Nestled in the heart of Sichuan Province, Qingcheng Mountain is not only one of China’s most revered Taoist sacred sites, but also a stunning natural retreat offering both spiritual and physical rejuvenation. Famous for its lush greenery, Taoist temples, and peaceful atmosphere, Qingcheng Mountain has long been a pilgrimage destination. This detailed hiking guide covers all the essential information you need for exploring Qingcheng Mountain’s trails, including transportation, ticket prices, route suggestions, must-visit attractions, and insider tips for making the most of your visit.
Overview of the Itinerary (Departing from Chengdu)
Chengdu → Xipu Station → Qingcheng Mountain Station → Qingcheng Mountain Gate → Lao Jun Pavilion → Qingcheng Mountain Gate → Xipu Station → Chengdu
Ticket Prices
- Scenic Area Entrance Fee: ¥80 (Adults), ¥120 (Parent-Child Ticket)
- Cable Car: One-way ¥35, Round-trip ¥60 (Tickets purchased on-site)
- Moon City Lake Boat Ride: ¥5 per person (Purchased on-site)
- There’s also a walking boardwalk nearby if you prefer walking instead of taking the boat.
Transportation
- By Subway (Metro Line 2)
- Take Metro Line 2 to the final stop, Xipu Station. From there, transfer to the intercity train.
- By High-Speed Train (from Xipu Station to Qingcheng Mountain Station):
- Ticket Price: ¥10
- The travel time varies from 30-40 minutes depending on the specific train service.
- Shuttle Bus From Qingcheng Mountain Station to the Scenic Area Entrance:
- Round-trip: ¥35
- One-way: ¥20
- Duration: 8-10 minutes
- Alternatively, you can walk for about 4 kilometers (approximately 45 minutes) to the entrance.
Different Hiking Routes & Difficulty Levels
1. Full-Hike Route (5-7 hours)
- Best for: Experienced hikers or those with good stamina.
- Advantages: Comprehensive, covers all scenic spots.
- Disadvantages: Physically demanding, especially if you’re not used to long walks.
- Route Recommendations:
- For the best experience, hike from the left to the top and right to the bottom. This route is recommended as it involves a shorter descent, putting less strain on your knees.
- When visiting the Quanzhen Temple (全真观), make sure to take the right-hand fork when you see the sign.
- For Zu Shi Hall (Hall of the Ancestors/祖师殿), you’ll need to take the left fork. After visiting, return the same way to rejoin the main path.
2. Cable Car Up and Hike Down (4-6 hours)
- Best for: Those who are moderately fit.
- Advantages: You can explore most of the key spots without tiring yourself too much.
- Disadvantages: The long downhill walk can be hard on the knees.
- Route Suggestions:
- After the Natural Pavilion (Tian Ran Ge/天然阁), follow the signs to the Moon City Lake (月城湖) and the cable car station.
- If you’re feeling tired, you can either walk or take the boat across Moon City Lake (it only takes 5-10 minutes).
- You can choose to visit Zu Shi Hall (祖师殿) and Quanzhen Temple (全真观) depending on your energy level. If you’re short on time, skip them.
3. Round-trip Cable Car (2-4 hours)
- Best for: Visitors with limited fitness or those who prefer a more relaxed visit.
- Advantages: Easy on the body and requires minimal effort.
- Disadvantages: Only covers a few of the scenic spots.
- Route Recommendations:
- After the Natural Pavilion (天然阁), follow the right-hand path to reach the Moon City Lake (月城湖) and the cable car.
- For a more relaxed experience, you can take the boat or walk around Moon City Lake.
- If you choose to return the same way, you can opt for different routes to explore the Lao Jun Pavilion (老君阁) and Shangqing Palace (上清宫).
4. Hike Up and Cable Car Down (4-6 hours)
- Best for: Those with moderate fitness who want to explore the full range of sites but prefer less strenuous downhill walking.
- Advantages: Covers all major attractions and minimizes knee strain on the descent.
- Disadvantages: Can be physically taxing due to the uphill walk.
- Route Recommendations:
- This is the most recommended route for most visitors. Start from the left side to hike up and visit most of the scenic spots on the way.
- The right-side hiking route is a more tranquil walking path without major scenic spots. You can take the cable car to quickly descend the mountain.
General Visit Duration:
Most people can complete a visit to Qingcheng Mountain in about half a day, especially if you’re in decent physical shape. For those with a bit more time and energy, you could visit nearby attractions like Dujiangyan (an ancient irrigation system) in the afternoon or explore Guanxian Ancient City in the evening to experience its vibrant nightlife. If you’re planning to stay overnight, the Guanxian Ancient City is a great place to visit for dinner, followed by the “Blue Tears” phenomenon in the evening.
Insider Tips for Visiting Qingcheng Mountain
- Ticket Sales:
- Be cautious of vendors and people trying to sell you tickets outside the official ticket areas. After you exit the train station, walk straight ahead, cross the street, and you’ll reach the entrance to the scenic area.
- Tickets for the shuttle buses are sold at the entrance, and they depart directly from there.
- Wear Proper Footwear:
- Some of the steps and paths may be slippery, especially after rain, so be sure to wear comfortable, anti-slip shoes.
- If you plan on taking the full hike or some of the steeper paths, it’s advisable to wear sturdy hiking shoes.
- Route Considerations:
- The left side of the mountain has no cable car, so if you want to use the cable car, make sure you’re following the correct route.
- Along the trails, you’ll find various food stalls offering local snacks like snow lotus fruit, cucumbers, and sausages. If you’re feeling hungry, these are a great way to recharge.
- Quanzhen Temple (全真观) offers a vegetarian meal for ¥30 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, and it’s a self-serve buffet style.
- Seasonal Highlights:
- In autumn, the ginkgo trees on Qingcheng Mountain are particularly stunning. Notable spots include Zu Shi Hall, Quanzhen Temple, Chaoyang Cave, and Shangqing Palace. The golden ginkgo leaves create a magical atmosphere, especially at Zu Shi Hall, where leaves often cover the steps and rooftops, creating a beautiful scene.
- Cat Lovers:
- You may come across wild cats on the trails. If you’re a cat lover, consider bringing some small treats like dried fish to feed them along the way.