Today we made our way to Emeishan where we explored the steep cliffs, lofty peaks and forests. The slopes of Emei Shan have been inhabited since as early as 10,000 years ago. It was originally a Taoist retreat, but became a sacred Buddhist mountain by the 3rd century AD. Pugong, a medicinal plant farmer, built the Puguang Hall on the Golden Summit in the 1st century AD. Emei Shan literally means "Delicate Eyebrow Mountain" — it derives its name from two peaks...

This morning we were up early and made our way down to the river front and took a short boat ride to the Leshan Grand Buddha. This Buddha was built in the 9th Century under the direction of Haitong, a monk who felt the presence of Buddha would help calm the waters below so that shipping vessels could make their journey safely. At 71 metres tall, the statue depicts a seated Maitreya Buddha with his hands resting on his knees. His shoulders are 28 metres wi...