Located at No.362, Lingyun Road, Shizhong District, Leshan City, Sichuan Province, the Oriental Buddha Capital Scenic Area shares the same Lingyun Nine Peaks with the Leshan Giant Buddha and lies within the world "Double Heritage" protection zone. As a national 4A-level tourist attraction covering over a thousand mu of forest land, it integrates Buddhist culture, sculpture art, and natural landscapes.
The core of the scenic area features a large-scale Buddha statue complex with thousands of Buddha statues hidden in the forest and hundreds of grottoes in the mountains. All the over ten thousand exquisite Buddha statues here are the works of veteran professors from the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, with the renowned Chinese sculptor Liu Kaiqu serving as the creation consultant. The 173-meter-long outdoor reclining Buddha lies across the mountains, while the magnificent underground palace stretches nearly one kilometer, earning it the reputation of being the "Fifth Largest Grotto Group in China".
History and Culture
During the Tang Dynasty, each of the Lingyun Nine Peaks where the Leshan Giant Buddha stands once had its own temple. However, most were destroyed during the wars against the Yuan Dynasty, leaving only the Leshan Giant Buddha intact. Following ancient relics, the Oriental Buddha Capital Scenic Area aims to restore the Tang Dynasty's mountain forest Buddhist cultural landscape and continue the millennium-old Buddhist legacy.
In terms of artistic inheritance, the scenic area blends traditional Eastern sculpting principles with Western modeling techniques, integrating classical and modern elements. It not only inherits the essence of ancient Buddhist sculpture art but also injects new vitality into cultural heritage through innovative approaches, serving as an artistic corridor that solidifies historical and spiritual wealth.
Main Attractions
Ten Thousand Buddhas Cave
As the core attraction of the scenic area, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Cave was carved into the mountain, stretching over 700 meters. It consists of six sections from south to north: the Southern Grotto, Southern Passage, Middle Grotto, Northern Passage, Northern Grotto, and Underground Palace. The Buddha statues inside were meticulously carved from the original mountain stone using traditional techniques, featuring vivid expressions and incorporating Buddhist deities from around the world. It is truly a masterpiece comparable to the "Fifth Largest Grotto Group in China".
Grand Buddha Bay
Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Grand Buddha Bay features a three-tiered temple complex that descends vertically like a dragon throne. At the center of the grotto hall stands the only double-stone-pillar Mind Vehicle Grotto in China. The cave entrance symbolizes the three gates of liberation in Buddhism (the Gate of Emptiness, the Gate of Signlessness, and the Gate of Wishlessness), decorated with bodhisattva reliefs at intervals and shallow carvings of flying apsaras from Dunhuang around the porch, showcasing a unique artistic style.
Giant Reclining Buddha
Stretching 170 meters in length, the Giant Reclining Buddha is modeled after the Dazu Rock Carvings, integrating seamlessly with the natural mountain landscape. The head, located at the southern end, is 24 meters long and 32.7 meters wide, with a mouth 4.5 meters wide and 115 hair buns (each 1 meter in diameter). The foot at the northern end is 10.2 meters wide. Above the head, a carving of two dragons playing with a pearl adds to its grandeur.
Demon-Subduing Pool
Also known as the "Buddha Subduing the Demoness", this site depicts the scene from Buddhist mythology where the Buddha overcame the temptations of the three demonesses sent by Mara during his enlightenment. The main Buddha statue here is the last work of Liu Kaiqu, the founding father of Chinese sculpture, praised by Zhao Puchu as his "final solemn masterpiece". The statues on both sides span from the Northern Wei to the Song Dynasty, representing a microcosm of Chinese Buddhist art history.
Heart-Connecting Mountain
A popular attraction in Grand Buddha Bay, Heart-Connecting Mountain features 173 stone steps leading to a summit where a Buddha statue of the Past Buddha (Dipankara Buddha) stands. Steel columns and iron chains are hung with countless love locks, longevity locks, and prosperity locks visitors' prayers and wishes, making it an important cultural experience node in the scenic area.
Culinary Delights
Leshan Boboji (Marinated Skewers)
A signature snack from Leshan, Boboji consists of various ingredients skewered and marinated in spicy or Sichuan pepper-infused broth. It offers a perfect balance of spiciness and fragrance, best paired with local well-water-cooled rice cakes to relieve the heat. A must-try for all visitors!
c (Qiaojiao Beef Soup)
This century-old Leshan specialty features tender beef and offal simmered in a secret broth, served with fresh celery and coriander. Enjoy it with chili powder for dipping, or opt for a set meal with steamed vegetables. The clear broth and tender meat make it a nutritious and satisfying choice.
Sweet-Skinned Duck
A representative dish of Leshan, the duck is first marinated, then slow-cooked in spices, and finally coated in caramel and deep-fried to a crispy, golden-brown finish. The skin is sweet and crispy, while the meat remains juicy. It's a popular choice for takeaway souvenirs, with freshly fried ducks from time-honored local shops being the best.
Tickets
The entrance fee is 80 yuan per person. Prices are subject to change; please check the official website for updates.
Follow the official WeChat public account "东方佛都" for the latest information.
Online tickets are available via the official WeChat public account "乐山大佛景区".
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open from 07:30 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:30). During summer (June to August), closing time is extended to 18:30, while in winter (December to February), opening time is adjusted to 08:00. Hours may vary during special events; please confirm by phone before your visit.
Recommended Itinerary
Start at the entrance to admire the panoramic view of the 173-meter outdoor reclining Buddha → Cross the bridge to enter the Ten Thousand Buddhas Cave (explore all six sections) → Proceed to Grand Buddha Bay to view the Double-Pillar Grotto and Flying Apsaras reliefs → Visit the Demon-Subduing Pool to learn about Liu Kaiqu's sculptural legacy → Climb Heart-Connecting Mountain to hang locks for good luck → End your journey by sampling local snacks near the exit. Allow approximately 2.5 hours for this route, which can be combined with a visit to the Leshan Giant Buddha.
Transportation
- By Bus: Take Bus No.3 or 13 to "Oriental Buddha Capital" station. The scenic area entrance is just 50 meters away.
- By Car: Navigate to "Oriental Buddha Capital". The parking lot can accommodate over 200 vehicles, with a fee of 10 yuan per hour.
- By High-Speed Rail: From Leshan Station, it's a 20-minute taxi ride; from Emei Mountain Station, approximately 35 minutes.
- By Long-Distance Bus: Take a direct bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Station to Leshan (about 1.5 hours), then transfer to Bus No.3.
Must-See Attractions
- Ten Thousand Buddhas Cave: A 700-meter-long grotto corridor featuring thousands of stone-carved Buddha statues blending Dunhuang and Yungang artistic styles, representing a modern exemplar of grotto art.
- Giant Reclining Buddha: The world's longest mountain-carved reclining Buddha, seamlessly integrated with the natural landscape. The detailed dragon-carved decoration above the head makes the best photo spot at the entrance viewing platform.
- Demon-Subduing Pool: Liu Kaiqu's final masterpiece, showcasing three graceful demonesses and a main Buddha with flowing robe lines, embodying the perfect fusion of Eastern and Western sculptural aesthetics.
Travel Tips
- Wear non-slip shoes due to numerous stone steps. Carry sunscreen in summer and a light jacket for the cooler caves.
- Rent an audio guide (20 yuan) or follow the free guided tour on the official WeChat account to learn the stories behind the statues.
- Morning light is ideal for photographing outdoor Buddha statues. Visit the underground palace in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Combine your visit with the Leshan Giant Buddha and Wuyou Temple. Allow half a day for the full experience. A shuttle bus (10 yuan) is available from the exit to the Leshan Giant Buddha.
Precautions
- Flash photography is prohibited inside the grottoes to protect the Buddha statues' painted surfaces. Watch your step in slippery areas.
- Respect religious customs by refraining from climbing statues or making loud noises. Smoking is prohibited in enclosed areas like the underground palace.
- Beware of street vendors. Purchase souvenirs from clearly priced shops. For Boboji and other snacks, recommended time-honored brand include "Ye Po Po" and "Gu Zhen Ji".
- Some mountain paths may be closed during the rainy season (June to September). Check the weather forecast beforehand. Bring warm clothing in winter as the underground palace can be chilly.