Plan A - Front Mountain of Mount Qingcheng
⏰ Opening hours:
May 1st - September 30th: 08:30 - 17:30
Other times: 08:30 - 17:00
Transportation:
High-speed train from Xipu Station to Qingchengshan Station: Ticket price 10 RMB, 28 minutes
From Qingchengshan Station to the base of Mount Qingcheng: Shuttle bus 20 RMB, walking 3.5 km (approximately 40 minutes), or take a taxi.
Exploring the Front Mountain of Mount Qingcheng
The Front Mountain of Mount Qingcheng is the main scenic area of the Qingcheng-Dujiangyan World Cultural Heritage site and is revered as a Taoist holy land known for its profound tranquility. Surrounded by peaks that form a natural fortress, the area is shaded by ancient nanmu and ginkgo trees, with exceptionally high levels of negative oxygen ions in the air. Each season offers unique scenery: vibrant flowers in spring, cool and pleasant summers, fiery red leaves in autumn, and misty, fairyland-like landscapes in winter. The main peak, Laojun Pavilion, stands at an altitude of 900 meters, offering a panoramic view of the magnificent Sichuan Basin, embodying the grandeur of "viewing all mountains in a single glance."
As the birthplace of Taoism, the Front Mountain preserves dozens of ancient Taoist temples. In the Eastern Han Dynasty, Zhang Daoling founded the "Way of the Five Pecks of Rice" here, with Tianshi Cave (Ancient Changdao Temple) being his place of teaching. The site still retains ancient ginkgo trees from the Tang Dynasty and Taoist stone carvings from various eras. The legend of the "Demon-Suppressing Stone," left by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang during his refuge, adds a layer of mystery to the area. The "Magical Pool" and "Mandarin Duck Well" in Shangqing Palace reflect the wisdom of Taoist wellness culture.
The mountain's esteemed status is largely due to one man—Zhang Daoling.
Understanding the Founder of Taoism—Zhang Daoling
In the second year of Han'an in the Eastern Han Dynasty (143 AD), two years after completing the "Twenty-Four Taoist Scriptures," Zhang Daoling arrived at Mount Qingcheng, where he established China's indigenous religion—Taoism, making Mount Qingcheng the foremost of China's four famous Taoist mountains.
This legendary figure lived around 2000 years ago during the Eastern Han Dynasty (late 1st century to 2nd century AD), a period contemporaneous with the flourishing Roman Empire. Originally a government official, Zhang Daoling served as the magistrate of Jiangzhou (modern-day Chongqing) but grew weary of officialdom and turned to exploring the "meaning of life" and "natural laws." He believed that through cultivation, one could achieve harmony with nature and transcend worldly suffering, a core tenet of Taoism.
In his middle age, Zhang Daoling retreated to Heming Mountain in western Sichuan (now Dayi County) to practice Taoism. Legend has it that he received a divine revelation—dreaming of Taishang Laojun (one of the highest deities in Taoism) who imparted the "Way of the Orthodox Unity," which involved using talismans, rituals, and self-cultivation to exorcise evil, heal the sick, and educate the people.
The religion he founded was called the "Way of the Five Pecks of Rice" because initiates were required to contribute five pecks of rice (equivalent to 30-50 kilograms today), which was used to aid the poor and support religious activities. This rule was unique at the time: it broke the tradition of religion serving only the nobility, allowing commoners to participate, and established stable communities through collective assistance during turbulent times. Known as "Zhang Tianshi" (Celestial Master Zhang) by his followers, his religion also became known as "Tianshi Dao" (Way of the Celestial Masters), marking an important origin of Taoism.
Legend has it that the Sichuan region was then ruled by "Six Great Demon Kings" and "Eight Ghost Generals" who spread disease and caused disasters. Zhang Daoling, wielding the "Sword of Exorcism" bestowed by Taishang Laojun, battled these demons in various locations, including Mount Qingcheng. He used cinnabar to draw talismans (mystical symbols believed to have supernatural powers) on yellow paper, recited incantations, and ultimately subdued the demons, restoring peace to the area. The "Demon-Suppressing Stone" near Tianshi Cave is believed to be a relic of his battles.
Zhang Daoling advocated "healing with talismans," believing that specific symbols and rituals could communicate with deities and exorcise evil. While modern perspectives may view this as a cultural phenomenon, this belief gave rise to China's unique "talisman culture"—such as the custom of pasting "exorcism talismans" during the Dragon Boat Festival and "Fu" characters during the Spring Festival. Additionally, he promoted "Daoyin" (a form of physical exercise similar to yoga) and "Fushi" (herbal medicine for health), which later evolved into Tai Chi and traditional Chinese medicine.
After Zhang Daoling's death, his religious work was continued by his son Zhang Heng and grandson Zhang Lu, forming a rare "hereditary religious system" in Chinese history—each generation's Celestial Master was a direct descendant of Zhang Daoling, with over 60 generations to date. The "Celestial Master's Mansion" in Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi, is the hereditary residence of the Zhang family, known as one of the "ancestral courts" of Taoism.
More importantly, Zhang Daoling integrated Daoist philosophy (such as Laozi's "Tao Te Ching") with folk beliefs and wellness practices, transforming Taoism from an abstract philosophical thought into an organized, ritualistic religious system. Today, Taoist talismans, rituals, and wellness culture are deeply embedded in Chinese society and have influenced East Asian countries like Japan and Korea, becoming an essential part of understanding Chinese culture.
Unlike Laozi, who is primarily seen as a philosophical thinker, Zhang Daoling is akin to St. Paul in Christianity—he combined abstract Daoist philosophy (such as the "Tao" in the "Tao Te Ching") with folk beliefs and wellness practices, creating an organized, ritualistic religious system. Unlike St. Paul, who was an interpreter and disseminator of Christian doctrine, Zhang Daoling was both an "interpreter" and an "institutional designer": his "Way of the Five Pecks of Rice" had clear initiation rules, religious rituals, and management structures, resembling the early Christian "church" but with a stronger local community autonomy.
If Western religious development often follows a linear model of "prophetic revelation → church organization → power struggle with secular authority," Zhang Daoling's path was "philosophical secularization → institutionalization of folk beliefs → localization of family religious authority." He was neither a "savior" like Jesus nor a "legislative prophet" like Muhammad, but more like an "organizational genius" who transformed Socratic philosophy into religious practice—in the classical era of parallel development between Eastern and Western civilizations, he used Chinese wisdom to create a "religious system that does not detach from secular life," which may be the key to understanding why Chinese culture always embodies both "religiousness" and "secularity."
Tips:
The most beautiful spot in Mount Qingcheng is near Wulong Valley. Climbing from the left side offers better photo opportunities and a more challenging experience, while the right side is easier to walk but has fewer attractions, though the difference is not significant.
If you want to visit more Taoist temples, choose Route 2. If you have children or elderly companions, Route 1 is recommended.
Breakfast and Lunch
It is recommended to have a hearty meal before climbing, not only because the food on the mountain is not as good as that at the base, but also because it is generally more than twice as expensive. Regardless of the restaurant, the farmhouse crispy pork and wild vegetable omelet are highly recommended.
Route 1 - Time and Energy Efficient
This route is ideal for those with a tight schedule, allowing you to complete the tour in approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
Route: Qianshan Gate → Qingcheng Mountain Ticket Gate → Yuecheng Lake → Cable Car → Shangqing Palace → Donghua Hall → Laojun Pavilion
Qingcheng Mountain Scenic Area Main Gate - Route 1
💰 Ticket price: 80 RMB per person
After exiting Jianfu Palace, you will see the main gate of the Qingcheng Mountain Scenic Area on the left side of the square. Purchase your ticket to officially begin your ascent of the front mountain of Qingcheng
Note: Do not head towards "Qingcheng Immortal Pavilion," as it is a specialty market and does not lead up the mountain. To reach Yuecheng Lake, turn left below the "Qingcheng Immortal Pavilion." After turning left, you will find two paths; take the one on the right.
Route 2 - Slightly Challenging
This route is suitable for those with ample time, taking approximately 5-6 hours to complete. The route involves hiking up the mountain and taking the cable car down, as descending on foot can be hard on the knees.
Ascent:
Jianfu Palace → Mountain Gate → Tiannan Pavilion → Natural Picture → Quanzhen Temple → Fifth Cave Heaven → Tianshi Cave → Zhibi Slot → Fangning Bridge → Patriarch Hall (optional) → Chaoyang Cave → Laojun Pavilion
Descent:
Shangqing Palace → Cable Car → Yuecheng Lake → Tiannan Pavilion → Mountain Gate
Note:
The ground can be slippery on rainy days, and some sections of the path are quite steep. Please be cautious while climbing!
Qingcheng Mountain Scenic Area Main Gate - Route 2
💰 Ticket price: 80 RMB per person
After leaving Jianfu Palace, you will see the main gate of the Qingcheng Mountain Scenic Area on the left side of the square. Purchase your ticket here to officially begin your ascent of the front mountain of Qingcheng.
Note: Do not head towards "Qingcheng Immortal Pavilion," as it is a specialty market and does not provide access to the mountain. To reach Yuecheng Lake, turn left below the "Qingcheng Immortal Pavilion." After turning left, take the left path of the two available.
Feast After Descending the Mountain
Qingcheng Mountain is a renowned tourist destination, attracting numerous visitors each year. One of the local culinary delights is cured meat, which boasts a rich regional flavor and is highly popular among tourists. The Sichuan region has a long-standing tradition of curing meat, with local residents historically making cured meat during the winter. Pork is cured, dried, or smoked to create cured meat that can be preserved and enjoyed for a long time. This traditional dietary habit has been passed down through generations, giving cured meat a deep cultural significance and a broad popular base in the Qingcheng Mountain area. The surrounding rural areas have a thriving livestock industry, providing ample pork resources for making cured meat. The high-quality local pork, known for its tenderness, is ideal for this purpose.
Plan B - Qingcheng Mountain Back Mountain
Ticket Information:
💰 Ticket price: 20 RMB
Insurance: 5 RMB
⏰ Opening hours: 09:00-18:00
Transportation:
High-Speed Train from Xipu Station to Qingchengshan Station: 10 RMB, 28 minutes
From Qingchengshan Station to Qingcheng Back Mountain Station: Take the direct tourist bus from the Qingchengshan Fast Train Station bus stop. Round trip costs 30 RMB per person, one-way costs 16 RMB per person, and the journey takes about 1.5 hours. A taxi ride costs around 80 RMB.
Cable Car Fees:
Jinli Cable Car: One-way 30 RMB per person, round trip 55 RMB per person.
Baiyun Cable Car: One-way 45 RMB per person, round trip 80 RMB per person.
You can purchase tickets based on your needs.
Cuiying Lake Ferry:
3 RMB per person. The ferry is the only way to cross the lake, so be mindful of the time as the staff may leave if you arrive too late, leaving you stranded on the other side.
Small Loop: Approximately 4 hours
Tai'an Ancient Town → Weijiang Suspension Bridge → Jinli Cable Car → Youyicun → Longyin Gorge Walkway → Santan Mist Spring → Wulong Bridge → Tai'an Ancient Town.
Medium Loop: Approximately 5.5 hours
Tai'an Ancient Town → Wulong Bridge → Santan Mist Spring → Longyin Gorge Walkway → Youyicun → Baiyun Cable Car → Shuangquan Water Curtain Cave → Cuiying Lake → Baizhang Bridge → Feiquan Valley → Tai'an Ancient Town.
Large Loop: Approximately 7 hours
Tai'an Ancient Town → Feiquan Valley → Cuiying Lake → Baiyun Ancient Fort → Baiyun Temple → Youyicun → Longyin Gorge Walkway → Santan Mist Spring → Wulong Bridge → Tai'an Ancient Town
Tips for the Back Mountain:
1、There are many private cars offering rides, but unless the official scenic area buses are not running, it's best to avoid them.
2、If you have breakfast in Tai'an Ancient Town, some shops may provide free hiking sticks. If not, it's advisable to buy one.
3、After getting off the scenic area bus, you will need to walk a bit further to reach the entrance of the back mountain and then to Tai'an Ancient Town.
4、If you start from Wulong Valley, you need to pass through Tai'an Ancient Town and walk along the river for about 1.5 km to reach the Jiulong Valley hiking entrance.
5、Some steps can be slippery and severely damaged, so wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.
6、Tai'an Ancient Town, Youyicun, and Baiyun Ancient Fort all offer dining options. If you want to lighten your load, plan to eat at these locations. We have also recommended some delicious foods for you.
7、If you encounter vendors selling freshly squeezed juice, avoid the freshly squeezed orange juice as it can be very bitter.
8、The pavilions in the scenic area are mainly for resting, so don't expect much in terms of sightseeing.
9、Bring some cash, small change, and your passport.
10、Carry a power bank, umbrella, and knee pads if possible.
11、Qingcheng Mountain is quite steep, making the climb strenuous. Your knees might hurt on the way down, and your calves may be sore for a few days. A massage can help alleviate the discomfort.
Tai'an Ancient Town (Starting Climbing)
It's essential to have a hearty meal here, as you'll be grateful for the energy boost in the next two hours. Also, remember to stock up on drinking water and emergency snacks like chocolate or energy bars.
Youyicun
This is an important supply point along the loop. The restaurants here are fewer and the food quality may not match that of Tai'an Ancient Town at the base of the mountain. We have recommended one restaurant, but if you prefer not to try it, you can visit any of the local eateries, commonly referred to as "Nongjiale" (农家乐) in China, which means "farmhouse joy."
Tai'an Ancient Town (Descending)
We Recommend Six Restaurants.
More Excitement Awaits
As dusk falls, the sound of bells and chimes from the temples in the front mountain will echo as they have for thousands of years, while the mist quietly descends upon the valleys of the back mountain, as it has for millions of years. This is part of the natural order, and also part of the "Dao."
Just like the temples that have merged into the mountains and the Daoists who have integrated into nature, they follow the "Dao" that requires no words and cannot be fully expressed in language. Through architecture, landscapes, and their actions, they have built their philosophical sanctuaries over time, forming an essential part of the Chinese cultural subconscious.
These elements, submerged in the ocean of Chinese culture, are profound and beautiful, complex yet simple. If you try to express them, you may find that the next sentence is on the tip of your tongue, but it seems impossible to articulate accurately.
If you have such an insight, congratulations, you have touched the "Dao." Laozi, the spiritual leader of Daoism, once stood at the threshold of universal truth and uttered the timeless wisdom, "The Dao that can be spoken of is not the eternal Dao; the name that can be named is not the eternal name."
If someone asks you what the "Dao" is, you might suggest they come to Qingcheng Mountain, walk on the moss-covered stone paths, see the ancient sculptures, and breathe the wind and mist that pass through the valleys...
Then, you can ask them what the "Dao" is, and perhaps in a shared smile, you will find a resonance that cannot be expressed in words.
Good night.
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Open the route in the EasyGo China app for the map, audio stories and walking directions.
