Tours and holidays with added interest
Mount Emei
- Name in Chinese characters: 峨眉山
- Name in Pinyin: Emei Shan
General Overview
Mount Emei, or Emei Shan as it is more commonly known - even to those who do not speak Mandarin, is a gorgeous mountain to the south-west of Chengdu.
Emei Shan is one of four Sacred Buddhist Mountains in China (the other three being Wutai Shan, Putuo Shan and Jiuhua Shan). There are said to be 76 temples and monasteries located on the mountain. Emei Shan has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
Attractions For Visitors
Emei Shan can be visited in a day but to properly appreciate it requires spending at least one night on the mountain. The views in the morning are some of the best and this is also the most likely time to see the local phenomenon known as a Buddha's Halo. This is called a brockenspectre in Germany and elsewhere and is an unusual optical effect whereby a bright glow appears around the head of one's shadow cast on the clouds below.
It is possible to stay near the summit though the standards are more basic than the price would indicate. This is a service best booked in advance as there are few options. Be aware that with a summit standing at over 3000m it will be considerably colder than down in the Sichuan Basin and that you may find yourself somewhat short of breath.
Most visitors arrive by vehicle and walk up the short section to the first cable car. It is possible to walk the whole way but this generally takes a couple of days and is only for the very keen.
Many visitors make a detour on the descent to see Monkey Valley. This secluded area has been set aside as a monkey reserve. This is a great spot to get up close to the macaques; just read and obey the signs about carrying items that the monkeys may want to eat, drink or play with. You may enjoy watching the behaviour of fellow humans just as much.
Emei Shan is also famous for Kung Fu. A style developed locally is taught at the many schools in the area and this attracts enthusiasts from around the world.
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Current Comments
2 comments so far (post your own)Hi Victoria
There are a couple of options including dormitories - but twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms are also available. The issue is more that the decor and maintenance is of a much lower standard than you would expect given the prices being charged. Still - if you want the chance of seeing an amazing sunrise there's little option but to pay up and accept.
Posted by China Journeys on Mon 12 Mar, 2012
When you say that stays on the summit are basic, how basic do you mean? is it dormitory style
Posted by Victoria on Mon 12 Mar, 2012