How do we see the Giant Buddha?

Two ways: walk the cliff-side plank road right beside the Buddha's head and feet, or take a river cruise (~1 hour) that frames the whole 71-meter statue from the water. We recommend doing both if time allows.

How long is the drive from Chengdu?

About 2 hours each way on the Chengdu-Leshan expressway. The round trip plus 3-4 hours on site makes a full but comfortable day.

Can I combine Leshan with Emei Mountain?

Yes — Emei is only 45 minutes from Leshan. Our Emei + Leshan combo page covers the 2-day version, or you can do both in one very long day.

How much does it cost?

Full-day private car starts from $120 for a sedan (1-3), $160 for a GL8 (4-6), $240 for a V-Class (7-8). Entrance and cruise tickets are paid locally.

Is the cliff walk strenuous?

There are many steps (the famous 'nine bends'), but it is manageable for most people. The plank road beside the Buddha can be narrow and busy; go early to avoid queues.

Leshan Giant Buddha Private Car from Chengdu | Private Car

The Leshan Giant Buddha (Dafo) is a 71-meter stone statue carved into a red-cliff face where the Min, Qingyi and Dadu rivers meet — the tallest pre-modern Buddha in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. View it from above on the cliff paths or from a river cruise that frames the whole statue.

Leshan is about 150 km south of Chengdu, roughly 2 hours by car. We provide a private vehicle with a driver who waits while you explore. From $120 — pair it with Emei Mountain for a 2-day combo.

Distances & Driving Time

Route	Distance	Driving Time
Chengdu city center to Leshan Giant Buddha	~150 km	~2 hours
Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to Leshan	~130 km	~1.5-2 hours
Leshan Giant Buddha to Emei Mountain	~40 km	~45 min
Leshan to Chengdu High-Speed Rail Station	~150 km	~2 hours

Private Car Rates

Full-day charter (~9 hours) with professional driver. Choose the cliff-path walk or the river cruise (or both). Driver waits at the scenic area.

Vehicle	Seats	Rate
VW Passat / Toyota Camry (Sedan)	1-3 pax	$120
Buick GL8 MPV	4-6 pax	$160
Mercedes V-Class	7-8 pax	$240