Mount Emei

The stock image of China's craggy peaks romantically entwined with the smoky white mist, Emeishan contains an abundance of natural beauty which has attracted visitors to its peaks for thousands of years. One of China's four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, Emeishan is the home of the first Buddhist temple in China and dates back to 1st century. Long an important pilgrimage for followers of the Buddhist faith, the mountain is dotted with monasteries and temples filled with Tibetan Buddhist scripture and text.

With over 200 plant species, including cedars, firs and pine, and a wealth of resident wildlife, including indigenous species such as the Emei Music Frog and the Tibetan Macaque, Emeishan has also long been an important pilgrimage site for botanists and zoologists.

One of the most imposing artefacts on Emeishan is the statue of Samantabhadra, an imposing golden stupa which has this bodhisattva sitting on four elephants, each looking in a different direction. Baoguo Temple too makes for a worthwhile visit during your time in Emeishan. Built in the 16th century, the temple is home to a large porcelain statue of Buddha which dates back to the beginning of the 15th century. The gardens of this temple are home to an array of beautiful flora and nearby you can see the lighting of incense candles by Buddhist spiritualists.

Located south of Chengdu, Emeishan is a great escape from city life and a great way to be one with nature. With cool breezes, stunning views and adventurous walks, Emeishan is a natural wonderland.