Qingcheng Mountain: A thousand year wonderland and a secret place for health preservation

Qingcheng Mountain: A thousand year wonderland and a secret place for health preservation

Overview: A world cultural and natural heritage site that nourishes the body and mind
Qingcheng Mountain, located in the southwest of Dujiangyan Irrigation Project City, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, is about 68 kilometers away from the urban area of Chengdu. It is the birthplace of the global Taoist Tianshi Road, a world cultural heritage, a world natural heritage (the Habitat of Giant Pandas in Sichuan Province), and a national AAAAA tourist attraction.

Quick overview of core highlights
Identity tags: The Fifth Cave of the World/Origin of Taoism/"Qingcheng Tianxia You"
Core Experience: Pilgrimage to Taoist Temples, Ancient Trail Hiking for Solitude, Taoist Health Culture Experience, Sitting in Tea Huts in the Mountains
Suggested tour: 1-2 days. The core cultural area of the front mountain can be visited in one day, and it is recommended to arrange a two-day itinerary in combination with the back mountain for in-depth experience
Address: Qingchengshan Town, Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, Chengdu, Sichuan

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Origin: A Millennium Dialogue between the Ancestral Family and Natural Wonders

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 The Origin of Taoism - The Holy Land of Zhang Ling, the Celestial Master
The fame of "Qingcheng Mountain" began with a pioneering effort. During the reign of Emperor Shun of the Eastern Han Dynasty (126-144 AD), the founder of Taoism, Zhang Ling (Zhang Daoling), selected this place of clear and deep mountains, where spiritual energy gathered, and preached here, establishing the Tian Shi Dao (Five Dou Mi Dao). Qingcheng Mountain is thus honored as the "Ancestor Mountain of Celestial Master Taoism" and "Ancestor Court", ranking the fifth of Taoism's "Top Ten Cave Heavens", "Heaven of the Nine Chambers of Immortals", and has established its irreplaceable lofty position in the history of Chinese religious culture.

 The Path of Inheritance - From Heavenly Blessings to World Double Heritage Sites
The millennium story of Qingcheng Mountain is an epic that reflects the nature and humanity and continues to pass on:
Laying the foundation (Han Jin to Tang): Since Zhang Tianshi founded the religion, various generations of high schools have practiced here, and palace architecture has gradually emerged. In the Tang Dynasty, Taoism was regarded as the national religion, and the construction of Qingcheng Mountain reached a peak, which was closely related to the royal family and was strongly supported.
Historical accumulation (Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties): After generations of repairs and additions, a huge architectural complex has been formed, including dozens of palaces and temples such as Jianfu Palace, Tianshi Cave, and Shangqing Palace. Its architectural style fully embodies the Taoist philosophy of "Dao follows nature and the unity of heaven and man". It follows the mountain and blends seamlessly with the forest and sea, perfectly coexisting with the natural environment.
World attention (since modern times): In 2000, Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan Irrigation Project were jointly included in the World Cultural Heritage List by UNESCO. In 2006, it was included in the World Natural Heritage List as an important part of the "the Habitat of Giant Pandas in Sichuan Province". Becoming a rare 'dual heritage' site, its universal value has been globally recognized.

In depth understanding: Explore more famous mountains of Chinese religious culture>>Wudang Mountain in Hubei Province

Must See Wonders: Echoes of the Tranquility of the Cave and the Immortal Atmosphere of the Palace

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 Natural Creation - The Ultimate Interpretation of "Qingcheng Tianxia Youjing"
The soul of Qingcheng Mountain lies in the word "You". The whole mountain has 36 peaks, 8 large caves, 72 small caves, and 108 scenic spots. The trees are green and evergreen all year round, surrounded by various peaks and resembling city walls. Here, victory is not achieved through steepness or grandeur, but through the picturesque and serene atmosphere that conquers people's hearts.
Kong Cui Si He: As soon as you enter the mountain gate, it feels like stepping into a huge green dome. The towering ancient trees cover the sky and the sun, while ancient and famous trees such as nanmu, ginkgo, and cedar are scattered throughout the mountains, resulting in a high forest coverage rate. The concentration of negative oxygen ions in the air far exceeds that of cities, and every breath is a cleansing of the body and mind. Even in summer, the mountains are as cool as autumn, making them a natural summer resort. The winding path leads to secluded places: The mountain trails connecting various scenic spots are the best way to experience the charm of "seclusion". These stone steps and paths meander between dense forests and deep streams, sometimes facing streams, sometimes passing through caves, and sometimes hidden by dense branches and leaves. Strolling on it, one can only hear the chirping of birds and cicadas, the murmuring of flowing water, and the troubles of the world are instantly isolated from the green mountains. Sunrise Sea of Clouds and Holy Lamp: Climbing up to the main peak Laojun Pavilion (1260 meters above sea level), you can enjoy the magnificent sunrise and rolling sea of clouds when the weather is suitable. The "Holy Lamp" (actually a natural phenomenon of phosphine) at night in Qingcheng Mountain is regarded as a Taoist mascot, adding infinite mystery in ancient times.

 Humanistic Craftsmanship - Taoist Architecture Museum Built on the Mountain
The palace here is not only a religious site, but also a perfect crystallization of ancient Chinese architectural art and Taoist philosophical thought.
Jianfu Palace: Located at the foot of Zhangren Peak next to the mountain gate, it is the starting point for sightseeing. Founded in the Tang Dynasty, the existing buildings were renovated during the Qing Dynasty. There are a large number of precious poems, couplets, and murals preserved in the palace, creating a strong cultural atmosphere and serving as a warm-up before entering the "Immortal Cave". Tianshi Cave (Changdao Temple): the location of the Taoist Association of Qingcheng Mountain, which is also the core of the whole mountain. It is said to be the place where Zhang Tianshi practiced and preached. The entire architectural complex rises layer by layer along the mountain terrain, with a grand scale. The Sanqing Grand Hall is majestic and solemn, with a millennium old ginkgo tree that is said to have been planted by Zhang Tianshi. In the deep autumn season, the ground is covered in golden yellow, making it a spectacular sight. There are also statues of the "Heavenly Master" Zhang Ling and his 30th generation descendant "Xujing Heavenly Master" in the cave, which is a must visit place for pilgrimage. Shangqing Palace: Located at the top of a high mountain, it was first built in the Jin Dynasty. The temple worships the founder of Taoism, Tai Shang Lao Jun. The high and open terrain here is an excellent place to watch the sunrise, the sea of clouds and the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project water conservancy project. There are halls such as Laojun Hall, Sanqing Hall, and Daode Jing Hall in the palace, and Chiang Kai shek once inscribed a plaque here. Patriotic general Zhang Xueliang was once placed under house arrest near the palace. Laojun Pavilion: Located at the top of Qingcheng's first peak, it is a tower shaped building that has been rebuilt in recent years. Inside the pavilion, there is a giant sitting statue of the Grand Master. Climbing to the top of the pavilion, the view is extremely broad, giving a heroic feeling of "seeing all the small mountains at a glance", which is the climax of the tour route.

Photography tip: The best panoramic camera position is in Shangqing Palace or Laojun Pavilion, which can capture magnificent scenes surrounded by mountains and shrouded in clouds and mist. The combination of ancient buildings and towering ancient trees (especially ginkgo trees) in Tianshi Cave is a classic scene for capturing the fusion of culture and nature. Mountain trails and pavilions are suitable for taking photos of people blending into a serene environment, and it is recommended to wear simple and elegant clothing. In the early morning or after rain, the mountains and forests are shrouded in mist, which best captures the fairy like texture of "Qingcheng Tianxia".

Core Experience: Immersive Taoist Culture Health Guide

Furong Ancient Town

Four Must Do Things to Unlock a Complete Journey to Qingcheng
Take a pilgrimage along the ancient path and inhale the spiritual energy of the immortal mountain: give up the cableway and choose to hike from the mountain gate to the Tianshi Cave and finally to the Shangqing Palace. Measure history with your footsteps and experience the true essence of Taoism's' Dao follows nature 'in each step and scenery. The pavilions, towers, and cliff carvings along the way are not only landscapes, but also cultural imprints.
Visit a millennium palace and listen to a Taoist story: sit in a quiet corner of the Tian Shi Cave or Shangqing Palace, or follow the tour guide to learn about Zhang Tian Shi's founding, Taoist immortal system, health preservation techniques, and other stories. Touch the millennium old ginkgo tree and feel the weight of history and the cycle of life.
Taste a cup of Dongtian tribute tea and enjoy a moment of leisure in the mountains: Qingcheng Mountain has a long history of tea production, and "Qingcheng Tea" was once a tribute. Sitting in a tea house on the mountainside or mountaintop (such as the tea house in the Qing Palace), ordering a cup of Qingcheng Snow Sprout or Floating Flower, facing the green mountains and clouds, not thinking about anything, quietly daydreaming, and experiencing the highest realm of Taoism's "tranquility and non action".
Learn a set of health preserving skills to restore physical and mental vitality: Qingcheng Mountain is a treasure house of Taoist health preserving culture. If the opportunity arises, one can observe or even learn the basic movements of Qingcheng martial arts (one of the four major schools of Chinese martial arts), or experience the breathing and breathing techniques of Taoism, truly bringing home the concept of health preservation.

 Tourist Route Suggestions
One day "Qianshan Core Culture" tour (suitable for most tourists):
Arrive at the mountain gate in front of Qingcheng Mountain in the morning → visit Jianfu Palace → take the cloud corridor cableway or walk up the mountain to Yuecheng Lake, take a boat to cross the lake → walk through Ciyun Pavilion to visit the Qing Palace → continue to climb to the top Laojun Pavilion, see the small mountains → return to the Qing Palace on the original road, and lunch can be settled in the Palace Suzhai Hall → go down the mountain road in the afternoon, and focus on visiting the core Tianshi Cave (Changdao Temple) → continue to go down the mountain, enjoy the natural scenery along the way → return to the mountain gate at 4-5 p.m.
IntoTravelChina tip: This trip combines cableway and hiking, which is labor-saving and can cover essence. If the entire hike requires high physical strength, please do your best and reserve more time.
Two day 'Deep Tranquility in the Front and Back Mountains' Tour (highly recommended for tourists seeking a deep experience and tranquility):
Day 1: Immerse yourself in the Taoist culture and historical relics of Qianshan all day long. You can slow down the pace according to the one-day tour route, stay longer at each palace, savor the architectural details, couplets and inscriptions, and even participate in a morning bell and evening drum ceremony. At night, check in at the front gate of the mountain or at the Taoist temple hotel in the mountains (such as Tianshi Cave) to experience the peaceful night in the mountains.
Day 2: Go to the back mountain of Qingcheng. The back mountain wins with its natural scenery, with beautiful water, secluded forests, and majestic mountains. Waterfalls and streams are scattered throughout (such as Feiquan Gou and Wulong Gou). On this day, we focus on hiking and getting close to nature, walking along routes such as Tai'an Ancient Town, Cuiying Lake, and Baiyun Ancient Village, experiencing a primitive wilderness that is completely different from the Taoist cultural area. Return in the evening.
The advantages of IntoTravelChina: We can book the most suitable accommodation for you, arrange the connection of all activities, and provide detailed hiking routes and safety guidelines.

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Travel Guide: Transportation, Accommodation, and Seasons

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 How to reach: Convenient access to Chengdu backyard
Qingcheng Mountain has convenient transportation and forms a golden tourist line with Dujiangyan Irrigation Project.
Departing from all over the country, it is highly recommended to fly to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and then transfer via high-speed rail or bus.
The most convenient way to start from the urban area of Chengdu is to seamlessly transfer to the Guanzhou Express Railway at Xipu Station of Chengdu Metro Line 2, which takes about 30 minutes to reach the "Qingcheng Mountain Station". After leaving the station, transfer to the scenic spot shuttle bus or walk about 15-20 minutes to the front mountain gate. You can also take a direct bus at the Chadianzi Bus Station.
Starting from Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, there are frequent buses (No. 101, etc.) between the two places. It takes about 30-40 minutes to drive, which is very suitable for a one-day or two-day joint tour with Dujiangyan Irrigation Project.
Important return reminder: Please pay attention to the time of the last intercity train returning to Chengdu from Qingcheng Mountain Station. If you want to watch the night view or stay in the mountains, you need to plan your transportation for the next day in advance or choose a taxi/ride hailing service.

Best Travel Time
The scenery of Qingcheng Mountain is different in four seasons, but the vitality and coolness in spring and summer are the most attractive.
The best season of spring and summer (April October): At this time, the mountains and forests are lush, the water is abundant, the waterfall and stream landscapes are good, and the climate is cool and pleasant. It is the best season to escape the heat and enjoy natural scenery. There are more tourists in summer (July August), but the temperature inside the mountain is comfortable.
Autumn Colorful Season (October November): The sky is high and the clouds are light, the leaves in the mountains change color, especially the millennium ginkgo tree in Tianshi Cave is golden, the scenery is splendid, it is a good time for photography.
Winter quiet season (December March): Tourists are scarce, and if encountering snowfall, the silver coated Taoist temple has a unique atmosphere, making it even more serene and ethereal. But some trails may be slippery, so attention should be paid to preventing slipping and keeping warm.

Accommodation Options
Qianshan Mountain Gate/Ancient Town Area (Convenient first): Qingcheng Mountain Town and its vicinity are full of hotels, guesthouses and inns of various grades, ranging from international brand resort hotels to special home stays, which are convenient for catering and shopping, and suitable for most tourists.
Shanshan Taoist Temple Hotel (Unique Experience): There are hotels or guest rooms for external operation in major palaces such as Tianshi Cave and Shangqing Palace. Staying here, you can enjoy the ultimate tranquility of the scenic area after it closes. In the morning and evening, you can take in the fragrance of the fairy mountains alone. It is an excellent choice to deeply experience Taoist culture, but the facilities are relatively simple.
Houshan Tai'an Ancient Town (Leisure Choice): If you plan to visit Houshan, you can choose to stay in Tai'an Ancient Town. There are numerous guesthouses here, with a serene environment and a charming atmosphere reminiscent of ancient towns in western Sichuan, making it suitable for tourists who enjoy tranquility.
IntoTravelChina accommodation booking recommendations:
Qingcheng Mountain is a popular tourist and summer resort, especially in summer weekends and holidays. There is a shortage of accommodation near the mountain gate and in Taoist temples. Through our reservation, we can not only recommend the most suitable accommodation according to your needs (cultural experience or comfortable vacation), but also plan the travel, transportation and tickets of Qingcheng Mountain, Dujiangyan Irrigation Project and even Chengdu in a one-stop way, so as to ensure that your "health care" trip is leisurely. Tell us your budget and preferences, and we will arrange the most suitable 'cave dwelling' for you. >>Click to contact IntoTravelChina travel consultant

Extended journey: fashion culture loop connecting essence of Chengdu

One day essence tour of Chengdu urban culture: Chengdu Museum (history) → Taikoo Li (modern fashion) → Kuanzhai Alley (traditional street) → Sichuan Opera Performance (night). This route crosses the past and present of Chengdu within a day.
Sichuan Sichuan Classic 6-day Ring Road: Chengdu → Leshan (Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, Mount Emei) → Sanxingdui → People's Park, Jinli Old Street → Giant Panda Base, Chunxi Road. This is a classic Sichuan journey from modern cities to natural wonders and cultural heritage. >>Explore the 6-day essence of Sichuan

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Q & A

Asked by Penny Thomas from USA | November 14,2025 17:34
How many days are needed to visit Dujiangyan and Mount Qingcheng?
Answered by intotravelchina | November 14,2025 17:44
It is recommended to allocate 1 day for this trip. In the morning, take the high-speed train from Chengdu Xipu Station to Lidui Park Station (about 30 minutes). First, visit the Dujiangyan Scenic Area (2-3 hours). After lunch, take a taxi or the direct shuttle bus to the front gate of Mount Qingcheng (about 20 minutes). The hike up the mountain takes approximately 3 hours. Return to Chengdu in the evening. If time is tight, you can stay overnight in Dujiangyan and explore at a more leisurely pace the next day.

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