You Are Here – Leshan

Starbucks You Are Here – Leshan is another mug from China. Leshan, formerly known as Jiading, is a city located at the confluence of the Dadu and Min rivers in the Province of Sichuan.
– It seems Starbucks has placed Mount Emei on the front of the mug, which is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. It is known for the Leshan Giant Buddha (233 ft tall statue) that have been carved here from stone between 713 and 803. It depicts Maitreya and is facing Mount Emei. It is the largest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world. The whole area has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
– Leshan Bridge is located nearby and is worth visiting as a nice example of old Chinese architecture and a perfect spot to have some amazing photos.
Sichuan province is known for its local food and specifically street food. Leshan, in particular, can be called a “street food city” for the variety of dishes offered here. These include but not limited to:
– Tofu Jelly (Doufu Nao) – which is available in many varieties like chicken shreds and minced beef.
– Ye’er Ba wrapped in Lotus leaves is a traditional steamed snack (can be both sweet and salty).
– Tianpi Ya – a Spiced Crispy Duck – is stewed in a special sauce. It makes it so good, that some say it is a direct competitor to Beijing Roast Duck. Leave a comment if you tried both!
– Mala Tang – Hot and spicy soup (literally “spicy numbing hot”) – originates from here. It gained great popularity in Beijing in a somewhat different form. The key ingredient of the soup is obviously, mala sauce, with a combination of Sichuan pepper and dried Chili pepper. Word of precaution: even if you consider yourself a spicy food lover, still be aware this can be spicier than whatever you tried before.
– BoBoJi – that’s when skewers of meat and veggies are cooked and served in a spicy and numbing, flavorful soup.
– ShaoKao – (literally “barbecue”) – typically consists of heavily spiced, barbecued foods on skewers. It is widely spread across China, but you have to try local variations for sure.