3-Day Chengdu Self-Drive: Mount Emei + Leshan Giant Buddha + Suji Ancient Town Loop
Planning a 3-day self-drive from Chengdu? This loop tour covers Mount Emei, the Leshan Giant Buddha, and the charming Suji Ancient Town. Enjoy scenic views, local food, comfortable stays, and a hassle-free itinerary—all on a budget of around 600 RMB per person. Perfect for travelers who love flexibility and adventure.
Day 1: Chengdu → Suji Ancient Town → Leshan → Stay in Leshan
8:00 AM: Depart Chengdu via G5 Jingkun Expressway. Take the exit to Suji Ancient Town (toll 58 RMB).
9:00 AM: Stop at Fangfang Qiaojiao Beef for fresh beef and offal dishes.
10:00 AM: Explore Suji Ancient Town (free entry), a peaceful, less-crowded spot perfect for photos and strolling.
11:30 AM: Drive to Leshan (20 minutes, toll 10 RMB).
12:00 PM: Arrive at Leshan Giant Buddha Visitor Center, buy tickets (80 RMB + 70 RMB boat ride). Take a boat cruise to view the full Buddha without climbing—relaxed and scenic.
2:00 PM: Stroll Zhanggongqiao Food Street, try local snacks like Yangzi fried skewers (3 RMB each) and Yepopo spicy hotpot skewers (40 RMB per person).
Stay: Leshan city “Leshan Home Guesthouse” (180 RMB/night) with balcony and comfortable amenities.
Day 2: Leshan → Mount Emei → Qingyin Pavilion → Stay on Mount Emei
9:00 AM: Drive from Leshan to Mount Emei (30 minutes, toll 15 RMB), park at Bao Guo Temple Visitor Center (10 RMB/day).
Tickets: Mount Emei admission 160 RMB + sightseeing bus 90 RMB.
Sightseeing: Take the sightseeing bus to Qingyin Pavilion (40 minutes), explore the pavilion and Yixiantian (One-Line Sky).
3:00 PM: Return to the mountain foot and check in at “Emei Home Guesthouse” (180 RMB/night, parking available).
Evening: Enjoy local street food on “Haoche Street,” try Xú barbecue with a cup of Emei snow tea—delicious and satisfying.
Day 3: Mount Emei Golden Summit → Return to Chengdu
3:30 AM: Wake up early, take the sightseeing bus to Leidongping (1.5 hours).
Ascend: Ride the cable car to Golden Summit (120 RMB round-trip).
6:40 AM: Watch sunrise, visit the Samantabhadra Statue and She Shen Cliff.
9:00 AM: Descend via cable car.
11:00 AM: Lunch at Emei Xiangcai Restaurant, enjoy river-style shredded eel noodles.
12:00 PM: Drive back to Chengdu. On the way, stop for local souvenirs: Zhao Duck Sweet Skin Duck and Emei Snow Bud Tea.
Loop Advantages
No backtracking: covers 3 attractions efficiently.
Flexible self-drive: stop and eat whenever you like, explore at your own pace.
Cost Breakdown (per person)
Tickets: Mount Emei 160 + Leshan 80 + boat 70 = 310 RMB
Sightseeing Bus: 90 RMB
Cable Car: 120 RMB
Accommodation: 540 RMB
Food: 400 RMB
Fuel & Tolls: 200 RMB
Total: ~600 RMB per person
This 3-day self-drive loop combines cultural exploration, scenic highlights, and local food experiences, perfect for travelers who want freedom and comfort. Book your personalized Mount Emei, Leshan, and Chengdu tour with our Chengdu Travel Agency for a stress-free and unforgettable journey.
Travel Tips:
Start early to avoid crowds, especially on Mount Emei.
Bring warm clothing for early mornings on the Golden Summit.
Book tickets and accommodations in advance for peak seasons.
Self-drive allows flexible stops at scenic spots and food streets along the route.
