1. Things to Know before You Go
Qingcheng Mountain, situated southwest of Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, about 68 kilometres east of Chengdu, is one of the birthplaces of Taoism. It is said that Zhang Daoling in the Eastern Han Dynasty (later known as Zhang Tianshi) once practiced here, and Taoism regards this mountain as the "The Fifth Heavenly Cave". The whole mountain is covered with lush trees, singing springs and flying waterfalls, thus presenting a peaceful and thrilling scene. There are 8 large caves and 72 small caves in the mountain, and numerous Taoist temples are scattered throughout. From the bottom up, there are Jianfu Palace, Tianshi Cave, Zushi Hall, Shangqing Palace, etc., which are a feast for the eyes. Since ancient times, Mount Qingcheng has attracted countless practitioners and tourists with its unique charm of "the most secluded place under heaven". It not only carries a profound historical and cultural heritage but also becomes a pure land in people's hearts with its extremely beautiful natural scenery.
2. Why is Mount Qingcheng So Special?
Considered as the cradle of Taoism, Qingcheng Mountain is home to numerous Taoist temples and historical sites. These temples and historical sites have witnessed the development process of Taoism, and they also have become the unique cultural landscapes of Mount Qingcheng. Taoist temples such as Shangqing Palace, Zushi Hall, and Yuanming Palace, all of which attract the attention of tourists with their unique architectural styles and profound cultural heritages.
During the journey of Qingcheng Mountain, travelers can savor the picturesque scenery and taste the local delicacies together with experience the strong atmosphere of Taoist culture. Every scenic spot contains rich connotations of Taoist culture, which may bring some positive impacts on their bodies and souls, finally reaching the harmonious state between the mind and nature.
3. How to Get to Mount Qingcheng
3.1 Traffic Information
Chengdu - Mount Qingcheng
By Bus: You can take a shuttle bus to Qingcheng Mountain at Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station (成都茶店子汽车站) or Chengdu Xin Nanmen Bus Station (成都新南门客运站) . Buses depart every 10 minutes with the ticket price 17 yuan, and the journey takes about 2 hours.
By Bullet Train: There are high-speed trains departing from Xipu Station (犀浦站) in Chengdu to Mount Qingcheng. The fare is 10 yuan per person with 40 minutes' duration. After getting off the train, tourists can take Bus No. 101 or 102, which can directly reach Mount Qingcheng.
Dujiangyan - Mount Qingcheng
By Bus: Take Bus No. 101 at the entrance of Dujiangyan Scenic Spot (都江堰景区) to the front mountain of Qingcheng Mountain. The journey takes 30 minutes with the bus tickets 16 yuan.
Qingchengshan Town - Mount Qingcheng
By Bus: In Qingchengshan Town, Bus No. 101 and 102 run in a loop between Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan.
3.2 Opening Time & Ticket Information
Address: Qingchengshan Road, Qingchengshan Town, Dujiangyan City, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province
Time needed: 4-6 hours
Suited to: Nature lovers, Taoist culture lovers, photography lovers, mountain climbing enthusiasts
| Ticket Price | Front Mountain: RMB 80; Back Mountain: RMB 20 |
| Openging Time | March 2nd - November 30th: 08:00 - 17:00; December 1st - March 1st: 08:00 - 18:00; |
4. Highlights of Mount Qingcheng
Qingcheng Mountain is divided into two scenic areas: the Front Mountain and the Back Mountain.
Most tourists visit the Front Mountain because one can see a Taoist temple almost every hundred steps. Under the cover of dense vegetation, it appears even more classical and mysterious. The Back Mountain is more suitable for mountain climbing enthusiasts as it retains a rather primitive appearance. Although the incense in the palaces and temples is not as strong as that on the Front Mountain, it is more secluded, quiet and clean. When tourists stroll around Mount Qingcheng, they can feel the uncanny workmanship of nature and the magic of creation. The air here is fresh and pleasant, and the content of negative oxygen ions is extremely high, which end it up with "a natural oxygen bar of nature". Wandering in such an environment, visitors would indulge themselves in the serenity of nature and feel reluctant to leave.
4.1 Front Mountain
The Front Mountain takes the Changguan Temple (常观寺) and the Shangqing Palace (上清宫)as its essence. The main scenic spots include Jianfu Palace, Zushi Hall, Chaoyang Cave, the Laojun Pavilion, Tianshi Cave, Shangqing Palace, Natural Picturesque Scenery, Yuanming Palace, etc.
4.1.1 Jianfu Palace 建福宫
Jianfu Palace is situated at the foot of Zhangren Peak (丈人峰). It was first built in the 18th year of the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty (730 AD). After thousands of years of wind and rain, although it has been repaired for many times, it still retains its simple and elegant style. There are three layers of main halls in the palace, enshrining famous Taoists and various gods respectively. On the pillars in the halls, there are exquisitely carved couplets with the clear characters and the profound meanings, which is praised as "a unique wonder of Mount Qingcheng". Standing in Jianfu Palace and looking up at Zhangren Peak, one can see the clouds and mists curling around, just like a fairyland, making people feel relaxed and happy.
4.1.2 Tianshi Cave 天师洞
Tianshi Cave stands as one of the most pivotal and alluring attractions within Qingcheng Mountain. Its origin can be traced back to the Sui Dynasty, having withstood the test of time for over a millennium. Embracing a serene and idyllic setting, it is encircled by mountains on three sides and faces a gurgling ravine, with ancient trees that reach towards the heavens, thus creating a sense of tranquility and grandeur.
The existing palaces and halls of Tianshi Cave, constructed at the twilight of the Qing Dynasty, are a testament to the remarkable skills of yesteryear's artisans. They are imposing in scale and exquisitely adorned with carvings, each detail displays the painstaking craftsmanship of that bygone era.
Nestled within the cave are the venerated statues of Zhang Daoling, the esteemed founder of Taoism in the Eastern Han Dynasty, and his 30th - generation descendant, "Xujing Tianshi" (虚靖天师). Drawn to the profound and bewitching beauty of Qingcheng Mountain, Zhang Daoling chose this place to disseminate his teachings, thereby consecrating Qingcheng Mountain as a hallowed ground of Taoism. Legend has it that during his sojourn, Zhang Daoling vanquished the malevolent demons and monsters lurking in the mountains, safeguarding the peace and well - being of the local populace. For his heroic deeds, he has been held in the highest regard and deep reverence by generations of people.
4.1.3 Laojun Pavilion 老君阁
Laojun Pavilion is situated at the summit of the First Peak of Qingcheng Mountain, with an altitude as high as 1,260 meters. This is the highest point of Qingcheng Mountain and an excellent location for enjoying the sunrise and the sea of clouds. Standing on the Laojun Pavilion and looking out into the distance all around, one can see mountains encircling the area, with clouds and mists curling around, as if one were in a paradise.
The architectural complex of Laojun Pavilion includes the Donghua Hall (东华殿) and other places. Among them, the Donghua Hall is large in scale, consisting of five bays. In the middle of the hall, the Emperor Donghua is enshrined, and in the left and right niches, Lü Chunyang and Zhongli Quan are enshrined respectively. The completion of Laojun Pavilion not just adds a magnificent land form to Mount Qingcheng, most importantly, it provides tourists with an excellent platform to admire the natural splendor.
4.1.4 Shangqing Palace 上清宫
Shangqing Palace lies on the halfway slope of the First Peak of Mount Qingcheng, about 500 meters away from the peak. It was first built in the Jin Dynasty, and the existing temple was constructed during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty. There are cliff inscriptions such as "The Fifth Famous Mountain Under Heaven" and "The First Peak of Qingcheng Mountain" in the palace. The characters are vigorous and powerful, bearing witness to the historical status of Qingcheng Mountain.
Inside the palace, there are statues of Lao Jun, the founder of Taoism, and a wooden carving of the five-thousand-character "Tao Te Ching" (道德经), combined with the legendary relics such as Magu Pool and Yuanyang Well. It allows people to appreciate the profoundness and extensiveness of Taoism while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
4.1.5 Chaoyang Cave 朝阳洞
Chaoyang Cave stands at the foot of Laoxiaoding (老霄顶), the main peak of Qingcheng Mountain. It gets its name as the cave entrance faces east, directly towards the rising sun. Chaoyang Cave is renowned for its unique geographical location, its long historical and cultural background as well as rich Taoist legends.
According to the records of Qingcheng Mountain, this cave was once the dwelling place of Ningfeng Zhangren (宁封丈人), one of the key early figures in Chinese Taoism. It is said that he cultivated himself here and became an immortal, making Chaoyang Cave regarded as a sacred place since ancient times. In addition, Chaoyang Cave is also associated with Zhang Tianshi, legend has it that Zhang Tianshi once preached Taoism here.
Currently, Chaoyang Cave has been included as part of the Taoist cultural tourism route of Qingcheng Mountain, thus attracting more tourists who are obsessed with Taoist culture. Occasionally, there are docents providing detailed explanation services for tourists and several Taoist cultural activities are held regularly, such as Taoist health lectures and Tai Chi performances.
4.1.6 Zushi Hall 祖师殿
Zushi Hall, built in the Tang Dynasty, is located on the halfway up the mountain behind the Tianshi Cave and it is also known as Zhenwu Palace (真武宫). After thousands of years of trials and tribulations, it still retains its simple and elegant style. Poets in the Tang Dynasty such as Du Guangting and Xue Chang, as well as Zhang Yu in the Song Dynasty and other people once lived here to practice Taoism. Inside the hall, there are statues of immortals such as Patriarch Zhenwu, Lü Dongbin, and Tieguai Li, as well as murals of the Eight Immortals, inscriptions of poems and essays, etc, all of these allow people to feel the unique charm of Taoist culture while enjoying the beautiful views.
4.1.7 Natural Picturesque Scenery 天然图画
Natural Picturesque Scenery Workshop, situated between the Jianfu Palace and the Tianshi Cave, is a pavilion with a ten-cornered double-eave structure. It was built during the Guangxu period of Qing Dynasty (1875 - 1909 AD). The scenery here is so beautiful that visitors feel as if they are in a painting, which is why it is named "Natural Picturesque Scenery", it is at an elevation of 893 meters. When visitors arrive here, they can see the pavilion standing majestically among the steep cliffs and dense greenery, just like being in a painting.
4.2 Back Mountain
The Back Mountain of Mount Qingcheng is 60 kilometres away from Chengdu and more than 20 kilometres away from the urban area of Dujiangyan City, with a total area of about 100 square kilometers. Adjacent to the Wolong Nature Reserve (卧龙自然保护区), it is one of the important components of the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, a World Natural Heritage site. The main scenic spots include Wulonggou Valley, Crystal Cave, Longyin Gorge Plank Road, Twin Spring Water Curtain, Hundred-Zhang Long Bridge, etc.
4.2.1 Wulonggou Valley 五龙沟
Wulonggou Valley is about 8 kilometres long and got its name from the legend that in ancient times, five divine dragons were hidden in the valley, its famous scenic areas like Longyin Gorge Plank Road with superb scenery and Stone Bamboo Shoot Rock with stunning views are well worth visiting.
4.2.2 Baizhang Bridge 百丈桥
Baizhang Bridge sits between Cuiying Lake (翠映湖) and Baiyun Ancient Stockade (白云古寨), in the middle reaches of Feiquan Gully (飞泉沟). It is a winding bridge paved with wooden planks. Going upstream against the water, it is about more than a hundred meters long. On both sides of the bridge, the old trees look aged and gnarled, and there are some grass-green plants fluttering like thin veils, which is the alluring scenery waiting to be explored.
5. Suggested Tour Routes and Attractions
Walking Tour (Front Mountain)
Scenic Area Entrance —Natural Picturesque Scenery Workshop — Tianshi Cave — Zushi Hall — Chaoyang Cave — Shangqing Palace (上清宫)— Laojun Pavilion (the First Peak of Qingcheng Mountain) — Yuanming Palace (圆明宫)— Yuqing Palace (玉清宫)— Yuecheng Lake (Cross the Lake by Boat) — Jianfu Palace.
Cable Car Tour (Front Mountain)
Scenic Area Entrance — Yuecheng Lake (Cross the Lake by Boat) — Cable Car — Shangqing Palace (上清宫) — Laojun Pavilion (the First Peak of Qingcheng Mountain) — Chaoyang Cave — Zushi Hall — Tianshi Cave — Natural Picturesque Scenery Workshop — Scenic Area Entrance — Jianfu Palace.
6. What to Do at Mount Qingcheng
Enjoy Delicious Food: The food culture of Qingcheng Mountain is rich and diverse, and the most famous among them is the "Four Wonders of Qingcheng Mountain". The first wonder is the Tribute Tea. It has a fragrant aroma and a mellow taste, with a clear flavor that leaves people with an endless aftertaste. While sipping the tea, tourists can also admire the exquisite tea-picking skills and tea-making techniques of the tea farmers, and feel the charm of the tea culture in Qingcheng Mountain.
In addition, there are delicious foods such as Stewed Chicken with Ginkgo Nuts, Qingcheng Old Bacon, and Qingcheng Pickled Vegetables, all of which attract the taste buds of tourists with their unique flavors and cooking techniques.
Experience Taoist Culture: Mount Qingcheng is home to numerous Taoist temples, so visitors can visit these temples to learn about Taoist culture. Meanwhile, tourists can also participate in Taoist rituals and experience Taoist music and martial arts, such as Tai Chi, Bagua Zhang(八卦掌) and so on.
Mountain Climbing and Hiking: Qingcheng Mountain gains much popularity for the beautiful environment and fresh air, making it an ideal place for leisure and vacation. There are many climbing trails distributing in the mountain, so tourists can choose different routes based on their physical strength.
7. Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Qingcheng Mountain is in spring (from March to May) and autumn (from September to November). The climate is pleasant during these two seasons with less rainfall and beautiful scenery, making it the perfect time for mountain climbing and visiting the temples.
In spring, Qingcheng Mountain is full of vitality. The trees are lush and green and the flowers are in full bloom. Tourists can feel the vitality of nature and also participate in activities such as the Taoist Culture Festival to gain a deeper understanding of Taoist culture.
In autumn, Qingcheng Mountain enjoys clear and refreshing weather. The mountains are covered with red leaves, and the forests are dyed in various colors, thus travel enthusiast can stroll along the winding mountain paths and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of autumn.
On top of this, summer (from July to August) is also another suitable season for a visit, although the temperature is relatively high, Qingcheng Mountain with its unique geographical location and climatic conditions make it an excellent place to escape the heat. Thus, the nature lovers can have an in-depth exploration about every corner of Qingcheng Mountain and experience the coolness and tranquility of nature.
8. Nearby Attractions
Dujiangyan Scenic Spot 都江堰景区
Situated on the main stream of the Minjiang River in the west of the urban area of Dujiangyan City, it is an famous ancient irrigation project built around 256 BC by Li Bing, the governor of Shu County in the State of Qin. Currently, it is still one of the best-preserved ancient water conservancy projects in China today.
Composed of three main projects: Yuzui Diversion Dike(鱼嘴分水堤), Feisha Weir Spillway (飞沙堰溢洪道), and Baopingkou Water Inlet (宝瓶口引水口). It divides the turbulent Minjiang River into the Outer River and the Inner River. The Outer River is for flood discharge, and the Inner River is for water diversion and irrigation, making the Western Sichuan Plain become the "Land of Abundance".
There are many famous scenic spots in the Dujiangyan Scenic Area, such as the South Bridge, Lidui Ancient Garden (离堆古园), Fulong Guan (Temple of Taming the Dragon), Erwang Temple (二王庙), Anlan Bridge (安澜桥), Yulei Pass (玉垒关), etc. These scenic spots provide visitors with the rich natural scenery and cultural landscapes, travel lovers can choose to go there by high-speed rail or car and it takes about 30 minutes to reach Dujiangyan Station by high-speed rail from Chengdu East Railway Station or Chengdu Railway Station.
