Travel Guide to Chengdu, China: A Comprehensive One-Day Tour of Dujiangyan & Mount Qingcheng

Source of Yangtze Civilization, where the Three Stars Accompany the Moon.
Chengdu, a region with a leisurely lifestyle spanning millennia, offers countless scenic spots and culinary delights. Choosing the traditional route of Dujiangyan and Mount Qingcheng is your first step in getting to know Chengdu.

One-Day Tour Itinerary Overview
Morning: Visit the ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation System and experience its thousand-year-old charm up close.
Afternoon: Relax at Mount Qingcheng and physically immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of this famous Taoist mountain.

First Stop: Worship the Waters of Dujiangyan
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System was constructed during the reign of King Zhao of Qin (around 256–251 BC), over two thousand years ago. It remains the oldest, and only, water conservancy project in the world that still functions and features a dam-free water diversion system. After its completion, the Chengdu Plain became a vast expanse of fertile land, free from drought and famine, earning the region the title of “Heavenly Kingdom.” This is how Sichuan Province became known as the “Land of Abundance.”

（Dujiangyan Lidui (Separation Dike)）

The charm of Dujiangyan lies in its thousand-year-old irrigation system that still functions today. Many visitors are drawn to this ancient site thanks to the writings of Yu Qiuyu, but how can you experience this traditional attraction in a fresh and unique way? Let me share some tips.

The best way to explore Dujiangyan is by taking the “back door” route.

(Overlooking Dujiangyan)

Starting from the highest point and descending all the way down without retracing your steps, you’ll end your journey at Fulong Temple. This route ensures a relaxed experience—no need to worry about hitting your step count limit; after all, travel should be easy and enjoyable, especially after a hard day’s work.

The Wrong Way to Explore Dujiangyan:
Entering through the front gate and exiting the same way, which involves hiking uphill and then returning the same path. This is a “double kill”—twice the effort, and it’s exhausting!

The Right Way to Explore Dujiangyan:
Enter through the back gate and exit through the front. This downhill route means no retracing your steps, and you won’t miss any of the beautiful scenery along the way. This is the correct and relaxed way to tour Dujiangyan!

Recommended Route for Touring Dujiangyan:
Qinyan Tower → Erwang Temple → Anlan Suspension Bridge (Couples’ Bridge) → Yuzui (Fish Mouth) → Feishayan (Flying Sand Weir) → Baopingkou (Bottle-Neck Channel) → Lidui (Separation Dike) → Fulong Temple

Qinyan Tower is the highest viewing platform at Dujiangyan. While most tour groups skip this spot, it offers the best vantage point to fully appreciate the grandeur of Dujiangyan. From here, you can take in the breathtaking view of the ancient irrigation system and marvel at its 2,000-year-old legacy.

（Qinyan Tower）

Descending from Qinyan Tower, you will reach Erwang Temple, dedicated to Li Bing and his son. The steps here are quite steep, so climbing up from the bottom can be quite exhausting. Erwang Temple, like many other structures at Dujiangyan, is adorned with numerous inscriptions and plaques that silently narrate the history and achievements of Dujiangyan.

（Erwang Temple）

Continuing down, you will arrive at the front entrance of Anlan Suspension Bridge, also known as Couples’ Bridge. There is a Couples’ Bridge Museum nearby where you can learn more about its history. In front of the Couples’ Bridge, you’ll find a wall adorned with red locks, which makes for a great photo spot.

（Couples’ Bridge Museum）

Continuing forward, you’ll reach Lidui (Separation Dike) and Baopingkou (Bottle-Neck Channel). In an era without gunpowder, the construction of these structures involved opening mountain passes and carving out dikes, which is truly admirable.

The Special Nanqiao West Street
Exiting the main entrance of Dujiangyan, the most noticeable landmark is Nanqiao (South Bridge).

On Nanqiao, you’ll find a bustling scene with tourists, vendors, and people selling seasonal flowers threaded on strings. This vibrant atmosphere adds a unique charm to the area.

（Nanqiao）

Continuing Past Nanqiao to West Street
Proceeding past Nanqiao, you’ll find yourself on West Street, a historic alley with over a hundred years of history. Once part of the ancient Tea Horse Road, it has now faded from its former prosperity but still retains a vibrant charm.

Visiting Mount Qingcheng: The Choice Between Qingcheng Front Mountain and Qingcheng Back Mountain
Mount Qingcheng is divided into the Front Mountain and the Back Mountain. The Front Mountain is home to numerous temples and is rich in Taoist atmosphere, while the Back Mountain, with its serene forests and clear waters, is a great place for a leisurely visit. Both areas are worth exploring.

If you’re visiting the Front Mountain, don’t miss Jianfu Palace, Tianshi Cave, and Laojun Pavilion.

（Mount Qingcheng）

The Front Mountain of Qingcheng is bustling with activity and represents the pinnacle of Taoist culture. However, during the hot summer months, I recommend the quieter Back Mountain of Qingcheng. This area lacks the commercial vibe and retains its natural purity. You can take the cable car to the top of the mountain, and then stroll along the mountain paths, enjoying the rare and refreshing clean air.

Embrace nature without overexerting yourself. Taking the cable car up and down the mountain allows you to soar like a bird, gazing down at the lush green landscape. In an instant, you’ll be immersed in the refreshing natural beauty, marveling at the tranquility and depth of Mount Qingcheng.

（Jinshi Cable Car）

Enjoy some carefree play in the mountains with trails, streams, and the occasional sighting of small squirrels. After spending too much time in the concrete jungle of the city, a close encounter with nature or a brief boat ride can be the most refreshing summer experience.

Essential Information for a One-Day Tour of Dujiangyan & Mount Qingcheng

1. Tickets:

• Dujiangyan:
  • Full ticket: 80 RMB
  • Half ticket: 45 RMB
  • Free entry for certain groups
  • Address: Dujiangyan City, Chengdu, Sichuan Province (approximately 50 km from Chengdu city center)
• Mount Qingcheng:
  • Front Mountain: 90 RMB (full ticket), 45 RMB (half ticket)
  • Back Mountain: 20 RMB

2. Transportation:

• From Chengdu to Dujiangyan:
  • Take a direct bus from Chadianzi Bus Station to Dujiangyan, with departures from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM. The journey takes about 1 hour, and the fare is 17 RMB.
  • Intercity Railway: From Chengdu North Station to Dujiangyan Railway Station, the trip takes around 30 minutes with a fare of 15 RMB per person. Alternatively, you can take the city rail from Xipu Station to Dujiangyan Railway Station, taking just over 20 minutes.
  • Self-Drive: Take the Chengdu-Guanghan Expressway and exit at Dujiangyan. The total distance is over 60 km, and the drive takes about 1 hour.
• From Dujiangyan to Mount Qingcheng:
  • To reach the Front Mountain of Mount Qingcheng, you can take Bus 101, or opt for a taxi or drive yourself.
  • To reach the Back Mountain of Mount Qingcheng, which is about 30 km from Dujiangyan, driving takes around 1 hour. Currently, there are no recommended public transport options for this route.

3. Additional Costs:

• Back Mountain Jinshi Cable Car: 30 RMB one way, 55 RMB round trip
• Front Mountain Baiyun Cable Car: 35 RMB up, 30 RMB down, 60 RMB round trip