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Qingcheng Mountain, located southwest of Chengdu's Dujiangyan District, is one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China. During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Zhang Daoling, the founder of Taoism, was struck by its tranquility, profoundness, and spiritual purity, declaring it the "Fifth Cave Heaven" and the "Fifth Most Famous Mountain in the World." To this day, dozens of Taoist temples and shrines on the mountain, including Tianshi Cave, Jianfu Palace, Shangqing Palace, Zushi Hall, Laojun Pavilion, and Chaoyang Cave, remain perfectly preserved, bearing witness to the vicissitudes of time over the past two thousand years, along with the towering ancient trees that shade the mountain.
The word "secluded" perfectly captures the allure of Mount Qingcheng. Du Fu once wrote, "West of the Grandfather's Temple, the air is rich and clear, and green clouds seem to dwell on the highest peak," perfectly praising the tranquil greenery of Mount Qingcheng. The pristine and abundant vegetation of western Sichuan, along with the fresh, moist air rich in oxygen ions, offer ample reason to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and the scorching heat of nearly 40°C, looking forward to a tranquil retreat in this cool summer.
July and August are the best times to visit Qingcheng Mountain. Even in the scorching heat of summer, the temperature and humidity remain pleasant, making it a prime spot in Western Sichuan for a refreshing escape from the summer heat. In summer, the entire valley is blanketed in greenery, rich in oxygen ions, and with abundant rainfall, the mountain streams, waterfalls, and lakes are filled with abundant water, making the scenery at its most stunning. In addition, nearby Dujiangyan hosts a summer beer festival, and various rafting activities are also open in the summer, enriching your itinerary. However, Qingcheng Mountain actually has its own unique characteristics in each season. The vibrant colors of Qingcheng Mountain are a gift in autumn, while in winter, it transforms into a world of snow, a unique beauty.
Qingcheng Mountain has a typical mountain climate, with an average annual temperature of around 15°C, the highest temperature in summer being no more than 30°C, and the humidity being extremely high.
Therefore, wear light, comfortable clothing, preferably quick-drying clothing. Women are advised to wear pants for ease of climbing and to protect their legs from injury. Rain is common in the summer, so bring rain gear. After rain and in the evenings, it can be chilly, so those with weak constitutions are advised to bring an extra jacket for warmth. Furthermore, the road near the waterfall can be slippery due to water in the summer, so wearing water-resistant, soft-soled shoes is recommended.
Most expenses for a trip to Qingcheng Mountain are spent on entrance fees, cable cars, and accommodation. Tickets to the front and back mountains are 90 and 20 yuan, respectively; various ropeways and cable cars cost between 30 and 60 yuan. Staying in a farmhouse in Qingcheng Mountain or a hotel in Tai'an Ancient Town generally costs between 100 and 150 yuan per night.
The cost of dining and shopping in Qingcheng Mountain is not high. 30 yuan per person is enough for a meal in a local restaurant. As long as you don't buy things in the stores on the mountain, shopping is still relatively cheap.
Generally speaking, excluding major transportation, if you want to visit Qingcheng Mountain for two days and one night, it will cost about 400 yuan.