One Day Hike to Mount Qingcheng: the Front Mountain and the Back Mountain
Mount Qingcheng is located in the southwest of Dujiangyan, approximately 68 km (42 mi) away from Chengdu. It is considered one of the cradles of Chinese Taoism and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site together with the Dujiangyan Irrigation System in 2000. The mountain attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year, with its precipitous peak (with an altitude of about 1,260 m/4,134 ft) and lush green trees making it an ideal place for a day hike near Chengdu.
Mount Qingcheng is a perfect blend of cultural and natural attractions, making it a popular destination in Chengdu and a convenient place for hiking near Chengdu. It is also a great place for Chengdu locals to escape the summer heat and exercise while immersing themselves in the local culture and natural beauty. The mountain is home to many endangered plants and animals, including the Sichuan golden monkey and the Chinese giant salamander.
Mount Qingcheng is divided into the Front Mountain and the Back Mountain, with each having its own unique features. The Front Mountain is famous for its Taoism culture, with many ancient temples and buildings scattered throughout. Visitors can explore the Taoist architecture, murals, and statues, and learn about the philosophy and practices of Taoism. The Back Mountain, on the other hand, is known for its secluded and natural scenery, with lush forests, streams, and waterfalls. The trails in the Back Mountain offer hikers a chance to immerse themselves in the serene and peaceful surroundings.
Front Mountain of Mount Qingcheng - A must-visit for those interested in Taoism culture
The Front Mountain of Mount Qingcheng is the main part of Mount Qingcheng, a must-visit for those interested in Taoism culture. Along with the Jianfu Palace, visitors can explore the Shangqing Palace, which was built during the Jin Dynasty and is home to the oldest surviving Taoist mural paintings in China. The murals depict scenes from Taoist mythology, such as the journey to the underworld and the ascent to heaven.
The Tianshi Cave, also known as the Celestial Master Cave, is another significant site on the Front Mountain. It is said to be the birthplace of the Taoist religion, where the founder, Zhang Daoling, is believed to have lived and taught. Visitors can explore the cave and see the many Taoist relics and artifacts on display.
Hiking in Mount Qingcheng is a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty and cultural history of the area. If you are a passionate and active hiker, I highly recommend taking the hiking trail on the left side once you pass the entrance gate all the way up to the summit of Mount Qingcheng, where you will find the Laojun Pavilion.This hiking trail is approximately 7 km long and takes around 3-4 hours to complete. The trail includes a lot of stone stairs, so visitors should be prepared for a moderate to challenging hike. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the stunning scenery of the mountain, as well as many historical and cultural sites and temples.
At the top of Mount Qingcheng, on a clear day, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including all the way to the Chengdu Plain and the Daxue Mountain range. The views are well worth the effort of the hike.
After reaching the Laojun Pavilion, visitors can continue their hike to the nearby Ciyun Pavilion and Lingyun Resort, both of which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. From there, visitors can take a cable car ride down the mountain to the Yuecheng Lake, which is very close to the entrance gate.
Alternatively, visitors can choose to take the cable car up to the summit of Mount Qingcheng and hike down the mountain, stopping at the various pavilions and temples along the way. This is a great option for those who may not want to hike uphill for several hours, or for those who want to save their energy for the descent.
As the Front Mountain of Mount Qingcheng is a popular destination for tourists, visitors may experience crowds during the tourism season from May to October. However, with proper planning and preparation, visitors can still enjoy the stunning scenery and cultural sites along the way. Consider visiting during the off-season or on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
The Back Mountain of Mount Qingcheng
The Back Mountain of Mount Qingcheng is less developed and less visited than the Front Mountain, but it offers its own unique attractions and natural beauty.
The Back Mountain of Mount Qingcheng is renowned for its natural and tranquil scenery, and is often referred to as "the most secluded place in the world". The hiking trail on the Back Mountain offers a breathtaking view of luxuriant green forests, layers of mountain peaks, and quietly flowing streams and waterfalls. Everything here is so natural and in harmony. Even those who have never been to Mount Qingcheng will be attracted by its evergreen trees and winding, secluded paths. Walking along the path of the Back Mountain, you will feel a kind of hazy blur, as if time has stopped. There is no noise or agitation from the city, only the gurgling streams, the fresh air, and the fragrance from the plants. You'll forget about all the things in your real life and just enjoy the moment. When you stop hiking and take a breath, you'll hear your heart beat and have a strong sense of real existence. It's a wonderful feeling!
The hiking on the Back Mountain of Mount Qingcheng is generally more challenging than on the Front Mountain, with steep inclines and rugged terrain. The hike starts from Tai'an old town at the foot of the mountain, and if you are an active hiker, you can choose to take the trail on your right side all the way to Cuiying Lake, where you will take the boat to cross the lake then continue the hiking to Wangyun Pavilion, Tongtian Cave and Baiyun Temple (White Cloud Temple), which is the highest point of the hike. At the top, you can experience the stunning view of the mountain peaks. You can choose to hike down or take one of the two cable cars if you feel tired.
Alternatively, many people choose to take the cable car up to Youyicun village, then hike to Baiyun Temple and walk the rest of the way down or take one of the two cable cars down. The cable car ride offers beautiful views of the mountain and is a great way to save energy for the challenging hike ahead.
The hike for the back mountain for Mount Qingcheng takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete. In order to fully enjoy the hiking experience on the Back Mountain of Mount Qingcheng, it is recommended to plan it as a day trip from Chengdu. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the area and take your time exploring the hiking trails and cultural sites without feeling rushed. It is also advisable to bring comfortable hiking shoes, rain gear and plenty of water and snacks to keep you energized during the hike.
Overall, hiking on the Back Mountain of Mount Qingcheng is a rewarding and challenging experience for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural history of the area.