Things to do in Éméi Shān
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Golden Summit Temple
The magnificent but clearly recently renovated Golden Summit Temple at the Golden Summit (Jīn Dǐng; 3077m) is as far as most hikers make it. Covered with glazed tiles and surrounded by white marble balustrades, the temple now occupies 1695 sq metres. The original temple had a bronze-coated roof, which is how it got the name Jīn Dǐng (which can also mean 'Gold Top').
It's constantly overrun with tourists, pilgrims and monks, and you'll be continuously bumped and jostled. Sadly, the sun rarely forces its way through the mists up here.
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Long Life Monastery
Reconstructed in the 9th century, Long Life Monastery is the oldest surviving Éméi temple. It's dedicated to the man on the white elephant, the Bodhisattva Puxian, who is the protector of the mountain. This 8.5m-high statue is dated from AD 980, cast in copper and bronze and weighs an estimated 62,000kg.
If you can manage to rub the elephant's hind leg, good luck will be cast upon you. The statue is housed in Brick Hall, a domed building with small stupas on it and the only building left unharmed in a 1945 fire.
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Pure Sound Pavilion
Named after the sound effects produced by rapid waters coursing around rock formations, this temple is built on an outcrop in the middle of a fast-flowing stream. Small pavilions here are great for appreciating the natural music. It's possible to swim here, although the water is only likely to be warm enough during the summer months.
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Elephant Bathing Pool
According to legend, Elephant Bathing Pool is where Pǔxián flew his elephant in for a big scrub, but today there's not much of a pool to speak of. Being almost at the crossroads of both major trails, the temple here is often crowded with pilgrims.
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Declare Nation Temple
Constructed in the 16th century, Declare Nation Temple features rare plants and a 3.5m-high porcelain Buddha that was made in 1415, which is housed near the Sutra Library.
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Crouching Tiger Monastery
The renovated Crouching Tiger Monastery is hidden deep within the forest. Inside is a 7m-high copper pagoda inscribed with Buddhist images and texts.
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Immortal Peak Monastery
Somewhat off the beaten track, the Immortal Peak Monastery is backed by rugged cliffs, surrounded by fantastic scenery and oozing with character.
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Ten Thousand Buddha Summit
From the Golden Summit it was once common to hike to Ten Thousand Buddha Summit, but most pilgrims now just take the monorail.
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Jiulao Cave
Near the Immortal Peak Monastery, the Jiulao Cave is inhabited by oversized bats.
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Xiānfēng Temple
Somewhat off the beaten track, this well-looked-after monastery is backed by rugged cliffs and surrounded by fantastic scenery.
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Wànnián Temple
Reconstructed in the 9th century, Wànnián Temple is the oldest surviving Éméi temple. It's dedicated to the man on the white elephant, the Bodhisattva Pǔxián (also known as Samantabhadra), the Buddhist Lord of Truth and protector of the mountain. This 8.5m-high statue cast in copper and bronze dates from AD 980 and weighs an estimated 62,000kg. If you can manage to rub the elephant's hind leg, good luck will be cast upon you. The statue is housed in Brick Hall, a domed building with small stupas on it and the only building left unharmed in a 1945 fire.
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Qīngyīn Pavilion
Named 'Pure Sound Pavilion' after the soothing sounds of the waters coursing around rock formations, this temple is built on an outcrop in the middle of a fast-flowing stream. Rest in one of the small pavilions here while you appreciate the natural 'music'.
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Nathan's Cafe
With a small outdoor seating area on lively 'Food Street', this place does Western breakfasts, simple noodle dishes and all the Sìchuān classics. Some English spoken.
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Jīndǐng Temple
The magnificent Jīndǐng Temple is at the Golden Summit (Jīn Dǐng; 3077m), commonly referred to as the mountain's highest peak. Covered with glazed tiles and surrounded by white marble balustrades, the renovated temple, which now occupies 1695 sq metres, is quite striking. In front of the temple, the unmissable 48m-tall golden statue Multi-dimensional Samantabhadra (十方普贤; Shífāng Pǔxián) honours mountain protector Puxian and was added in 2006.
The mountain's highest point is actually nearby Wànfó Dǐng (Ten Thousand Buddha Summit) at 3099m, but it has been closed to visitors for some years now.
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Fúhǔ Temple
Located about 1km from Bàoguó Temple, Fúhǔ Temple is hidden deep within the forest. It houses a 7m-high copper pagoda inscribed with Buddhist images and texts.
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'Ecological' Monkey Zone
Between Qīngyīn Pavilion and Hóngchūn Píng is the first place most hikers encounter the mountain's infamous monkeys. Despite the area's 'ecological' moniker, attendants here alternately feed the monkeys and, when they get too aggressive, chase them away with sticks and slingshots.
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Bàoguó Temple
Constructed in the 16th century, this temple features beautiful gardens of rare plants, as well as a 3.5m-high porcelain Buddha dating back to 1415, which is housed near the Sutra Library.
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