When you think of traveling in Chengdu, besides hotpot and giant pandas, you can’t miss Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan! On my recent trip to Chengdu, I planned a whole day dedicated to these two spots. They’re super close to each other, with one being a natural oxygen bar and the other a thousand-year-old water conservancy marvel. Definitely worth putting on your itinerary! In this article, I'm sharing a foolproof guide to make your trip enjoyable.
Qingcheng Mountain is one of the important origins of Taoist culture in China, consisting of Front Mountain and Back Mountain. The Front Mountain has more cultural attractions and is great for a leisurely visit, while the Back Mountain focuses on natural scenery, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
When I headed out from Chengdu, I chose a super convenient option—Metro + High-Speed Train. Here’s how it went: I took Metro Line 2 to Xipu Station (the metro fare is super cheap, just a few bucks), and then transferred directly to a high-speed train to Qingcheng Mountain Station. The train ride takes about 30-40 minutes, with tickets costing around 10-15 yuan. It’s great if you want to catch the mountain views in the morning when it’s less crowded.
When you arrive at the entrance to Qingcheng Mountain, you can choose to take the tourist shuttle within the scenic area or just walk around and explore. Just a heads up, the shuttle is a paid service, so make sure to check the routes and prices, which are typically around 10-15 yuan.
Now let’s talk about how to buy tickets. The ticket prices for Qingcheng Mountain are divided into two parts:
A key reminder: If you enjoy a more laid-back cultural journey, like visiting temples and strolling by little bridges, the Front Mountain is definitely for you. If you’re into natural scenery and a bit of a challenge with hiking, you can’t miss the Back Mountain!
Overall, the Front Mountain is suitable for most visitors, while the Back Mountain is more outdoor-oriented. Be sure to download a map or ask the staff at the scenic area so you don’t get lost!
For my journey, I started with the Front Mountain, admiring the temples and taking photos along the way. Around noon, I headed towards the Back Mountain. Although the itinerary was pretty packed, it was absolutely worth it. There are some amazing temples in the Front Mountain area, like Jianfu Palace and Tianshi Cave, which are definitely worth visiting, and the architecture has a rich history.
Once I got to the Back Mountain, the air was incredible! The hiking paths there might test your stamina, so wearing a comfy pair of hiking shoes is a good idea. Plus, the scenery in the Back Mountain is stunning, with layers upon layers of green—every shot you take could be a desktop wallpaper, super relaxing!
After I wrapped up at Qingcheng Mountain, I headed straight to the Dujiangyan scenic area, which is super easy to reach. I hopped on Bus 101 right outside the entrance, and the ride wasn’t long at all. If you're traveling with friends, consider sharing a taxi, which is quite affordable and definitely saves time compared to the bus.
When I arrived at Dujiangyan, my first thought was, "What a magical place!" Some of the well-known spots include Yuzui, Baopingkou, and Feisha Yan. The ticket price is 80 yuan/person, which is a great deal.
The Dujiangyan scenic area also has a tourist shuttle, similar to Qingcheng Mountain, with costs ranging from 10 to 15 yuan, depending on the route. If you’re walking around and want to take a break, the shuttle is a convenient option. Of course, if you’re feeling energetic, you can walk to each spot and enjoy the views as you go.
I really recommend that you stay in Dujiangyan until the evening! The night view of the South Bridge is absolutely stunning, and don’t miss the famous “blue tears.” It’s such a romantic experience, perfect for photos or short videos, and you’ll be amazed by the night scenery without any filters.
Tip: If you have extra time, I suggest spending a bit more time at the South Bridge, as the difference in scenery between day and night is truly delightful.
Finally, I want to remind everyone that it’s best to stay in hotels or guesthouses in Dujiangyan City or near Qingcheng Mountain. This way, traveling to both places is super convenient without wasting time. After a day of hiking and walking, you can relax at the hotel in the evening and recharge for more exploration the next day.
Overall, this trip to Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan was well-planned and not tiring at all. If you want to soak in fresh air and relax, I highly recommend it!
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