Mount Qingcheng Travel Guide (2026): Chengdu’s Taoist Sanctuary
Mount Qingcheng (青城山) is located in Dujiangyan City, about 65 kilometers northwest of Chengdu, Sichuan Province. It is one of the most famous Taoist mountains in China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed in 2000 alongside the Dujiangyan Irrigation System).
The mountain is dubbed “the most peaceful and secluded mountain under heaven” (青城天下幽). Its name literally means “Green City” — the peaks are round and covered with lush evergreen forests, making it look like a green city from a distance. According to ancient records, the mountain has 36 peaks, 8 large caves, 72 small caves, and 180 scenic spots.
Mount Qingcheng is the birthplace of Taoism. Legend has it that Zhang Daoling (later known as Zhang Tianshi, the Celestial Master Zhang) cultivated himself and preached here around the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD). Today, it remains an active pilgrimage center.
The mountain is divided into two distinct areas that require separate tickets: Front Mountain (前山) and Back Mountain (后山).
Best Time to Visit
Mount Qingcheng offers different experiences across all seasons:
Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures (15°C–24°C) with blooming flowers and fresh greenery — one of the best times to visit.
Summer (June–August): Cool and pleasant, making it a perfect escape from Chengdu’s summer heat. July and August are the best seasons for enjoying the cool mountain air.
Autumn (September–November): Golden and crimson foliage transforms the landscape — ideal for photography.
Winter (December–February): Occasional snow creates serene scenes.
Insider tip: The mountain is often misty and cool; bring a light jacket even in summer. Sudden showers are common, so rain gear is recommended.
Front Mountain vs. Back Mountain: Which One to Choose?
This is the most important decision you’ll make. The two mountains are about 40 kilometers apart by mountain road, requiring 30+ minutes of transfer time — trying to visit both in one day is not recommended.
| Front Mountain (前山) | Back Mountain (后山) | |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket Price | 80 RMB | 20 RMB |
| Focus | Taoist culture, temples, historical relics | Natural scenery, waterfalls, streams, forests |
| Terrain | Well-maintained stone steps, relatively gentle | Rustic trails, plank roads, some steep sections |
| Best For | History lovers, families with elderly/kids, casual visitors | Hikers, nature lovers, photographers, solitude seekers |
| Hiking Time | 4–5 hours | 5–7 hours for full loop |
| Crowds | Busy, especially on weekends (10,000+ visitors) | Quieter, more locals than tourists |
Quick decision guide:
Love history, architecture, and temples? → Front Mountain
Prefer nature, waterfalls, and peaceful trails? → Back Mountain
How to Get There
High-Speed Train (Recommended)
From Chengdu, take Metro Line 2 to Xipu Station (犀浦站), then transfer to the high-speed train to Qingchengshan Station (青城山站). The train ride takes about 30 minutes and costs around 10 RMB.
From Qingchengshan Station:
To Front Mountain: Take the sightseeing bus across the street (10 RMB)
To Back Mountain: Take the scenic area shuttle bus (18 RMB one-way, 34 RMB round-trip; last bus at 5:00 PM)
Self-Driving
Navigate directly to “Qingchengshan Front Mountain” or “Qingchengshan Back Mountain”. The drive from Chengdu takes about 1 hour. Parking is available at both entrances.
Bus
Take Bus No. 101 from Dujiangyan Scenic Area to Mount Qingcheng.
Private Tour
Private day tours with English-speaking guides are available from Chengdu, including hotel pickup, tickets, and cable car rides.
Tickets & Opening Hours (Check Real-time Prices)
Entrance Tickets
Front Mountain Adult Ticket: 80 RMB/person
Back Mountain Adult Ticket: 20 RMB/person
Student Discount: Half-price with valid student ID
Opening Hours
Summer (April 1 – October 31): 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (ticket sales stop at 5:00 PM)
Winter (November 1 – March 31): 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Last admission: 4:30 PM
Cable Cars & Extras (Front Mountain)
Sightseeing Bus (mountain gate to ticket office): 10–20 RMB/person
Yuecheng Lake Boat Ride: 5 RMB/person
Front Mountain Cable Car: One-way 35 RMB, round-trip 60 RMB
Front Mountain Cable Car (alternative source): One-way 30 RMB, round-trip 50 RMB
Cable Cars (Back Mountain)
Jinli Cable Car: One-way 30 RMB, round-trip 55 RMB
Baiyun Cable Car: One-way 45 RMB
Cuiying Lake Boat Ride: 2 RMB/person
Important: Mount Qingcheng-Dujiangyan Scenic Area now requires real-name online reservations with timed entry slots. Book your tickets in advance online, especially during peak seasons.
Must-See Attractions
Front Mountain Highlights
Jianfu Palace (建福宫): The first major Taoist palace near the entrance, originally constructed in the Tang Dynasty (618–907) and restored several times. Red walls, black tiles, and ancient trees create a serene atmosphere.
Yuecheng Lake (月城湖): A beautiful lake halfway up the mountain. Take a boat (5 RMB) across to reach the cable car station.
Shangqing Palace (上清宫): One of the most famous Taoist temples on the mountain. This was once a villa for Chiang Kai-shek and his wife. The architecture is elegant and understated.
Tianshi Cave (天师洞): The main temple and the core of Taoist heritage on Mount Qingcheng. Inside, a stone statue from the Sui Dynasty (581–618) depicts Zhang Tianshi. Don’t miss the 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree in the courtyard.
Laojun Pavilion (老君阁): The highest peak of Front Mountain at over 1,260 meters (4,134 feet). From here, you get panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Natural Painting (天然图画): A wooden pavilion nestled among trees and steep rocks — it looks like a giant natural painting.
Filming Location: The 1986 TV series “Journey to the West” was filmed here — you might recognize some spots.
Back Mountain Highlights
Tai’an Ancient Town (泰安古镇): The starting point for Back Mountain hikes. A charming town with local restaurants and shops.
Wulong Valley (五龙沟): A scenic valley with waterfalls, streams, and cliff-side plank roads.
Longyin Gorge Plank Road (龙隐峡栈道): A breathtaking plank road clinging to the cliff face, with waterfalls and pools along the way.
Cuiying Lake (翠映湖): A serene lake in the back mountain — take a small boat (2 RMB) across.
Feiquan Valley (飞泉沟): A stream valley with multiple waterfalls and crystal-clear pools.
Baiyun Temple (白云寺): A peaceful temple nestled deep in the back mountain.
Recommended Routes
Front Mountain – Effort-Saving Route (4 hours)
Mountain Gate → Jianfu Palace (10 min walk) → Sightseeing Bus → Yuecheng Lake → Boat (5 RMB) → Cable Car Up (35 RMB) → Shangqing Palace → Laojun Pavilion (summit) → Walk down via Tianshi Cave → Natural Painting → Mountain Gate
Key tip: The combination of “boat + cable car” saves nearly 2 hours of strenuous hiking. Walking from the mountain gate to Yuecheng Lake involves 40 minutes of steep slopes that are hard on the knees.
Back Mountain – Classic Loop Route (5–7 hours)
Tai’an Ancient Town (start) → Wulong Valley → Santan Wuquan (Three Pools & Misty Springs) → Longyin Gorge Plank Road → Another Village (又一村) → Baiyun Ancient Village → Baiyun Temple → Cuiying Lake (boat) → Shuangquan Water Curtain Cave → Feiquan Valley → Tai’an Ancient Town (end)
Shorter option: Start from Wulong Valley, hike up to the middle village, then return the same way.
Accommodation (Check Real-time Prices)
Luxury
Six Senses Qingcheng Mountain (青城山六善酒店): A 5-star resort right at the foot of Front Mountain. Forest views, private hot springs, and exceptional service — rated 9.5/10. Rooms start from around 2,300 HKD/night.
Mid-Range
Yinxiu Shangting Hotel (隐秀尚庭酒店): Chinese garden-style hotel close to Front Mountain, spacious rooms with breakfast — great for families.
Huajiantang (花间堂): Mountain-view rooms with courtyard atmosphere, some with pools and hot springs.
Budget
Local homestays in Qingchengshan Town: Convenient, clean, and quiet — perfect for students and budget travelers.
Hot Spring Hotels
Several hotels at the foot of the mountain offer private hot spring pools with mountain views.
Local Food
Must-Try Dishes
Qingcheng Cured Meat (青城老腊肉): Smoked and cured pork — a mountain specialty
Ginkgo Chicken Soup (白果炖鸡): Rich, milky-white soup with ginkgo nuts and chicken — a local classic
Tianshi Cave Vegetarian Meal (天师洞素斋): Simple, healthy vegetarian food at the temple (around 40 RMB/person)
Qingcheng Pickles (青城泡菜): A tangy, spicy side dish
Cold-water Fish (冷水鱼): Fresh fish from mountain streams, available in Back Mountain towns
Firewood Chicken (柴火鸡): Chicken cooked over a wood fire — rustic and flavorful
Dongtian Rujiu (洞天乳酒): A slightly sweet local rice wine — perfect for unwinding after a hike
Where to Eat
On the mountain: Limited and pricey options (a bowl of noodles can cost 30–40 RMB) — bring your own snacks and water
Tai’an Ancient Town: Cold-water fish, firewood chicken, and hand-made ice powder (手工冰粉)
Qingchengshan Town: Authentic Sichuan cuisine, hotpot, and maocai at reasonable prices
Shanxia Renjia (山下人家): A farm-style restaurant at the foot serving clay pot cured pork ribs — very affordable
Practical Tips
Choose one side only: Front and Back Mountains are 40 km apart. Pick one and explore it thoroughly — don’t try to do both in one day.
Wear proper shoes: The paths can be slippery, especially on rainy days. Grippy, non-slip sports shoes are essential.
Bring your own food: Prices double on the mountain. Pack water, snacks, chocolate, or energy bars.
Arrive early: Go before 9 AM for fewer crowds and better lighting for photos. On weekends, Front Mountain can see over 10,000 visitors.
Book tickets online: Real-name online reservations are now required. Book in advance, especially during holidays.
Bring a light jacket: The mountain is 3–5°C cooler than the city. Even in summer, it can be misty and cool.
Front Mountain: use the cable car: Pure徒步 (hiking) on Front Mountain is very tiring — the cable car saves significant体力.
Budget: A budget-friendly one-day trip to Front Mountain costs around 160 RMB total (transportation 30 RMB + ticket 80 RMB + food 50 RMB).
Combine with Dujiangyan: Visit the UNESCO-listed Dujiangyan Irrigation System in the morning (entry 80 RMB) and Back Mountain in the afternoon — they’re only 15 minutes apart by taxi.
Beware of scams: Don’t trust roadside touts offering cheap rides or unlicensed guides.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re seeking Taoist wisdom, stunning mountain views, or a peaceful escape from the city, Mount Qingcheng offers an unforgettable experience. As the ancient saying goes: “Explore Taoism in the front mountain, and seek seclusion in the back”. Choose your side, take your time, and let the “most secluded place under heaven” work its magic on you.