue from one moment to another. With no luck to see the view, we went to the Catering Center, which is the only restaurant, and had chilly Sichuan dishes before going to bed early. Everyone suggests the sunrise, but we are not morning people and are not fond of the cold, so we didn't make it. Anyway, with the persistent mist until 8 o’clock, there was no hope, so we opted to enjoy the rare coffee shop we found with its coffee-like drinks close to the Jing Feng catering place. The miracle happened and we were treated to some sunshine and a few precious minutes of a delightful cloud sea view, also known as Buddha’s light. Golden Summit statistically experiences only four days of sunshine, so patience is key as you wait for the clouds to be dispersed by unexpected winds. After concluding the most important part of our visit to Emeishan, the Golden Summit, we descended using the larger cable car. Following the road behind the bus station, we took the path to XIXICHI (Elephant Bathing Path. Along the way, we passed through a panoramic area with play invaded by monkeys, posing and playing in front of a captivating view. Contrary to the typical ascent expected of devoted Buddhists, we opted for a descent. The 7.5 km descent from the top bus station to the first temple was manageable, particularly at XIXICHI, an ancient red temple with a breathtaking view and a congregation of monkeys. Accommodation is available in all temples, though cold and somewhat pricey, with outdoor toilets—a challenging experience in freezing weather. Once a dream of mine was to stay in a temple on a spectacular mountain with monks and monkeys; now, we rush downhill to avoid it before sunset. Moving from XIXICHI to Hahong Peak, we encountered a small structure resembling a motel, complete with a dog and a cat. While a pleasant spot for a brief rest, the toilet facilities, especially for women, were not commendable. The 14 km descent to Wannian Temple posed its own challenges, making us question how Lonely Planet could recommend a one-day climb from Wannian to the Lingping bus stop—an almost impossible task. On our way to Wannian Temple, we encountered a splendid residence palace temple and a panoramic pagoda. Wannian Temple, the oldest temple on Emei Mountain, is truly beautiful and worth visiting. The cable car near the temple takes you to the parking lot, where you can purchase tickets and catch the bus. Final Thoughts: Is Emeishan Trekking Worth It?Our experience at Mount Emei (Emeishan) exceeded our expectations, though the 26-kilometer descent challenged us beyond what we had imagined. Looking back, it's almost inconceivable to think about climbing up the mountain in a single day – such a feat would be impossible.
While staying in one of the mountain temples could offer a profound spiritual experience, the spartan accommodations and cold conditions aren't suitable for everyone. Personally, while I can adapt to basic amenities, the cold is where I draw the line. Our decision to spend one night at the summit and dedicate an entire day to the descent proved to be the perfect choice. The memories of our journey will remain eternally etched in our minds: the mischievous monkeys, the breathtaking natural scenery, the panoramic views, and the ancient temples. There's something profoundly moving about descending the same stone steps that once carried ancient Chinese philosophers on their own spiritual journeys. Mount Emei truly offers an experience worth undertaking, combining natural beauty, historical significance, and personal challenge into an unforgettable adventure.
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