Mt.Emei is one of the four mountain ranges in China that Buddhists consider sacred, and is an area of outstanding natural beauty and cultural interest. It is part of a large scenic area which includes the Leshan Buddha which was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1996. It lies in the southern part of the Sichuan basin, seven kilometers southwest of Emeishan City. The mountain range of which it is a part stretches more than 200 kilometers from south to north. Emei Shan's main peak, Wanfo Peak, is 3,099 meters (10,167 feet) above sea level.
Temples were built on the mountain as early as the Eastern Han Dynasty and Buddhism was introduced to the mountain during the Jin Dynasty. In the Ming and Qing dynasties there were more than 150 temples. Baoguo Temple is the center of Buddhist activities on Mt Emei, and is guarded by a pair of Ming dynasty stone lions. Qingyin Pavilion, with its fine twin bridges, is a scenic high point. Other scenic highlights are the Wannian Temple, the Xianfeng Temple and the Golden Summit.
The area is rich in plant and animal life and is particularly rewarding for birdwatchers. There is one species of bird (the Omei Shan Liocichla) that is found only on the slopes of Emeishan and adjacent mountains. Climbers nearly always encounter macaque monkeys which will come quite close demanding food. While they are not dangerous, it's a good idea to keep them happy! The climb to the summit is immensely popular, and takes most people a full day, plus another day for the descent. (The stamina of some of the older pilgrims is sure to surprise you.) The monasteries along the way and at the top offer overnight accommodation for travelers at reasonable prices. Temperatures at the top of mountain are 15 degrees lower than at the foot, so make sure you take warm clothing and spare food.
Getting There: Travelers can get there directly by train on the Chengdu-Kunming line. Visitors can also go by bus from Chengdu's Xinnan Men Bus Station or from Leshan to Mt. Emei. There are many buses traveling to the area.
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