Qingcheng Mountain, one of the four famous Taoist mountains in China, is located 15 kilometers southwest of Dujiangyan City and 70 kilometers away from Chengdu. It is a major scenic spot of the Dujiangyan area, a national key cultural relic protection unit, a national key scenic spot, and a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction.
Qingcheng Mountain is undoubtedly a breathtakingly beautiful place with unique mountains and exquisite waters. Surrounded by peaks and covered with dense greenery, the mountains and forests here are verdant all year round, earning it the nickname of "Green Place". Qingcheng Mountain is divided into the anterior part and the posterior part. The anterior part, as the main part of the scenic area, covers an area of about 15 square kilometers, boasting beautiful scenery and numerous cultural relics and historic sites. Its main attractions include Jianfu Palace, Tianshi Cave, Zushi Palace, and Shangqing Palace. The posterior part, with a total area of 100 square kilometers, features picturesque waters, secluded forests, and towering mountains that seem unscalable and rise straight up.
Attractions in Mount Qingcheng
Jianfu Palace
Jianfu Palace, a storied edifice with a rich history, dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), when it was first constructed. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous restorations. Today, two temples and three compounds coexist within its confines, embraced by lush, ancient foliage. In front of Jianfu Palace, a stream flows gracefully, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding scenery and adding a touch of serenity to the entire environment. As you travel westward for just a kilometer (or roughly 0.6 miles), they are suddenly greeted by a wooden pavilion that emerges from a profusion of trees and steep rocks.
Tianshi Cave
Tianshi Cave serves as a sacred space housing a stone statue of Zhang Tianshi. This statue, created in the style of the Sui Dynasty (581-618), depicts the deity who is widely worshipped here. According to legend, Zhang Daoling, later known as Zhang Tianshi, practiced self-cultivation and preached in this area towards the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220). As a result, Zhang Tianshi is honored as the founder of Taoism on Mount Qingcheng. The Sanqing Palace, the main hall of Tianshi Cave, is dedicated to the worship of the three supreme deities in Taoism. Meanwhile, the Sanhuang Palace houses stone statues of Fuxi, Shennong, and Huangdi, revered as the Three Sovereigns of legendary rulers from ancient China.
Shangqing Palace
Shangqing Palace is located on the first peak of Qingcheng Mountain, about 500 meters from the summit. Originally built in the Jin Dynasty, the existing temple was constructed during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty. There are cliff inscriptions such as "The First Peak of Qingcheng". There is a statue of Laozi and a wooden engraving of the 5,000-word Tao Te Ching. Additionally, there are legendary relics such as Magu Pool and Mandarin Duck Well.
Best Time to Visit Mount Qingcheng
The optimal time to visit Qingchengshan Mountain is from March to November, when the weather is pleasant, the scenery is breathtaking, and the leaves are lush and green. In the spring and autumn, the mountain bursts into a vibrant palette of blooming flowers and lush foliage, offering a truly captivating visual spectacle. Come summer, the cool and refreshing environment invites you to immerse yourself in the serene ambiance created by verdant greenery, trickling streams, picturesque waterfalls, and serene lakes.
However, it's advisable to steer clear of the peak season in July and August, as the crowds can be overwhelming and prices tend to soar. Additionally, winter brings with it cold temperatures and frequent fog, rendering it less suitable for a visit.
Travel Tips
Location: Dujiangyan City, 68km away from Chengdu City.
Opening Time: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Ticket Price: Front mountain CNY 90, Back mountain CNY20.
Cablecar: A one-way ticket is 35 yuan per person, and a round-way ticket is 60 yuan per person.
Recommened Visiting Time: 1Day
Climate: Subtropical monsoon humid climate
