Qingcheng Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its natural beauty and Taoist heritage. For those looking to experience the mountain’s serene landscapes and rich cultural history, the Rear Mountain loop offers an unforgettable adventure. This detailed hiking guide takes you through the best route starting from Chengdu, including transportation, key attractions, tips on what to bring, and where to enjoy the scenic beauty. Whether you’re a nature lover, hiker, or culture enthusiast, this guide will help you plan your perfect trip to Qingcheng Mountain.
Itinerary: Chengdu Xipu Station → Qingcheng Rear Mountain → Nanqiao → Lidui Park Station → Chengdu Xipu Station
Transportation
Outbound Journey:
- High-Speed Train: Take the high-speed train from Chengdu Xipu Station to Qingcheng Mountain Station. The ticket costs ￥10.
- Direct Scenic Bus: From Qingcheng Mountain Station, take the scenic shuttle bus to the Rear Mountain entrance. The one-way ticket is ￥18, and the round-trip ticket costs ￥36.
- Note: After exiting the station, turn left and head to platform 3 to buy tickets for the official scenic bus. Be sure to avoid the unofficial tourist buses operated by non-official agencies at the ticket center outside the station.
Return Journey:
- Scenic Bus to Qingcheng Mountain Station: After descending the mountain, take the scenic shuttle bus back to Qingcheng Mountain Station.
- Bus to Dujiangyan: From Qingcheng Mountain Station, take a bus to Dujiangyan Scenic Area, which passes through Nanqiao Bridge and the ancient city of Guanxian. The ticket price is ￥10.
- High-Speed Train: From Lidui Park Station, buy a train ticket to Chengdu Xipu Station. The ticket costs ￥10. Lidui Park Station is located about 1 km from Nanqiao, which you can easily walk to.
Attractions and Hiking Route
Qingcheng Rear Mountain
- Hiking Route: The Qingcheng Rear Mountain Loop Trail is approximately 16 km long, and it takes about 6.5 hours to complete, including time for photography and rest at the summit. The trail starts from Taian Ancient Town and follows the path toward Wulonggou, passing through several scenic points before reaching the summit.
- Route Description:
- Taian Ancient Town: Start your hike from this quaint town.
- Wulonggou (五龙沟): Head toward Wulonggou (Five Dragon Gully), a beautiful spot with lush forests and clear streams.
- Youyi Village (又一村): Stop for a rest and refreshment at this village, which offers scenic views and local snacks.
- Baiyun Temple: Hike up to Baiyun Temple, located near the summit, where you can take a moment to enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.
- Baiyun Ancient Village: Here, you can rest and enjoy the views from an observation deck.
- Cuiying Lake: A small, picturesque lake that requires a boat ride to cross to the other side. The boat ride costs ￥3 per person.
- Feiquan Gully (飞泉沟): A tranquil gorge with stunning waterfalls and streams. This is one of the most scenic parts of the hike.
- Taian Ancient Town: Conclude your loop by returning to Taian Ancient Town.
Additional Info: After arriving at the scenic bus drop-off point, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the trailhead. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus to the trailhead for ￥10.
Cable Cars
- Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Jinli Cable Car:
- Route: From Taian Ancient Town to Youyi Village.
- Ticket Price: One-way ￥30, round-trip ￥55.
- Baiyun Cable Car:
- Route: From Youyi Village to Baiyun Ancient Village.
- Ticket Price: One-way ￥45, round-trip ￥80.
What to Bring:
- Trekking Poles or Bamboo Sticks: Available for ￥10 from the scenic area if you don’t have your own trekking poles.
- Proper Footwear: Comfortable hiking shoes or waterproof shoes are recommended. The trails can get muddy, and some paths may be submerged after rain.
- Rain Gear: Be prepared with rain gear, especially after rain when some paths may be wet or flooded.
- Snacks and Water: While there are plenty of supply stations along the route, carrying light snacks and water is always a good idea.
- Power Bank: There are limited charging points along the trail, so a power bank is handy for keeping your devices charged.
Nearby Attractions
Nanqiao Bridge (南桥)
- Blue Tears: In the evening, when the lights illuminate the water of Dujiangyan, the water appears as “blue tears,” though it looks more green to the naked eye. It creates a beautiful, surreal scene ideal for photography.
- Saxophone Performance: A local musician plays the saxophone in the evening, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxing and enjoying the music.
Guanxian Ancient City
- A bustling commercial street with lots of shops, restaurants, and vendors. It’s a great spot to explore and enjoy local life.
Yangtianwo Square (仰天窝广场)
- Here, you’ll find cute panda statues perfect for selfies, making this a fun stop for photos.
Local Cuisine
- Smoked Ribs and Smoked Sausages: A must-try specialty in Qingcheng Mountain, available in various sizes ranging from ￥10 to ￥25.
- Luo Ji Sweet Water Noodles (罗记甜水面): A famous dish from Guanxian, priced at ￥10 per serving. It’s delicious and filling.