About This Experience

Mount Emei (Emeishan) is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China, rising to 3,099 metres in Sichuan province. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996, the mountain is home to dozens of monasteries dating back to the 1st century AD. The combination of cultural heritage and natural beauty — lush subtropical forests, waterfalls, and dramatic peaks — makes it one of China's most rewarding climbs.

What to Expect

The traditional hiking route takes one to two days, passing through dense forests, past Buddhist temples, and along stone staircases carved into the mountainside. At the Golden Summit (Jin Ding), the 48-metre Samantabhadra golden statue presides over a sea of clouds. Sunrise from the summit, when conditions allow, is one of China's most celebrated natural spectacles. Cheeky Tibetan macaques inhabit the mid-level forests — entertaining but keep your belongings secure.

Practical Tips

• The full hike from base to summit takes 1–2 days — most hikers stay overnight at a monastery guesthouse
• Cable cars are available for the final ascent to the Golden Summit
• Pack warm layers — the summit is significantly colder than the base
• Watch out for the resident monkeys — they can be aggressive around food
• Walking sticks are available for purchase at the trailhead