Mount Emei

Mount Emei

Mount Emei is a national scenic area, a AAAAA-level tourist attraction, and a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site.

Mount Emei is one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains. It is located in the southwest of the Sichuan Basin, within Emei County in central-southern Sichuan, approximately 160 kilometers from Chengdu and seven kilometers southwest of Emeishan City. Towering above the Five Great Mountains, it is renowned as the most beautiful under heaven. Among China’s famous scenic mountains, Mount Emei is arguably the highest, with its tallest peak, Wanfoding, standing at an elevation of 3,099 meters. The mountain stretches 23 kilometers from north to south, covering an area of 115 square kilometers. For centuries, Mount Emei has been world-famous for its stunning natural scenery and legendary Buddhist heritage. It is elegant, majestic, and enchantingly beautiful. With its winding mountain ranges, countless cliffs and valleys, waterfalls, streams, and exquisite serenity, it has earned the reputation as “the most beautiful place under heaven.” On December 6, 1996, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage List.

Like a vast emerald screen, Mount Emei rises in the southwest of the Chengdu Plain. Its gracefully curved and gentle mountain silhouette resembles the face and delicate eyebrows of a maiden, which is why it has long been called “Emei” (meaning “lovely brows”). Spanning over 200 kilometers, Mount Emei is connected to the Qionglai Mountain Range, a branch of the “spine of Asia”—the Kunlun Mountains. The entire Mount Emei consists of four peaks: Da’e (Big Emei), Er’e (Second Emei), San’e (Third Emei), and Si’e (Fourth Emei). The area most visited by tourists is Da’e, where spectacular peaks and scenic sites are clustered. This is what people commonly refer to today as “Mount Emei.”

Rising abruptly from the flatlands, Mount Emei is majestic, beautiful, ancient, and mystical. It is world-renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, profound Buddhist culture, rich flora and fauna, and unique geological features. It has been called a “fairy mountain and Buddhist kingdom,” a “kingdom of plants,” a “paradise for animals,” and a “geological museum,” and is often praised as “the most beautiful place under heaven.” The Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai wrote: “Shu has many fairy mountains, but Emei stands peerless;” the Ming Dynasty poet Zhou Hongmo praised: “The beauty of the Three Emei Peaks surpasses all under heaven—why cross the sea to seek Penglai?” The contemporary literary giant Guo Moruo inscribed Mount Emei as the “Famous Mountain Under Heaven.” Throughout the ages, Mount Emei has been a sacred destination for Buddhist worship, sightseeing, scientific research, and leisure retreats. For thousands of years, it has enjoyed enduring popularity with ceaseless pilgrims and visitors, forever retaining its charm.

Further Reading:

· First Batch of National Scenic Areas

Fuhu Temple on Mount Emei

Bailong Cave on Mount Emei

Moon over Mount Emei

Wannian Temple

Xixin Temple

Xiangxiang Pool

Baoguo Temple

Natural Ecological Monkey Zone

Welcome Beach