Mount Emei is one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains, located south of Chengdu in Sichuan province. The highest peak, Wanfo Ding (Ten Thousand Buddha Peak), reaches 3,099 metres and has been a pilgrimage destination for nearly two thousand years. UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage site in 1996 for both its cultural and natural significance.
The mountain is densely forested and spectacularly steep, with around thirty temples clinging to its slopes at various altitudes. The most important include Baoguo Temple at the base, the ancient Wannian Temple (Everlasting Temple) with its bronze Samantabhadra statue, and the golden-roofed Huazang Temple at the summit. The climb from base to summit takes two days on foot, passing through subtropical forest, cloud forest and alpine meadows — or you can take a bus most of the way up and a cable car to the top.
Mount Emei is also one of the three birthplaces of Chinese martial arts, alongside Wudang and Shaolin. The Emei style emphasises speed and agility, and its origins are intertwined with the Buddhist monastic tradition on the mountain.
Be warned: the macaques on the upper slopes are aggressive and experienced at stealing food and bags from hikers. Keep your belongings secure.