Set amidst breathtaking natural backdrops and steeped in history, the Emeishan National Park is an enchanting getaway in China’s Sichuan province. Encompassing Mount Emei, this famed park takes visitors on an exciting journey back in time as it were, letting you explore ancient sites and religious monuments that are very much a part of the country’s rich heritage.
China’s earliest Buddhist temple was in fact constructed here and its origins date back to the 1st century A.D. Throughout the centuries, the area became home to a large number of other temples and monasteries each offering something new to see and discover. Part of the site’s charm is undoubtedly its awe-inspiring natural scenery that include ancient pine forests which have stood patiently on watch for over hundreds of years.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Emei towers to a height of around 3,099 metres, providing amazing vistas of the surroundings. It is also one of four of the country’s sacred Buddhist Mountains and is home to a rich and diverse biodiversity as well. On your adventures, you are likely to come across Tibetan Macaques who are quite unafraid of human visitors. This national park is also known to be home to such endangered species as the red panda, grey-hooded parrot bill, Chinese giant salamander and the Asiatic golden cat.
An ideal place for hiking, the Emeishan National Park also features cable cars to the summit for those looking for more laidback, but nonetheless enthralling sightseeing outings. Definitely make time to head to what is known as the Golden Summit where one can bear witness to the fantastic natural spectacle referred to as the ‘Cloud Sea’. Other landmarks at Mount Emei include Baoguo Temple, the Wan-nian Monastery, Jiu Lao Cave, Leiyin Monastery, Jin Ding Temple and the extraordinary Giant Buddha of Leshan which at a height of 71 metres is truly remarkable.
If you are looking to explore this truly wondrous site, look to stay at a Sichuan hotel that offers easy access to the Emeishan National Park. When it comes to such well-placed Emeishan hotels, Anantara Emei Resort & Spa, China is definitely worth considering since it is ideally located at the foot of Emei Mountain.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
