The White Olive Tree is the latest Chinese drama that will make you fall in love with its characters and the filming location! The show illustrates how tragedy shapes lives and how two individuals, each facing their own struggles, find a way to heal through each other’s support. The beautiful settings further enhance the plot, with portions of the show filmed in real locations across China! Visit the filming site in Sichuan province to experience the culture and beauty of Leshan.
Also, check out this guide to planning a visit to the Great Wall Of China.
All you need to know about The White Olive Tree: Plot, trailer and more
The story centres on Song Ran, a war reporter, who Li Zan, a bomb specialist, rescues. Their chance encounter leads to a friendship during the dark times of war. However, they are separated by a tragedy and must return to China. They meet again, but at a low point in their lives, only to find healing in each other and plant the seeds of a white olive tree. The show is adapted from the book of the same name, with the role of Song Ran played by Liang Jie and Li Zan by Chen Zhe Yuan. The show is streaming on iQIYI, and the entire first season consists of 38 episodes.
The plot is initially set in the war zone of East Country; although this is a fictional location, Leshan City in the Sichuan Province of China was used as the setting for this war-torn territory.
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Top things to do in Leshan, Sichuan, filming location of The White Olive Tree
The culturally rich city of Leshan lies in the southwest of the Sichuan Basin, at the confluence of the Ming, Qingyi, and Dadu Rivers. It is approximately 120 kilometres from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, and serves as a transport hub in southwestern China. Leshan is renowned for the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site of the Leshan Giant Buddha, which possesses significant historical value in the nation’s heritage and culture.
Leshan lacks an airport, and the nearest one is in Chengdu. The Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is 133 kilometres away, and the Leshan Railway Station is the city’s gateway.
Explore the Leshan Giant Buddha
Experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the largest stone Buddha statue in the world. This impressive 71-metre-tall red sandstone figure is carved into the cliff, depicting Buddha in the Maitreya position. The creation of this monument is attributed to the Tang dynasty, which took 90 years to complete.
The architectural detailing of the statue is truly magnificent, with 1,021 buns meticulously carved to form Buddha’s coiled hair. What is remarkable about the statue is the ingeniously hidden drainage system, which allows rainwater to disperse and helps keep it dry and protected.
Also, check out our story on Tsz Shan Monastery, a sanctuary of Buddhist culture in Hong Kong.
There are two ways to experience the grandeur of the Leshan Giant Buddha: one is to enter the scenic area and stand close to the statues, and the other is to take a boat ride on the river alongside the statue, which allows you to view the entire monument.
Timings: 9 am to 4:50 pm.
Entry: Tickets start from CNY 80.
Address: 2345 Lingyun Rd, Shizhong District, Leshan, Leshan, Sichuan, China, 614099.
Go hiking on the Mount Emei
The Leshan Giant Buddha is part of the Mount Emei Scenic Area, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China. Mount Emei is celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural significance in Buddhism, one of the Four Great Buddhist Mountains in China. It spans 154 kilometres and falls under Emeishan City but is best visited alongside the Leshan Giant Buddha.
Planning a hiking expedition across the mountain is the best way to explore. Throughout the journey, you will experience the lush greenery and visit the mountain’s Buddhist sites, including the Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, Qingyin Pavilion, Baoguo Temple, and Wannian Temple.
Ride the Jiayang Steam Train
The Jiayang Steam Train is one of the last narrow-gauge coal-fired steam trains operating in the world, taking you on a picturesque journey through China’s countryside. The train traverses the 19.8-kilometre-long Bajiaogou-Shixi Coal Railway, running from Yuejin Station to Bagou Station. This charming journey features a sea of sunflowers and canola flowers that bloom during spring and summer. A single-journey ticket costs CNY 80.
Also, check out our story on the longest train journeys in the world, exploring epic tracks across continents.
Indulge in the traditional flavours of Sichuan
Sichuan cuisine originated in this province, and Leshan is renowned for offering authentic flavours. This cuisine distinguishes itself from other Chinese cuisines through its bold use of garlic and Sichuan pepper, which contribute spiciness and pungency to the dishes. Some popular delicacies to sample in Leshan include QiaoJiao Beef, KaBing, Boboji, and Doufu Nao, available at Zhanggongqiao Food Street and Jiaxing Road Food Street.
(Feature image credit: iQIYI)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes, you can visit the filming location of 'The White Olive Tree', which is Leshan, Sichuan in China.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Digital Writer - Growth, TravelPriyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism ..Read More
