[Sichuan Travel] Chengdu Qingcheng Mountain Introduction/Main Attractions/Tickets and Opening Hours/Transportation/Specialties

Qingcheng Mountain, also known as Zhangren Mountain, Chicheng Mountain, and Qingcheng Mountain, is a sacred mountain in the western ranges. It is one of the Ten Great Caves of Taoism, referred to as the “Heaven of the Nine Rooms of the Precious Immortal,” located in Qingcheng County. The area spans around 2,000 li (approximately 1,000 kilometers) and is governed by the Zhangren (Master Zhang) of Qingcheng. It is surrounded by thirty-six peaks and one hundred and eight scenic spots, resembling a city wall. Master Zhang, appointed by the Yellow Emperor, is a leading Taoist figure and supervisor of the Five Great Mountains. Master Zhang oversees thousands of immortal officials. When Taoist priests enter the mountain, Master Zhang dons a robe of red light, wears a crown covering the heavens, and carries the Seal of the Three Halls, arriving in a divine carriage to welcome visitors.

Introduction to Qingcheng Mountain

Qingcheng Mountain is a World Cultural Heritage site, a national key cultural relic protection unit, a national key scenic spot, a 5A-level tourist attraction, a global Taoist Quanzhen holy site, one of China’s Four Great Taoist Mountains, one of the Five Sacred Taoist Mountains, and one of the Ten Scenic Spots in Chengdu.

Located in the southwest of Dujiangyan City, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, Qingcheng Mountain is 68 kilometers east of Chengdu and 10 kilometers southwest of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. The scenic area covers 200 square kilometers, with the highest peak, Laojun Pavilion, standing at 1,260 meters above sea level. Qingcheng Mountain is divided into the Front Mountain and the Back Mountain. Surrounded by peaks and lush with greenery, it is renowned for its serenity, earning the title “Qingcheng, the World’s Most Serene.”

Main Attractions of Qingcheng Mountain

Qingcheng Mountain is divided into the Front and Back Mountains. The Front Mountain, the main part of the scenic area, covers about 15 square kilometers and features beautiful scenery and numerous cultural relics. The Front Mountain is centered around Changguan and Shangqing Palace, with various palaces and temples. Cultural sites such as Jianfu Palace, Zu Shi Hall, and Chaoyang Cave complement natural attractions like Jinzhu Rock, Shishen Peak, and Zhangren Mountain. Major attractions include Laojun Pavilion, Yuecheng Lake, Tianshi Cave, Shangqing Palace, Five Caves of Heaven, Xianxu Qingliang, Bicui Qingcheng, Natural Picture, Zu Shi Hall, Chaoyang Cave, Yuanming Palace, and Jianfu Palace.

The Back Mountain covers an area of 100 square kilometers, with its exquisite waters, secluded forests, and towering mountains creating an awe-inspiring landscape. It is both chilly in winter and exceptionally cool in summer, offering a unique experience. Located 60 kilometers from Chengdu and over 20 kilometers from Dujiangyan City, it adjoins the Wolong Nature Reserve, a key part of the Sichuan Giant Panda Habitat World Natural Heritage site. It is said to offer a “secluded mountain scene dividing evenly.” Major attractions include Jinbi Tian Cang, Tai’an Ancient Town, Crystal Cave, San Tan Mist Spring (Jin Wa Wa Tuo), Longyin Gorge Plank Road, Shuangquan Water Curtain, Baizhang Long Bridge, Baiyun Caves, and Tianqiao Wonders.

Natural Picture

Natural Picture Pavilion is located on the ridge of Longju Mountain Archway, built during the Qing Guangxu period (1875–1909). It is a ten-cornered pavilion with multiple eaves, set in a beautiful landscape that makes visitors feel as if they are in a painting. Situated between Jianfu Palace and Tianshi Cave at an altitude of 893 meters, it is flanked by two peaks. Visitors can see the pavilion standing amidst lush green cliffs, resembling a painting. Behind the pavilion is a site frequently visited by flocks of red-crowned cranes, known as Crane Residence. To the right is a cliff with a horizontal rock called “Tianxian Bridge,” traditionally believed to be a gathering place for immortals.

Jianfu Palace

Jianfu Palace is located at the foot of Zhangren Peak. It was originally built during the 18th year of the Tang Kaiyuan era (730 AD) and has undergone several restorations over the centuries. The current structures date back to the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1888 AD). The palace now consists of two main halls and three courtyards.

The main hall is divided into three sections, each dedicated to Taoist figures and deities. The 394-character couplet inscribed on the columns of the hall is praised as a “unique feature of Qingcheng.” Jianfu Palace is dramatically situated below a sheer cliff, giving it a majestic presence. To its left is the site of the Ming Dynasty princess’s residence, and one kilometer to the west lies the “Natural Picture,” a scenic spot with towering rocks and mist.

During the Song Dynasty, the poet Fan Chengda prayed for the Song Emperor here, and the emperor specially named it “Huiqing Jianfu Palace.” The poet Lu You described the palace in a poem as “Golden inscriptions on the gilded doors, Giant bamboo lining the path under the blue clouds. The rocky ridges appear as if dividing heaven and earth, with thousands of columns standing guard at their edges.” The palace preserves ancient wooden rockeries, the dressing table ruins of the Ming Dynasty princess, as well as murals, couplets, and other cultural relics.

Zu Shi Hall

Zu Shi Hall is located on the mountainside to the right and rear of Tianshi Cave, accessible by crossing the Fangning Bridge after leaving Tianshi Cave. Also known as Zhenwu Hall, it was established during the Tang Dynasty. Notable figures such as Tang Dynasty poets Du Guangting and Xue Chang, as well as Song Dynasty poet Zhang Yu, were known to have lived in seclusion here. The Tang Emperor Ruizong’s daughter, Princess Yuzhen, also practiced Taoism here in hopes of achieving immortality.

The hall is set in a tranquil environment and features statues of deities including Zhenwu, Lü Dongbin, and Tieguai Li, as well as murals depicting the Eight Immortals and inscriptions of poetry and writings.

Chaoyang Cave

Chaoyang Cave is located at the base of the main peak, Laoxiaoding, with its entrance facing east. The cave is several zhang deep and wide, capable of accommodating a hundred people. It is traditionally believed to be a residence of Ningfeng Zhangren.

During the Qing Dynasty, Huang Yunge, a resident of the area, lived here in a thatched hut and composed a couplet: “The heavens are distant, the red sun is near; the earth is weary, the palace is spacious.” The modern painter Xu Beihong also wrote a couplet for the cave: “The empty cave welcomes the radiant light, while the green cliffs occasionally host the phoenix.”

Laojun Pavilion

Laojun Pavilion is situated at the summit of Qingcheng’s highest peak, Pengzu Peak (also known as Gaotai Mountain or Laoxiaoding), at an elevation of 1,260 meters. Originally, a pavilion known as the “Echo Pavilion” was built here to symbolize the idea of “ascending high and summoning all mountains.” In the late 1980s, this pavilion was replaced with the current pavilion. After being damaged in the “5.12” Wenchuan earthquake in 2008, it was rebuilt to stand 33 meters high, with nine tiers.

The pavilion’s design features a circular base with an octagonal upper part, symbolizing the round sky and square earth, as well as the Taiji and Bagua. The exterior is shaped like a tower with a pointed top and three circular treasures, representing the harmony of heaven, earth, and humanity. Inside, the pavilion is hollow and houses a majestic statue of Taishang Laojun seated on a lotus. The statue stands 7.3 meters tall, with the pedestal reaching 10.37 meters.

The exterior of the pavilion includes an open terrace built with white marble, winding up to the pavilion’s peak with railings and steps. On clear days, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Min, Qionglai, and Qing’e mountain ranges, as well as the Tianfu Plain, stretching for hundreds of miles.

Before the reconstruction, the pavilion’s statue of Laojun was based on Xu Beihong’s historical work, “Purple Qi Coming from the East” (a depiction of Laozi crossing the boundary on a blue ox), and was carefully researched and crafted by scholars, artists, and connoisseurs. The statue, originally 13.6 meters high and 16 meters including the ox, was constructed according to classical architectural standards with reinforced concrete and a fine bronze coating, shining brightly. It is a unique and magnificent representation of Laozi, the Taoist master who was also an ancient philosopher and dialectical materialist.

The Laojun Pavilion complex includes the Donghua Hall, which covers 100 square meters. Donghua Hall enshrines the Eastern Emperor, with side niches dedicated to Lü Chunyang and Zhongli Quan. Construction of the Laojun Pavilion began in the fall of 1992 and took three years to complete, creating another grand and awe-inspiring sight within the 800-mile sacred land of Qingcheng.

Yuanming Palace

Yuanming Palace is located in the gentle valley of Muyu Mountain on the northern slopes of Zhangren Mountain in Qingcheng. It was originally established during the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli period and is named after the worship of Yuanming Dao Mother Tianzun.

The palace consists of four main halls:

1. Lingzu Hall: The front hall enshrines the deity Lingguan.
2. Laojun Hall: The second hall is dedicated to Taishang Laojun (the Supreme Laozi).
3. Doumu Hall: The third hall is dedicated to Doumu, the Yuanming Dao Mother Tianzun, who is regarded as the mother of the Northern Dipper (Big Dipper) stars.
4. Three Officials Hall: The rear hall enshrines the Three Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water, as well as the Quanzhen Daoist ancestors Lü Zu, Qiu Zu, and Chongyang Zu Shi.

The halls are connected by courtyards, and the entire palace, both inside and out, is adorned with auspicious plants and flowers, including camphor trees and dense pine and bamboo groves. The environment is serene and pleasant, with a couplet describing the scene: “Planting bamboo and pine, where bamboo hides phoenixes and pine hides cranes; cultivating mountains and waters, where mountains conceal tigers and leopards, and waters hide dragons.” The palace offers a tranquil and agreeable setting.

Shangqing Palace

Shangqing Palace is situated on a slope approximately 500 meters from the summit of the highest peak of Qingcheng Mountain. Originally built during the Jin Dynasty, the existing structure dates back to the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty. The palace features cliff inscriptions such as “Fifth Most Famous Mountain in the World” and “First Peak of Qingcheng,” with the characters for “Shangqing Palace” written by Chiang Kai-shek.

Inside the palace, the Taoist patriarch Laozi is venerated with a statue and a wooden carving of the “Tao Te Ching” comprising its 5,000 characters. The palace also houses legendary relics such as Mazu Pool and Mandarin Duck Well. Behind the palace is Laoxiaoding Peak, which has an Echo Pavilion, making it an excellent spot for viewing sunrises, divine lights, and sea of clouds.

Tianshi Cave

Tianshi Cave houses statues of Zhang Daoling, the founder of the Taoist Way of Celestial Master, and his 30th-generation descendant, Xu Jing Tianshi. It is located two kilometers north of Jianfu Palace, near the Qingcheng Main Viewpoint—Tianshi Cave. The cave was originally established during the Sui Dynasty’s Daye period and is surrounded on three sides by mountains, with one side facing a ravine. The area is characterized by ancient trees and a tranquil atmosphere. The existing buildings date back to the late Qing Dynasty and are grand in scale with intricate carvings, housing numerous valuable artifacts and ancient trees. It is said that Zhang Daoling once preached here during the late Eastern Han Dynasty.

The main hall inside the cave is known as the “Three Pure Ones Hall,” with ancient sites such as the Yellow Emperor’s Shrine located behind it. To the lower right of Tianshi Cave is a small hall called the “Three Sovereigns Hall,” which contains statues of Xuanyuan, Fuxi, and Shennong. In front of the cave entrance stands an ancient ginkgo tree, approximately 50 meters tall, with a circumference of 7.06 meters and a diameter of 2.24 meters. It is said to have been planted by Zhang Tianshi himself and is over 1,800 years old.

In the summer of 1943, the distinguished painter and art educator Xu Beihong visited Qingcheng Mountain to sketch. He stayed in a room in Tianshi Cave and created several works, including illustrations for Qu Yuan’s “Nine Songs” such as “The Country’s Mourning” and “The Mountain Spirit,” as well as drawings of “Galloping Horses” and “Celestial Horses” which were gifted to the Taoist priests of Qingcheng and later turned into stone carvings for display.

Tai’an Ancient Town

Tai’an Ancient Town has historically been a key checkpoint on the “Huaping Old Zhe Road,” an important route leading west from Chengdu into Jinchuan. During the Song Dynasty, it was established as Weijiang Town, and in the Qing Dynasty, it was renamed Tai’an Town after the ancient Tai’an Temple located behind the town. The ancient temple is situated in the center of the old town. There are numerous restaurants and inns in the ancient town for visitors to rest.

Wulong Gully

Wulong Gully, formerly known as Manhe Gully, stretches approximately 8 kilometers. It is named after the legend of five divine dragons that were said to have hidden in the gully. The area features several notable sights, including:

• Jinwa Tuo (Golden Doll Tuo): A scenic spot with remarkable views.
• Longyin Gorge Plank Road: A picturesque walkway along the gorge.
• Shisun Rock: Known for its unique rock formations.
• Echo Wall: A natural feature famous for its acoustic properties.

Youyi Village

Youyi Village is located in Taohua Creek above Wulong Gully and is named after the line “柳暗花明又一村” (Another village beyond the dark willows and bright flowers) from the poet Lu You. The village features over twenty farmhouses primarily focused on developing tourism. It serves as a great spot for resting during a mountain hike. Additionally, Taohua Creek Resort Park is situated in Youyi Village.

Feiquan Gully

Feiquan Gully, formerly known as Lengning Gully, is accessible by crossing Huanghe Bridge after leaving Tai’an Temple. Its water source originates from the Southern Gate of Linghua Mountain and includes several tributaries such as Baiyun Cave Ancient Mill Gully, Guanyin Rock Gully, and Xiangshui Gully, flowing into Weijiang. The gully spans approximately 10 kilometers in total. Notably, the most spectacular features of Feiquan Gully include:

• Yugu Feiquan (Flying Springs in the Secluded Valley): Renowned for its picturesque waterfalls.
• Baizhang Changqiao (Hundred-Zhang Long Bridge): A strikingly long and scenic bridge.
• Shuangquan Shui Lian (Double Springs Water Curtain): A dramatic waterfall that creates a natural curtain of water.

Baizhang Bridge

Baizhang Bridge is situated between Cuiying Lake and Baiyun Ancient Village, within Feiquan Gully. It is a wooden plank bridge, curved and spanning approximately 100 meters, traversing the flowing water. The bridge is flanked by ancient trees draped with moss, resembling delicate green veils.

Cuiying Lake: Cuiying Lake is a mountain pond several dozen meters long, surrounded by picturesque scenery.

Zhao Gong Mountain

Zhao Gong Mountain is the main peak of Qingcheng Mountain, with an elevation of 2,434 meters. While the highest point in the Qingcheng Mountain scenic area is only around 1,600 meters (Laojun Pavilion), Zhao Gong Mountain is renowned not only for its beautiful and picturesque scenery but also for its serene and tranquil environment with clear, gentle waters.

It holds a significant cultural and spiritual value, as it is home to the ancestral temple of Zhao Gongming, a revered deity in Taoism often worshipped as the God of Wealth. Visiting Zhao Gong Mountain is considered an essential part of experiencing Qingcheng Mountain, and it is said that a trip to Qingcheng Mountain is incomplete without a visit to Zhao Gong Mountain.

Qingcheng Mountain Ticket Prices and Opening Hours

• Ticket Price: The admission fee for Qingcheng Mountain is 90 RMB per adult, which covers the main entrance to the front mountain.
• Opening Hours:
  • Peak Season (March 1 – November 30): 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Off-Peak Season (December 1 – February 29): 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Transportation to Qingcheng Mountain

Qingcheng Mountain is located in Dujiangyan City, and transportation from Chengdu is very convenient. Options include:

• Direct Buses: From Chengdu Tourism Bus Center, Chadianzi Bus Station, and Chengbei Bus Center to Dujiangyan.
• Airport Shuttles: Free direct shuttles from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport and Wuhou Shrine to Dujiangyan and Qingcheng Mountain.
• High-Speed Trains: Direct trains from Chengdu, Chongqing, and Nanchong to Dujiangyan and Qingcheng Mountain.
• Local Transportation: Within Dujiangyan, city buses from Dujiangyan Bus Center connect to various scenic spots. The Du-Yi-Qing direct bus allows for convenient travel between Dujiangyan and Qingcheng Mountain.

From Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to Qingcheng Mountain:

1. Take the direct scenic shuttle bus from Chengdu Airport to Dujiangyan—Qingcheng Mountain. Return trips are available from Dujiangyan to the airport.
2. Airport Shuttle Bus: From Shuangliu Airport Bus Station to Dujiangyan Bus Station.
3. High-Speed Train: From Shuangliu Airport Line 2 to Dujiangyan High-Speed Train Station.
4. Driving: Use the Airport Expressway to the Ring Expressway, then the Chengdu–Dujiangyan Expressway to Dujiangyan.

Railway and High-Speed Rail:

1. From Chengdu North Railway Station: Trains to Dujiangyan and Qingcheng Mountain take 30-40 minutes.
2. From Chengdu Railway Station: Trains to Dujiangyan and Qingcheng Mountain take about 3 hours and 20 minutes.
3. From Chongqing Railway Station: Trains to Dujiangyan take about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
4. Subway and High-Speed Rail: Transfer at Xipu Station, where Chengdu Metro Line 2 connects to the high-speed rail to Dujiangyan and Qingcheng Mountain.

Road and Bus:

• National Highway 213 (Lanzhou to Kunming) runs through Dujiangyan. The city’s transportation network includes national and provincial roads, county and city roads, rural roads, and dedicated lanes.
• Bus Stations: Buses from Xinnanmen, Chadianzi, Chengbei Bus Station, Dong Station, and Ximen Station directly reach Dujiangyan.

Local Buses:

• Chengdu Tourism Bus Center to Dujiangyan: Buses operate from 7:40 AM to 2:00 PM, with a journey time of 60 minutes.
• Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station to Dujiangyan: Buses run from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM, taking about 45 minutes.
• Chengdu Chengbei Bus Center to Dujiangyan: Buses run from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a travel time of 60 minutes.

Local Specialties

Qingcheng Mountain’s famous products, known as the “Four Delicacies of Qingcheng,” include:

1. Dongtian Tribute Tea: Qingcheng’s premium tea, known for its clear brew and rich flavor, was historically a tribute tea from the Tang dynasty.
2. White Fruit Stewed Chicken: A traditional dish with a rich, creamy broth and exceptionally tender chicken.
3. Qingcheng Pickles: Also known as Qingcheng Daoist Pickles, made from fresh cucumbers, beans, peppers, radishes, garlic, cabbage, ginger, and turmeric, pickled in a special brine.
4. Dongtian Milk Wine: Made from locally grown kiwifruit, processed according to Taoist methods, blended with sweet rice wine, rock candy, and a touch of spirits. It’s noted for its strong yet smooth flavor.