Step into a 26°C green fridge! Hiking in Mount Qingcheng feels like a lung cleanse with every step

Practical travel guide to Mount Qingcheng Scenic Area, updated with the latest information to help you easily explore the "Most Serene Mountain Under Heaven"🌿:

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**1️⃣ Overview**
- **Front Mountain vs Back Mountain**
- **Front Mountain** (Ticket: ¥80): Core of Taoist culture, featuring concentrated temples like Tianshi Cave, Shangqing Palace, and Laojun Pavilion, ideal for cultural enthusiasts⛩️, takes about 4-5 hours to explore.
- **Back Mountain** (Ticket: ¥20): Focused on natural scenery with waterfalls, plank walks, and streams (e.g., Wulong Gully, Cuiying Lake), perfect for hiking and summer retreats💦, full route takes 5-6 hours.
- **Opening Hours**:
- Peak season (March-November) 8:00-17:00; Off-season (December-February) 8:00-18:00.

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**2️⃣ Transportation Guide**
- **Chengdu→Mount Qingcheng**:
- 🚆 Take Metro Line 2 to Xipu Station, then transfer to the express train to Mount Qingcheng Station (30 mins, ¥10). After arrival:
- Front Mountain: Take a bus or sightseeing car (10 mins).
- Back Mountain: Take a shuttle bus to Taian Ancient Town (¥30 round trip, 40 mins).
- **Within the Scenic Area**: Cable cars are charged in segments (Front Mountain one-way ¥35; Back Mountain Baiyun Cable Car one-way ¥45). A boat ride (¥5) is required at Yuecheng Lake to connect to the cable car.

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**3️⃣ Recommended Highlight Routes**
- **Front Mountain Efficient Tour** (4 hours):
Mountain Gate→Yuecheng Lake (boat ride)→Cable Car→Shangqing Palace→Laojun Pavilion (summit view)→Descend on foot via Chaoyang Cave→Tianshi Cave.
- **Back Mountain Nature Route** (5-6 hours):
Taian Ancient Town→Wulong Gully (waterfalls and plank walks)→Youyi Village→Baiyun Cable Car→Cuiying Lake (boat ride ¥2)→Feiquan Gully.

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**4️⃣ Must-Try Food & Accommodation**
- **Four Taoist Delicacies**: Dongtian Tribute Tea🍵, Ginkgo Chicken Stew (recommended Shangqing Palace vegetarian dishes), Mount Qingcheng Pickles, Dongtian Rice Wine.
- **Accommodation Options**:
- Luxury: Six Senses Hotel (Front Mountain, organic farm + hot springs)♨️; Howard Johnson (hot springs + direct shuttle to scenic area).
- Budget: Back Mountain homestays (around Taian Ancient Town, ¥100-300/night).

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**5️⃣ Key Tips**
- 👟 **Gear**: Non-slip hiking shoes, portable raincoat (frequent rain in the mountains), light jacket (large temperature variations).
- 💰 **Savings**: Students/seniors aged 60-64 get half-price tickets on non-holidays; seniors 65+ enter free (bring ID).
- ⚠️ **Avoid Pitfalls**:
- The Yuecheng Lake section on Front Mountain is relatively monotonous; consider taking the cable car directly.
- Few restrooms on Back Mountain; control water intake; prices are negotiable (e.g., tofu pudding from ¥10→¥5).
- 📸 **Photo Spots**: Laojun Pavilion sea of clouds, Wulong Gully waterfalls, reflections at Cuiying Lake.

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**Summary**: Front Mountain for Taoist culture, Back Mountain for summer retreats, paired with Taoist cuisine + hot spring stays—perfect for 1-2 days!✨ Check the weather before departure (bring shoe covers during rainy season) and travel light to enjoy the "Most Serene Mountain Under Heaven"~