Mount Qingcheng (青城山) is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring lush greenery that envelops its peaks, valleys, and Taoist temples. The landscape harmoniously integrates the temples and pavilions with the surrounding forest, embodying the Taoist philosophy of simplicity and naturalness. Ancient texts describe Mount Qingcheng as having “thirty-six peaks,” “eight major caves,” “seventy-two minor caves,” and “one hundred and eight scenic spots.” Among its notable natural wonders are the breathtaking sunrise, mesmerizing sea of clouds, and the unique “Sacred Lantern” phenomenon, which is particularly remarkable.
Mount Qingcheng is divided into two main sections: the front mountain and the back mountain. The front mountain serves as the main tourist area, boasting beautiful scenery and numerous historical relics, primarily Taoist temples. Key attractions in this area include the Natural Picture Studio, Tian Shi Cave, and Shangqing Palace.
The back mountain is characterized by its clear waters, tranquil forests, and majestic scenery, focusing on natural landscapes. It offers a refreshing escape in the summer and a brisk chill in the winter, featuring highlights such as Jinbi Tiancang, Holy Mother Cave, Misty Spring Pool, Baidu Cloud Caves, and the remarkable Tianqiao Wonder.
Travel Information about Mount Qingcheng
Tickets and Opening Hours
Ticket Prices:
Front Mountain: 80 RMB
Back Mountain: 20 RMB
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
Spring and summer are the ideal seasons to visit Mount Qingcheng. Although there may be some light rain, the misty atmosphere enhances the mountain’s charm, evoking a mystical Taoist paradise. Summer offers a refreshing escape from the heat, with lush greenery that uplifts the spirit.
Access to the Scenic Area
Location: Qingchengshan Road, Qingchengshan Town, Dujiangyan City, Chengdu.
Intercity Train: You can take the intercity train from Xipu Station to Qingchengshan, which takes about 30 minutes and costs 10 RMB.
Scenic Rating
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Cultural Value: ★★★★
- Adventure: ★★★
- Uniqueness: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Romance: ★★★
Highlights of Qingcheng Front Mountain
Jianfu Palace
Jianfu Palace is situated at the base of Zhangren Peak and is a renowned Taoist temple that was established in the 18th year of the Kaiyuan era during the Tang Dynasty (730 AD). The current buildings date back to the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty.
The palace features three main halls. The first hall is dedicated to Wang Lingguan, the Taoist guardian deity, and the God of Wealth, with a statue of Cihang Zhenren placed inside. The second hall honors Ning Feng Zhenjun of the Five Sacred Mountains and Du Guangting, an influential figure in Taoist history. In the rear hall, three colored statues are displayed: Taishang Laojun occupies the center, with the Emperor Donghua to the left and Wang Chongyang, the founder of the Quanzhen School of Taoism, to the right.
Natural Picture Studio
Natural Picture Studio is located along the scenic route on Qingcheng Mountain, accessible by ascending steps from the mountain entrance, passing through Yuting, Tiantian Pavilion, Yilewo, and Yinsheng Pavilion. This pavilion was constructed during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty and features a distinctive ten-cornered double-eaved design.
Standing in the pavilion, visitors are greeted with breathtaking views. In the distance, the lush green peaks of Longju, Tiancang, and Qianyuan create a stunning backdrop, while nearby, white egrets play in the water and skylarks flutter above. The entire scene feels like stepping into a beautiful natural painting, embodying the harmony and tranquility of the surrounding environment. Natural Picture Studio serves as a perfect spot for visitors to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of Qingcheng Mountain.
Quanzhen Temple
Quanzhen Temple is majestically situated at the entrance of Zhangren Peak, its impressive halls rising amidst lush greenery. The front hall is dedicated to the Taoist deity Cihang Zhenren, while the rear hall honors the seven founding masters of the Quanzhen School: Qiu Chuji, Tan Chuduan, Ma Danyang, Liu Chuxuan, Wang Chuyi, Hao Datong, and Sun Bu’er. Above the rear hall is the Five Patriarchs Pavilion, which enshrines the five esteemed patriarchs of Taoism.
Tianshi Cave
Tianshi Cave is a significant Taoist site featuring statues of Zhang Daoling, known as the “Celestial Master,” and his thirty-first descendant, Xu Jing Tianshi. The existing structures date back to the late Qing Dynasty, with the main hall, known as the Sanqing Hall, characterized by its double-eaved, hip-roof architecture. This hall enshrines the three supreme deities of Taoism: Yuanshi Tianzun, Lingbao Tianzun, and Daode Tianzun.
Additionally, the Sanhuang Hall contains seated stone carvings of the Three Sovereigns: Fuxi, Shennong, and the Yellow Emperor, each approximately one meter tall and carved during the Tang Dynasty. The Huangdi Shrine, one of the oldest structures in Tianshi Cave, was originally built during the Sui Dynasty and houses a statue of the Yellow Emperor.
Shangqing Palace
Shangqing Palace, originally built during the Jin Dynasty, features structures that were reconstructed in the Qing Dynasty. In front of the palace stands a magnificent stone beam, inscribed with the words “Shangqing Palace on Qingcheng Mountain,” written by the renowned artist Zhang Daqian. The main hall enshrines statues of Taishang Laojun, the Pure Yang Patriarch, and Zhang Sanfeng, while the east wing, known as the Wenwu Hall, is dedicated to Confucius and Guan Yu.
To the right of the hall are two wells – known as the Yuanyang Wells – symbolizing the duality of gender with one square and one round well. Despite both wells drawing from the same source, they exhibit intriguing differences: one is clear while the other is murky, one is deep while the other is shallow, and one is warm while the other is cool.
Sacred Lantern:
The Sacred Lantern is one of the four wonders of Qingcheng Mountain, and Shangqing Palace serves as the best viewing spot for this natural phenomenon. On summer nights following a rain shower, visitors can head to the Lantern Viewing Pavilion near Shangqing Palace to witness dazzling lights flickering in the mountains. At times, three to five lanterns may appear, glowing and vanishing sporadically, while at other moments, hundreds or even thousands of lights illuminate the valley, creating a breathtaking scene reminiscent of a starry sky.
Laojun Pavilion
Laojun Pavilion is located at the summit of Qingcheng Mountain, standing over 1,600 meters high. The pavilion’s base covers an area of 400 square meters and is designed with six levels, featuring a circular base to symbolize “heavenly roundness and earthly flatness,” with each level shaped like an octagon, representing the eight trigrams. Inside the pavilion, a statue of Taishang Laojun is enshrined, crafted based on Xu Beihong’s famous work “Purple Qi from the East.” The statue reaches a height of 13.6 meters, with the total height, including the ox, measuring 16 meters. Its golden brilliance and lifelike appearance make it a unique masterpiece, unmatched from ancient times to the present.
Highlighgts of Qingcheng Back Mountain
Jinbian Rock and the Immortal Cave
Jinbian Rock and the Immortal Cave are prominent attractions in the back mountain of Qingcheng. Located behind the front mountain, visitors can access the back mountain by crossing the Qingxi Bridge and passing by the Xiangshui Cave. Unlike the numerous Taoist temples found in the front mountain, the back mountain is renowned for its enchanting waters, tranquil forests, majestic mountains, and unique rock formations.
Jinbian Rock stretches over ten kilometers and features a series of peaks and cliffs. Within its rocky crevices, you’ll find concave caves that are several meters deep and wide. At the entrance, three stone ridges emerge, and on sunny days, the sunlight creates a stunning display of three golden columns of light—two standing upright and one horizontal—resembling golden whips, exuding a remarkable aura.
The Immortal Cave is approximately a thousand meters deep, shrouded in mist that often drifts out, adding to its ethereal atmosphere. The area surrounding the cave is lush with dense forests and vibrant flowers. Inside, the cave showcases over a hundred colorful rock pools, with crystal-clear water reflecting the surroundings like a mirror. At the entrance, known as Bathing Immortals Rock, you can find 48 smooth stone pools lined up, free of moss and inviting for a refreshing visit. Legend has it that the immortals of Qingcheng often bathe in these pools, further enhancing the cave’s mystical allure.
Tai’an Ancient Town
Tai’an Ancient Town is situated in the heart of the back mountain area of Qingcheng, historically serving as a crucial post station on the route from Chengdu to Jinchuan. The town is beautifully bordered by rivers, with streets lined by charming, intricately carved small villas, some two or three stories high. The architecture creates a harmonious mix of heights, preserving the town’s ancient character. Delicate willow branches sway gently in the breeze, adding to the picturesque scene.
Along the streets, you will find an array of unique restaurants and hotels, where locals patiently await customers with a pot of tea in hand. In the quaint courtyards, various wild vegetables freshly gathered from the mountains are displayed on cooking stoves, their vibrant green leaves tantalizing passersby. Notably, Tai’an Ancient Town is home to the historic Tai’an Temple, which is the oldest Buddhist temple still in existence in the area, boasting a history of over 1,000 years.
Related Details:
- In the back mountain area, there is a convenient electric shuttle that takes visitors to Tai’an Ancient Town, located about 1 kilometer from the entrance.
- The Weijiang River gracefully flows around Tai’an Ancient Town, with crystal-clear waters inviting exploration. For those interested, bamboo rafts are available for a leisurely drift along the river, allowing visitors to take in the picturesque surroundings at a relaxed pace.
Wulonggou (Five Dragons Gorge)
Wulonggou, stretching for 8 kilometers, derives its name from a legend that speaks of five divine dragons hiding in the ravine. This area is celebrated as the most beautiful spot in the back mountain region of Qingcheng.
As you ascend the gorge, you’ll be captivated by the flowing streams, blooming mountain flowers, and the towering peaks that rise dramatically around you. Key attractions include the enigmatic Jinvawa Tuo (Three Pools Mist Spring), the breathtaking Longyin Gorge walkway, and the charming Shifunyin Rock and Echo Wall. The area also features spectacular waterfall scenes, such as Wulong Qiangbao, Bailong Tushi, and the mesmerizing water reflections creating rainbows.
Baiyun Cave (White Cloud Cave)
Baiyun Cave, located in the back mountain area of Qingcheng, is nestled within the cliffs that connect the main peaks of Lanhua Mountain and Xiong’e Mountain. This remarkable site features over a hundred natural caves, collectively known as Baiyun Cave.
The caves are arranged in three tiers, creating a winding and intricate network that stretches approximately 2.5 kilometers from north to south. Inside each cave sits a statue of a Buddha, each with unique poses and expressions that bring them to life. Among the notable caves are the Sleeping Buddha Cave, the Dizang Cave, the Tongtian Cave, and the Grand Buddha Hall, with the Grand Buddha Hall being the most famous. This cave is over 100 meters wide and several dozen meters deep, flanked by walls made of blue tiles. Inside, vibrant sculptures of Avalokiteshvara in thirty-two different forms are depicted, each statue exuding grace and elegance.
Visitor Guide for Mount Qingcheng
Transportation within Mount Qingcheng
Cable Car: There are cable cars that provide direct access to the mountain’s summit. The front mountain cable car costs 35 yuan for a one-way trip and 60 yuan for a round trip, connecting from Yuecheng Lake to the Four Viewing Pavilion. The back mountain features the Jinli cable car, with a one-way fare of 30 yuan and a round trip costing 55 yuan, which runs from Feiquanfang to Shisuntang. Additionally, the Baiyun cable car on the back mountain costs 35 yuan for an ascent and 30 yuan for a descent, with a round trip totaling 60 yuan, operating between You Village and Baiyun Temple.
Boat Experience: For a scenic water experience, visitors can take a boat on Yuecheng Lake in the front mountain for just 5 yuan, traveling from Yuecheng Lake to Zhangren Spring. The back mountain also offers a ferry service on Cuiying Lake, with tickets priced at 2 yuan
Accommodation Options
Accommodation options around Mount Qingcheng are abundant, with numerous hotels, inns, and resorts located both outside the front mountain gate and within the back mountain area. Visitors can choose from a variety of accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly to more luxurious options, with at least seventy to eighty establishments ensuring clean and comfortable rooms.
For those seeking a unique experience, several Taoist temples, such as Shangqing Palace and Tianshi Cave on the front mountain, as well as You Village and Tai’an Temple on the back mountain, offer affordable lodging options.
Yin Xiu Shangting Hotel (隐秀尚庭酒店) stands out as a star-rated tourist hotel that combines accommodation with specialty dining, entertainment, meetings, and leisure activities. Its architecture focuses on a relaxed vacation atmosphere, featuring a Chinese garden that harmoniously blends nature and leisure.
Qingcheng Mountain Huajun Resort Villa (青城山·花郡度假别墅) is a landmark property set in a beautiful environment with fresh air. The villas boast spacious rooms and towering trees, creating a forest-like retreat perfect for relaxation and wellness.
Qingcheng Mountain Villa (青城山庄) is surrounded by lush mountains and greenery, offering a serene setting filled with the sounds of birds and fragrant flowers. The architectural style emphasizes the use of natural stone and wood, with guest rooms furnished with aromatic cedar furniture, providing a delightful experience of relaxation and wellness. Facilities for meetings, dining, and entertainment are built to high standards.
Qingcheng Guilin Country Hotel (青城山贵林乡村酒店) is conveniently located and features a comprehensive range of services, including dining, accommodation, meetings, leisure, and vacation facilities. The hotel is beautifully designed, with koi fish ponds and ornamental plants enhancing the natural aesthetic.
Qingcheng Back Mountain Jian Mountain Homestay (青城后山见山小舍民宿) offers a prime location near the ancient Tai’an Temple. The homestay is simply yet luxuriously decorated, featuring a tea room where guests can relax and enjoy tea with friends in their leisure time.
Food Options
Qingcheng’s Four Delicacies (青城四绝) include Dongtian Rice Wine (洞天乳酒), Dongtian Tribute Tea (洞天贡茶), Daoist Pickles (道家泡菜), and Stewed Chicken with Ginkgo (白果炖鸡). Additionally, local specialties such as Lotus Mushrooms (莲花菌), Chuan Ying (川营), Qingcheng Smoked Pork (青城老腊肉), and Kiwi Wine (猕猴桃酒) are also worth trying.
In the front mountain area, various restaurants offer fresh ingredients and unique dishes, with notable establishments such as Hongyun Old Duck Soup (红云老鸭汤) and Xiangnong National Chicken Feast (祥侬国鸡宴) located outside the mountain gate.
The back mountain area features many dining spots, including Tai’an Ancient Town (泰安古镇), Youyi Village (又一村), and Baiyun Ancient Village (白云古寨), where restaurants are plentiful, serving a variety of cuisines from across the country. In Qingcheng Mountain Town, just outside the mountain gate, you can also find numerous restaurants offering specialties like Roast Chicken with Ginkgo (白果烧鸡) and Daoist Pickles (道家泡菜).