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Giant Buddha ticket and boat cruise

Hi!

I was looking for information about Giant Buddha in Leshan. I have the questions:

1) As i see, tickets MUST be bought in advance (no tickets for the same day bought after arriving)?

2) I have searched a lot online and it is still not clear where exactly do you take the boat, i have found about a "Baxiandong wharf"which should be north, other sources say about Wuyou Temple pier and even Jiazhou Pier... Wuyou temple pier should be near Wuyou temple...

They also say about a shuttle bus which can be taken to Wuyou pier...

A lot of unclear information on the english sites.

Visiting the Leshan Giant Buddha is a popular day trip from Chengdu, and there are a few key points to clarify regarding tickets and the boat cruise.

1) Ticket Purchase: For high season (including summer months), it is strongly recommended to buy tickets in advance online. While in theory you can buy tickets on arrival, in practice they often sell out quickly, especially for the same day. Pre-booking ensures you won’t be turned away or have to wait in long queues. Tickets cover the entry to the Giant Buddha scenic area, and there may be a separate fee for the boat cruise.

2) Boat Cruise Locations: The boat allows you to see the Buddha from the river, which gives a perspective that the land-side path doesn’t offer. There are several points mentioned online, which can be confusing:

  • Baxiandong Wharf: Located on the north side of the river. Some sources refer to this as the main departure point for the boat cruise.
  • Wuyou Temple Pier: Close to Wuyou Temple and the scenic area, it is convenient if you are already exploring the temple. Some shuttle buses from the main entrance or parking area can drop you near this pier.
  • Jiazhou Pier: Another potential departure point, slightly farther from the main scenic area. Less commonly used for tourists but sometimes listed on travel websites.

3) Shuttle Bus: There is indeed a shuttle service that runs from the main entrance area toward Wuyou Temple and the pier for the boat. This is convenient if you want to avoid a long walk from the ticketing area to the river dock.

4) Recommendation: For first-time visitors, the easiest way is to:

  • Pre-book your scenic area ticket online.
  • Enter the scenic area from the main entrance.
  • Take the shuttle bus to Wuyou Temple pier if you want to do the boat cruise.
  • Alternatively, walk to the pier near Wuyou Temple; the walking path is scenic but may take 15-20 minutes.

In summary, tickets can sell out for same-day entry, so pre-booking is recommended. The boat cruise can be taken from Wuyou Temple pier or Baxiandong Wharf, with shuttle options available for convenience. Planning ahead will save time and make your visit much smoother.

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