Mount Emei Hiking Pitfall Guide: Avoid These Mistakes and Save 2 Hours!
If you’re planning to hike Mount Emei, learning from others’ mistakes can save you time and energy. Last week, I encountered 3 major pitfalls that cost me 2 extra hours on the trail! Here’s a detailed guide with 10 key tips for safe, efficient, and enjoyable hiking. Perfect for first-time visitors and adventure travelers booking with a trusted Chengdu travel agency.
1. Don’t Hike the Entire Route from Baoguo Temple to Leidongping
Mistake: Attempting the full hike on foot, thinking it’s adventurous. It’s 30 km and took me 8 hours—exhausting!
Solution: Take the sightseeing bus from Baoguo Temple to Leidongping (90 RMB, 1.5 hours), then hike to the Golden Summit. Saves time and energy—perfect for beginners.
2. Be Careful Around Monkeys
Mistake: Walking from Qingyin Pavilion to Wannian Temple without noticing signs, accidentally entering the wild monkey area. Monkeys stole my backpack!
Solution: Only visit the designated “Five Xiang Gang → Monkey Zone” guided by staff. Buy official monkey feed (5 RMB per bag) and avoid carrying snacks.
3. Don’t Queue for the Wrong Cable Car
Mistake: Following the crowd at Leidongping, waiting an hour, only to realize it’s the downhill cable car.
Solution: The uphill cable car is at Jieyin Hall, a 20-minute walk from Leidongping. Follow signs for “Golden Summit Cable Car (Up)” and don’t follow the wrong line.
4. Wear the Right Shoes
Mistake: Wearing sneakers; slippery paths after rain almost caused a fall.
Solution: Wear anti-slip hiking shoes (recommended: Camel, Toread). Bring crampons on rainy days (available for rent at the scenic area, 20 RMB/pair).
5. Bring Your Own Water
Mistake: Buying bottled water at Golden Summit for 10 RMB each—expensive!
Solution: Buy water at the base (3 RMB/bottle) and carry a small backpack. Along the trail, stores at Xixin Lodge and Xixiangchi sell water for 5 RMB.
6. Avoid Staying on Golden Summit
Mistake: Booking a Golden Summit hotel at 800 RMB/night—small room, no hot water.
Solution: Stay at base guesthouses (180–200 RMB/night). Cost-effective, comfortable, and convenient for grabbing the first sightseeing bus to the summit.
7. Don’t Follow “Unofficial Guides” for Shortcuts
Mistake: Paying 50 RMB to a random guide for a “shortcut” that ended up taking an extra hour.
Solution: Stick to official trail signs or use the “Mount Emei Scenic Area” app for navigation. Avoid strangers offering shortcuts.
8. Don’t Hike from Xixiangchi to Golden Summit in Rain
Mistake: Risky slippery trails and falling rocks.
Solution: On rainy days, take the cable car to Golden Summit. Safety first!
9. Don’t Miss the Stream Trail from Wannian Temple to Qingyin Pavilion
Mistake: Taking the sightseeing bus and skipping the 2-hour trail.
Solution: Hike this trail to enjoy bamboo forests, streams, and serene scenery—highly recommended for a peaceful experience.
10. Plan Your Return Before the Last Bus
Mistake: Descending from Golden Summit at 5 PM and missing the last sightseeing bus—costly taxi (150 RMB).
Solution: The last sightseeing bus from Leidongping departs at 4:30 PM. Plan ahead to avoid extra costs.
Tips for Booking & Planning:
Book your Mount Emei hiking tour through a reliable Chengdu travel agency for guided support, transportation, and local tips.
Include hiking essentials in your itinerary: trekking poles, anti-slip shoes, water, snacks, and a light backpack.
Combine your hike with local experiences: try traditional Sichuan cuisine along the route, visit nearby temples, and enjoy the natural scenery.
Following this pitfall guide will help you hike Mount Emei efficiently, safely, and enjoyably, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned adventurer.
