Emei Mountain

Emei Mountain (峨嵋山, emei shan) is an example of one of China’s holy mountains. Emei Mountain is mountain in Sichuan province that reaches over 3000 meters above sea level and includes many beautifully decorated Buddhist temples and shrines on the way to the top.

Along with the temples, the scenery is the second main attraction at Emei Mountain. The sunrise from the top of the mountain is renowned for its beauty, but cloudless mornings are rare. Much of the path leading up is wooded but views overlooking mist-covered cliffs are common. On the upper half of the mountain it’s possible to see nearby hills jutting out of the clouds.

Mount Emei is still a center for pilgrimage in China. Pilgrims and travellers from all over China come to visit the mountain and pray at the temples.

The hike to the top of Emei Shan is fairly strenuous: the path is 50 km long, so budget two or three days to walk up and down. A fast hiker might be able to get up the mountain in 10 hours. Hikers should wear good shoes and weather appropriate clothing. Raingear is advised from June to September.

In winter the upper parts of the mountain are quite cold and ice and snow lines the steps leading up.

There are two routes to the top of the mountain that converge halfway up. Maps can be purchased at the bottom of the mountain with details about which temples are on which route.

The mountain has two cable cars to take those that don’t want to walk. It’s also possible to catch a tour bus from the town at the base of the mountain. This is good for those that don’t have time to walk but also only allows travellers to see a few of the temples on the mountain.


History

Buddhism first came to Emei Mountain in the 1st century AD as part of the first influx of Buddhism into China from India, making it one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in all of China. In the 9th century Mount Emei received more Indian influence as a group of Chinese Tang Dynasty delegates passed the mountain on their way back from India and commissioned more temples to be built.

The later Ming Dynasty (14th – 17th centuries) restored many of the old shrines and temples and converted old Taoist temples on the mountain into Buddhist ones. The mountain was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Temples and Shrines

Over 30 Buddhist temples lead the way up the path, each with unique architecture and history. Some of the temples are large and expansive while others are small shrines.

Baoguo Temple (报国寺, baoguo si): Located at the foot of the mountain, Baoguo Temple is home to a spectacular porcelain Buddha statue. It is also the site of major, active religious services.

Wannian Temple (万年寺, wannian si): Dating from the Jin Dynasty over 1500 years ago, the Wannian Temple (also known as the Temple of Long Life) is known for the bronze statue of the Puxian Boddhisattva. The statue is in honor of the mountain’s patron saint and has survived numerous fires over of the years.

Elephant Bathing Pool (洗像池, xixiang chi): This temple has a small pool beside it. According to legend, a Buddhist holy figure once rode an elephant through the mountain and his elephant stopped here to bathe along the way.
   

Who should go: Outdoor enthusiasts will love the breathtaking views on the way up the temple and hiking the mountain is a serious physical challenge. Tourists that want to see one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage spots in China should also take a trip to Emei Mountain.


When to go: Emei Mountain is possible to visit year-round. The temperature between the bottom of the mountain and the peak vary widely. In the summer, the foot of the mountain can be extremely hot and humid while the top is fairly cool. In winter, snow generally covers the upper part. This is an excellent time for those that want the mountain to themselves to visit.


Price: The entry ticket is 120 RMB and several of the larger temples charge small entrance fees as well. There are two cable cars that go up the mountain, each with a price of 70 RMB for a round-trip ticket. Hikers can find accommodation in many of the temples along the way; expect to pay about 50 to 100 RMB per night.


How to get there: Travellers will need to first head to Sichuan’s provincial capital Chengdu (成都), which has train and plane connections with other major cities. From there, buses leave Xinnanmen bus station (新南门车站) to Emei Town (峨嵋市) throughout the day. Once in Emei Town you can take a short taxi ride to the bottom of the mountain at Baoguo Temple (报国寺).


Safety: Various points along the mountain are infested with groups of monkeys. These areas are marked with warning signs. The monkeys can be very aggressive and hikers shouldn’t offer them food. Canes are sold along the way up the mountain to fend off attacking monkeys.

In the winter, the steps that lead up the mountain can be covered in ice. Ice crampons that can be tied onto shoes should be purchased from vendors along the way to prevent slipping.