Qingcheng Mountain

What are the most recommended things to do in Qingcheng Mountain?

Hike the scenic trails from the foot to the summit, exploring lush forests and waterfalls.
Visit Taoist temples, including the famous Shangqing Temple and Tianshi Cave.
Take the cable car from the base to the middle or summit for panoramic mountain views.
Enjoy photography and nature walks along serene paths and bamboo groves.
Experience local cultural performances or Taoist rituals if available during your visit.

Introducing Mount Qingcheng

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 so impressed by its tranquility, profoundness, and spiritual purity that he declared it the "Fifth Cave Heaven" and the "Fifth Famous Mountain in the World."

To this day, dozens of Taoist temples on the mountain, including Tianshi Cave, Jianfu Palace, Shangqing Palace, Zushi Hall, Laojun Pavilion, and Chaoyang Cave, are still well preserved. Together with the ancient trees that block out the sun in the mountains, they bear witness to the vicissitudes of time over the past two thousand years.

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.

Climate and best time to travel

Summer is the best time to visit Qingcheng Mountain. On the 28th day of the fourth lunar month, there is the "Medicine King Meeting" in Qingcheng Mountain.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

1 day

Tickets

Tickets: Front Mountain Ticket 90 RMB / Back Mountain Ticket 20 RMB; Front Mountain Cableway: One-way (Yuecheng Lake → Siwangguan) 35 RMB / Round-trip 60 RMB; Back Mountain Cableway Jinli Cableway (Feiquanfang → Shisuntang): One-way 30 RMB / Round-trip 55 RMB; Back Mountain Baiyun Cableway (Youyi Village → Baiyun Temple): One-way 30 RMB / Round-trip 60 RMB (Monday-Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)

Tips:

Qianshan Yuecheng Lake boat ticket: 5 yuan

Attraction opening hours

08:00-17:00 (Monday-Sunday, March 2-November 30)

08:00-18:00 (December 1st to March 1st of the following year)

Most Popular FAQs for Qingcheng Mountain

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Qingcheng Mountain is a historic Taoist site known for its natural beauty and spiritual significance. It has been a center for Taoism for over 2,000 years, with numerous temples and sacred sites along its trails. It is recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System."

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Qingcheng Mountain is located near Dujiangyan City in Sichuan Province, about 65 km from Chengdu. Visitors can take a bus from Chengdu’s Xinnanmen Bus Station, a taxi, or a high-speed train to Dujiangyan followed by a short bus or taxi ride to the mountain entrance.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Qingcheng Mountain is open daily from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Spring and autumn offer the best weather for hiking and sightseeing, while summer provides lush scenery but can be crowded.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is approximately 90 RMB for the main scenic area. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online via official websites or authorized travel platforms.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking in advance is recommended during weekends and national holidays, ideally 1–3 days ahead to avoid long queues.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Half a day to a full day is needed for the main scenic area, with 3–5 hours for hiking and visiting temples. A full-day visit is ideal to reach both lower and upper scenic areas.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Shangqing Temple
Tianshi Cave
Natural trails and bamboo forests
Shouquang Peak and summit views
Historic Taoist architecture and inscriptions

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Chinese and limited English. Audio guides can sometimes be rented at the main entrance.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Summit and cable car viewpoints
Shangqing Temple surroundings
Bamboo groves along hiking trails
Waterfalls and mountain streams

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the front entrance, hike to Shangqing Temple, continue along the scenic trail to Tianshi Cave, and optionally take the cable car to the summit for panoramic views. Descend via a different trail or cable car back to the entrance.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are generally not available, and light shows are not typical. Special Taoist rituals may be observed occasionally, depending on the season.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Weekdays and non-holiday seasons are less crowded. National holidays and weekends see high visitor traffic, especially at the cable car stations and temples.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Toilets, snack stalls, souvenir shops, and resting areas are available at the entrance, cable car stations, and near major temples. Water and light refreshments are available, but bringing your own is recommended.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Some areas are accessible via cable car, making it easier for elderly or less mobile visitors. Steep hiking trails may be challenging for children or disabled visitors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Most ticket offices and shops accept mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards, but carrying some cash (RMB) is advisable for smaller vendors.