I’ve heard the Leshan Giant Buddha is huge, but what’s the best way to see its full size?

Both ways are amazing, but they offer different perspectives! Climbing the stone steps lets you get up close—you’ll see details like its 7-meter-long ears and the texture of its robes. The 30-minute boat ride, though, gives the iconic full view: the Buddha sitting between the mountains and river, which is how most postcards capture it. Many guests do both—climb first for details, then take the boat for the panorama (全景, quánjǐng). It’s $15 extra, but totally worth it for the complete experience!