Exploring Mount Emei
The monasteries were built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, who also left amazing cultural and historical treasures. The four scenic regions of Mountain Emei are the Baoguo Temple, the Wannian Temple, the Qingyin Pavilion and the Golden Summit. Its highest peak is the Golden Summit, with an altitude of 3,079.3 meters. Atop Emei, the sunrise is most spectacular and so is the famous Clouds Sea, as the mountain is enveloped in a wonderful blanket of clouds.
Emei was listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site, in 1996. One of the enchanting cultural features of the sacred Mount Emei is the largest stone Buddha in the world; the Giant Buddha of Leshan. It is carved seventy one meters high on the side of the cliff face, overlooking the river.
Emei Shan is also abundant with subtropical and subalpine vegetation. There are trees on its slopes that are over 1,000 years old! The wildlife is magnificent, with species such as the Liocichla bird and the Macaques monkeys. There are many water features, such as waterfall, streams and springs, that offer a sensational aspect to the lush green surroundings.
Human activity of Mt Emei dates back an astounding 5,000 years, and it is thought to be the birthplace of Buddhism in the Yangtze Valley. The Emperor Xuanyuan also visited Emei to learn Taoist thoughts.
Puxian is the patron bodhisattva of Emei. When looked upon from a distance, Mount Emei resembles the eyebrows of a beautiful maiden and its name means 'long eyebrows'. These cultural and natural wonders offer a most extraordinary adventure for any traveler. The towering peaks of Emei, along with its lush valleys, and the sounds of animals and birdsongs are inspirational and awe-inspiring.