Lingyun Temple: Massive Buddha Views Without the River Queues

Skip the three-hour boat line and climb the stairs directly into the Leshan Giant Buddha complex via Lingyun Temple. You get eye-level views of the statue's head that the boat tours miss. Spend two hours exploring the temple courtyards and the winding staircase carved into the cliff. Go at dawn on a weekday to beat the tour buses. Book a private tour if you want someone to handle the confusing Leshan transit for you.