Things To Do
in Leshan

A shared, spicy broth cooked at the table with meats, vegetables and tofu; many local restaurants offer milder broths for non-spicy eaters. Found across Leshan—try a popular local hotpot restaurant for an authentic experience.

Must-Try!

River fish grilled or braised with a fragrant chilli and peppercorn sauce, often served on a sizzling platter—available at riverside restaurants and specialty grilled-fish eateries.

Spicy, savory noodles with minced pork, preserved vegetables and a sesame or peanut sauce; widely available at small noodle shops and street stalls.

Soft tofu in a spicy, numbing sauce with minced pork—ubiquitous in Sichuan restaurants and a good introduction to local flavors.

Vibrant evening stalls selling skewers, buns, local sweets, and grilled fish. Try spicy skewers (chuan), fried dumplings, and local rice cake snacks.

Daytime market with fresh produce, spices and snacks—great for sampling pickles, preserved vegetables, and handmade pastries.

Dress modestly and speak quietly at temples; follow posted rules, do not climb on religious statues, and ask before photographing monks or worshippers.

A simple 你好 (nǐ hǎo) and 谢谢 (xiè xiè) go a long way. Public displays of affection are less common, and modest behavior in public spaces is appreciated.

Queueing can be less formal than in Western countries—be patient, but stand your ground politely; at busy tourist sites follow local lines and staff directions.

Haggling is acceptable at street markets and for souvenirs but not at fixed-price shops or restaurants—start politely and expect to negotiate on small-market goods.

Tipping is not customary in most local restaurants and many service workers; in tourist-oriented hotels and for private guides or drivers a small tip is appreciated but not expected. For boat or guide services, rounding up or a modest tip is fine.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate China and are accepted almost everywhere; many places in Leshan also accept cash (RMB). International credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants, but less so at small vendors—carry some cash or set up mobile payment if possible.

Mild temperatures and blooming plants make spring pleasant for sightseeing and hiking; occasional rain and fog are common—pack a light rain jacket.

Hot, humid and often rainy (monsoon-like showers). Expect higher humidity, thunderstorms and lush green scenery; carry sun protection and insect repellent.

Cooler, drier weather with clear skies—one of the best times to visit for hiking and photography as temperatures are comfortable and visibility is good.

Chilly and damp rather than severely cold; occasional fog and low clouds on mountains reduce visibility—pack layers and a warm waterproof jacket.

Leshan has had plans for local airport development, but currently commercial options are limited—check current services before planning; most travelers use regional airports in nearby cities.

Approximately 2–3 hours by road; regional flights to domestic destinations are available—useful if connecting from the north of Sichuan.

The main international gateway for Sichuan, about 1.5–2.5 hours drive from Leshan depending on traffic; frequent flights domestically and internationally, with trains and buses connecting Chengdu and Leshan.

Newer major airport serving Chengdu and the region, slightly further than Shuangliu but increasingly used for domestic and some international flights—ground transfer to Leshan typically takes around 2–3 hours.

Vegetarian options exist, especially at temples (simple Buddhist vegetarian dishes) and some noodle shops; however many Sichuan dishes include meat or meat-based broths—ask for 素 (sù) or vegetarian versions and confirm no meat-based stock.

Vegan choices are more limited but available in temple eateries and some vegetarian restaurants; always confirm use of animal broth, lard or fish sauce, and use translation cards to explain vegan needs.

Halal restaurants exist but are not widespread—look for Muslim-run noodle shops or ask locally for 清真 (qīngzhēn) establishments; otherwise stick to vegetarian dishes if halal meat isn’t available.

Sichuan food is often spicy; request 微辣 (wēi là) for mild spice or 不辣 (bù là) for no chili, and ask for dishes to be made without Sichuan pepper if you dislike the numbing sensation.