People mostly come to Emeishan City in China’s Sichuan province as a base to explore the nearby Mount Emei, Baoguo Temple, and surrounding attractions like the Leshan Giant Buddha. While there are fewer things to do in Emeishan City than in the nearby vicinity, you'll find plenty of restaurants for delicious Sichuanese cuisine—like hot pot—and hotels for having a good rest before heading up Mount Emei. The Emeishan Railway Station is located here, connecting visitors to Chengdu and other major cities via high-speed train.
The best times to visit Emeishan City are in the spring and fall, when the temperature is best for exploring Mount Emei and the surrounding sights and temples. In April and May, the colorful azaleas are in bloom, while the trees turn red in the fall, making for some spectacular scenery. Note that the first weeks of May and October are national holidays, and the city will be jam-packed with tourists.
High-speed trains and buses easily take you to Emeishan City from major cities like Chongqing and Chengdu. Once you’ve arrived in Emeishan City, which isn’t very big, you can get around by hailing cheap and plentiful taxis or navigating the city’s bus system. Sightseeing buses take you straight to Mount Emei. It’s also possible to hire a driver, especially if you’re short on time and don’t want to deal with public transportation.
There are several ways to experience Mount Emei during your visit, but one popular option is to take a bus to Leidongping; from there, hike to Jieyin Hall and hop on the Golden Summit-bound cable car. You can also take a bus to the Wannian Temple Parking Lot, where a cable car will connect you to the Wannian Temple. It's possible to hike the whole mountain—while the approximately 10-hour hike is all steps, you'll be treated to gorgeous views.
