Emei Mountain in Winter: Rime, Snow and the Golden Summit
A Holy Mountain in White
Emei is one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains, and its summit — the Golden Summit at 3,079 meters — is crowned by a 48-meter gilded statue of Samantabhadra, the tallest golden Buddha statue in the world. In winter the whole mountain dresses in white: rime ice on the pines, snow on the temple roofs, and a sea of clouds that swallows the world below. Stand on the summit on a clear winter morning and you look out over a frozen ocean of peaks, the sacred statue glowing above it. It is one of the most spiritual winter landscapes in China — and one of the least crowded.
Winter Tickets and Changes (2026-27)
- Winter admission — about RMB 110 during the low season (roughly 15 December to 15 January); RMB 160 in the regular season
- Golden Summit limit — the summit area now sells about 8,000 entry spots per day; book early on the official Emei platform
- Temples free — since 2026 the 20+ temples on the mountain (Baoguo, Wannian, Fuhu) no longer charge separate entrance fees
- Cable cars — Golden Summit line about RMB 30 one-way in the low season; sightseeing buses run from the base area up to Leidongping
The Smart Winter Route
Most visitors take the efficient route: shuttle from the visitor center to Leidongping (about 2,430 m), walk the short forest path, then ride the cable car to the Golden Summit. This is a doable day trip from Chengdu. For a deeper experience, stay one night at Leidongping or on the summit and catch sunrise over the cloud sea. Below the summit, the mid-mountain zone of Wannian Temple, Qingyin Pavilion and the ecological monkey area offers classic forest scenery — beware the famously cheeky monkeys and keep your snacks hidden.
Practical Planning
- Getting there — high-speed rail from Chengdu to Emei (about 1 hour), then a shuttle to the base visitor center
- Cold on top — the summit runs 10-15 C colder than the base; pack a down jacket even if it feels warm in the city
- Ice gear — winter trails freeze; crampons or grippy boots are essential on the summit paths
- Pair it with — the Leshan Giant Buddha an hour away, and a hot spring at the mountain's foot (Lingxiu or Yujia) to warm up after
About the Author — Sam · Senior Travel Planner, 8+ years crafting China trips
Sam has spent eight winters planning and personally testing ice-and-snow routes across China, from Harbin's ice city to the powder of Altay. Every price, hour and route in this guide is checked against official sources before it reaches you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Emei Mountain open in winter?
Yes. The Golden Summit cable car runs in winter (about 7:30-18:00 depending on the line), and the low season runs roughly 15 December to 15 January.
Do I need to book the Golden Summit in advance?
Yes. The summit area limits daily entry to about 8,000 people; reserve tickets and bus seats on the official Emei platform before you go.
Are the temples really free now?
Yes. Since 2026 the 20+ temples on the mountain, including Baoguo and Wannian, no longer charge separate entrance fees.
How cold is the summit in winter?
Around -5 to -15 C in January, 10-15 C colder than the base. Down jackets, gloves and grippy shoes are essential, plus crampons on icy paths.
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