Emei Shan

Hiking all the way to the Jinding (Golden Summit) from the base typically takes about two to three days for a standard trekking pace. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus to Leidongping and then ride a cable car to the 3,099-meter summit in just a few hours.

The Tibetan macaques on Emei Shan are notoriously aggressive and are known to steal food and belongings from tourists. You should keep all snacks completely hidden in your backpack and avoid provoking them, as park authorities advise keeping a safe distance.

There are several accommodation options right on the mountain itself, ranging from monasteries to modern hotels. Many hikers choose to sleep in Buddhist temples like the Baoguo Temple or the Leiyin Temple to experience monastic life and get an early start on the trails.

At 3,099 meters, the Golden Summit features a massive, multi-faced golden statue of Samantabhadra (Puxian). The site is famous for its breathtaking views of the sea of clouds, though temperatures at the summit can drop below freezing even in the summer.