Why the free senior ticket isn’t open to passports
The scenic area’s published policy gives free entry to visitors aged 65 and over, and 60–64 on non-holiday days, who hold a Chinese ID card or senior card. It does not mention passports.
Booking is real-name and only happens in the 大佛旅游 mini-program (WeChat/Alipay) or on Douyin. We went through it on 13 Oct 2026. The two screens below show the problem.
Easiest way: book on Trip.com
Trip.com sells Leshan Giant Buddha tickets in English and you enter your passport details, so there’s no Chinese app, WeChat account or Chinese phone number to deal with.
You will pay a normal ticket price there rather than the free senior rate, which isn’t available to passport holders online anyway.
English booking with your passport. Check the ticket type (walking area, boat or combo) and the price on the product page before you pay.
Other options
Ask at the ticket window. You can show your passport at the North or South visitor centre ticket window and ask whether the senior free policy applies. This is not confirmed — call the ticket hotline 0833-2355557 first, and don’t rely on it on weekends or holidays.
Official overseas half-price ticket. The official mini-program also lists a “2026游山境外散客半票” (overseas visitors half-price ticket) at ¥40 for passport holders, if you can use the Chinese app.
On the day
- Bring the same passport you booked with; entry is real-name.
- The river boat is a separate ticket from the walking area.
- Allow a full day from Chengdu: high-speed train to Leshan, then bus or taxi to the gate.
Last checked: 13 October 2026, from screenshots of the official mini-program and the scenic area’s published notices. Prices, ticket names and slots can change.
More: Leshan Giant Buddha guide · Leshan tickets for foreigners · WeChat mini-programs vs English sites
FAQ
Is Leshan Giant Buddha free for seniors?
Officially yes: visitors 65+ (and 60–64 on non-holiday days) with a Chinese ID or senior card enter free.
Can foreign seniors book the free ticket with a passport?
No. In the official booking system the free senior ticket only accepts a mainland Chinese ID card; passport is not an option.
What is the easiest way for a foreign senior to book?
Book on Trip.com in English with your passport. You pay a normal ticket price.
Can I get free entry at the ticket window with a passport?
Not confirmed. Ask at the North or South visitor centre window, or call 0833-2355557 before you go.
Is the boat included?
No. The river boat is a separate ticket.