Chengdu · Sichuan · Place

Mount Qingcheng Back Mountain

The quieter, wilder half of Mount Qingcheng, known for shaded forest trails, waterfalls, and centuries-old Taoist temples hidden in the folds of the range.

Written and signed by Lena Zhou

4.6/5RatingCNY 20 + shuttle CNY 60Ticket08:00-17:30 dailyOpening hours

What it actually is

Qingcheng Back Mountain sits southwest of Chengdu within Dujiangyan city and forms the quieter, wilder half of the Qingcheng range. Centuries-old Taoist temples line shaded paths beside clear streams and waterfalls, while cool forest temperatures make it a favored summer retreat from Chengdu heat and humidity.

Editor's take

Lena ZhouWritten and signed by

The verdict

Worth the trip for travelers who want cool forest air within an hour of Chengdu, especially in summer. Best for moderately fit hikers who can handle a 5-hour trail day. Skip it if you hate humidity or dislike shared minibus rides back to the parking lot.

What's great

Walking the old waterwheel stone path under camphor trees is the most calming two hours you'll spend in Sichuan.

Try the herbal fermented rice at Tai'an Old Town; locals call it the official cure for sore knees.

Most of the trail follows the stream, so you hear waterfalls before you see them — surprisingly quiet midweek mornings.

Worth knowing

Weekends from June to October are packed; arrive at the entrance before 08:00 or skip them.

The single-lane shuttle bus back to the parking lot is the worst 15 minutes of the day in rain.

Signage is sparse above the cable car station; download an offline map before starting.

Bring cash: most tea houses along the trail do not accept foreign-issued cards.

Grounded in 123+ traveller reviews. Distilled by our editors from traveller reviews on Xiaohongshu and Douyin.

Essentials

Opening hours08:00-17:30 daily

TicketCNY 20 + shuttle CNY 60

Contact+86 028-87112055

Rating4.6/5

Good to know

ID required for ticketBring a passport or national ID to collect entrance tickets at the visitor center.

No drones without permitDrone flights require advance approval from the scenic area office.

Wear quick-dry shoes

Bring a light rain shell

Allow time for last shuttle

Try Zhang Jixian fermented rice

Trending now

Wulong Gorge plank trail

A wooden plank path threads through Wulong Gorge (Wolong Xi), squeezing between sheer cliffs and a narrow stream that races under your feet. The gorge stays cool even when Chengdu hits 35 C, and the loudest sound is the water.

Shui Mo Ping waterfall

Shuimo Ping — literally ink-painting plain — earns its name from the splashing ribbons of water that fan over dark rocks. Best photo light hits the falls from 10:00-11:30 in spring, when mist catches morning sun.

Cuiying Lake temple complex

Cuiying Lake hosts a cluster of Taoist halls founded as early as the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), each quietly tucked into the forest. Look for the stone steles near the eastern shore — they record local water-temple history in weathered but readable Chinese.

Cuiying Lake temple complex

Cuiying Lake hosts a cluster of Taoist halls founded as early as the Western Jin Dynasty (265-316 AD), each quietly tucked into the forest. Look for the stone steles near the eastern shore — they record local water-temple history in weathered but readable Chinese.

Getting there

trainMetro Line 2 then high-speed rail to Qingchengshan Station (~30 min, CNY 10).

busLocal bus 101 from Qingchengshan Station to the trailhead (~30 min).

didiDiDi from Chengdu (~80 min, ~CNY 180); English-supported app works in Dujiangyan.

carSelf-drive from Chengdu takes about 80 minutes via the G4202 ring road and S106; parking is available at the Tai'an Old Town

Plan this in the app →

Plan around this guide

Explore Chengdu Browse itineraries Plan a trip with this place