South West China and Luang Prabang(followed by a cruise from Shanghai to Japan). Another trip within a trip.

[woodyren]

From the bus drop off point there was a climb and quite a walk to the base of the cable car. Mrs Woodyren's knees were giving her some discomfort and after her experience with altitude in Huanglong she decided against heading to the summit.











Huge lines at the base of the cable car. The wait ended up being around 80 minutes.





The lineup for the cable car.





The path from the bus drop off to the cable car. A lot of steps.








Tibetan Macaques are abundant on the mountain.














The day was quite hazy so the views weren't as good as the can be.

 

[woodyren]

The summit area of Emeishan. One of China's four sacred mountains.

















While there have been various Buddhist statues and temples constructed all over the area for many centuries the Golden statue is a very recent addition.

 

[jastel]

Now I need to go back to Mt Rigi and see the rock!

I agree with your assessment of the forced shopping. I would just walk around the area for 30 minutes or whatever time the guide said we were leaving.