Winter Mount Emei Self-Drive: Snow Views + Hot Springs, Secret Crowd-Free Route
Winter in Mount Emei is magical! Beyond the famous Golden Summit, this self-drive itinerary lets you enjoy snow-covered landscapes, soak in hot springs, and avoid the crowds. Perfect for travelers who want a relaxing and scenic winter escape.
Day 1: Chengdu → Mount Emei → Leidongping Snow Spot → Hot Springs
Start at 9:00 AM from Chengdu, driving via the G5 Jingkun Expressway. Navigate to Mount Emei Zero-Kilometer Parking Lot. In winter, this lot is open and saves about 1 hour of sightseeing bus travel. Toll fee: 58 RMB; parking: 20 RMB/day (slightly higher than the base, but very convenient).
Take the sightseeing bus to Leidongping (30 minutes). Winter roads may be icy, but the park salts the roads, so it’s safe. By 12:00 PM, arrive at Leidongping, where snow-covered pine trees create a fairy-tale scene. A 10-minute walk takes you to the small ski area (50 RMB entrance, ski board rental 120 RMB for 2 hours), suitable for beginners. Enjoy snow activities until 3:00 PM.
At 4:00 PM, drive to Hongzhu Mountain Hotel (500 RMB/night), with on-site hot springs. The spring pool is surrounded by bamboo, offering a warm soak with snowy views. After soaking, enjoy a cup of ginger tea to warm up. Dinner at Winter Hot Springs Food Street is a must: Feng Si Niang Leshan Foot-Tapping Beef (38 RMB) and Spicy Blood Tofu Soup (18 RMB), perfect for warming the body in winter.
Day 2: Golden Summit Snow Views → Return to Chengdu
Wake up at 5:00 AM and take the sightseeing bus to Leidongping (1.5 hours), then take the cable car to the Golden Summit (first ride at 6:00 AM in winter). By 7:00 AM, enjoy a breathtaking panorama of snow-covered peaks, the Buddha statues, and sea of clouds. The Puxian Buddha draped in snow is especially majestic—perfect for photography.
After exploring the summit, take the cable car down. Stop by the Old-Style Tofu Pudding Shop for breakfast: beef tofu pudding (12 RMB) and crispy stuffed flatbread (8 RMB). By 11:00 AM, return to Chengdu. On the way, pick up Mount Emei Snow Tea Leaves (80 RMB per box) as souvenirs.
Winter Travel Tips for Mount Emei
Some routes to the Golden Summit may be closed; check park announcements in advance.
Rent or bring snow chains for your car (100 RMB per pair at the entrance).
Limit hot spring sessions to 20 minutes to avoid dizziness.
Dress warmly; layers are essential for Mount Emei’s winter temperatures.
This winter self-drive itinerary is perfect for travelers who want a quiet, scenic Mount Emei experience. Chengdu Travel Agency offers personalized self-drive Mount Emei tours, including winter snow trips, hot spring visits, and local cuisine recommendations. Experience the best of Sichuan culture, Leshan foot-tapping beef, hot springs, and Mount Emei snow landscapes without the crowds!
