Qingcheng Mountain: Taoist Holy Mountain

Introduction

Qingcheng Mountain, located about 60 kilometers west of Chengdu, is one of China’s most famous Taoist mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its beautiful natural scenery, ancient Taoist temples, and peaceful atmosphere.

History

Qingcheng Mountain has been a center of Taoist practice for over 2,000 years. It is said to be the birthplace of Taoism, as Zhang Daoling, the founder of Taoism, established the religion here in the 2nd century AD.

Main Attractions

• Front Mountain: The main scenic area with ancient Taoist temples including Tianshi Cave and Qingyin Palace.
• Back Mountain: A more rugged area with beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails.
• Tianshi Cave: The most important Taoist temple on the mountain, dedicated to Zhang Daoling.
• Qingyin Palace: A beautiful temple built on a cliff overlooking a valley.
• Nine-Turns Stream: A scenic hiking trail along a mountain stream.

Practical Information

• Location: Dujiangyan City, Chengdu, Sichuan
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Ticket Price: Approximately CNY 80 (Front Mountain), CNY 20 (Back Mountain)
• Transportation: Take a bus from Chengdu to Qingcheng Mountain (about 1.5 hours).

Visitor Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-April) or autumn (October-November).
• Hiking: Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the mountain trails.
• Combine with Dujiangyan: Qingcheng Mountain is close to Dujiangyan Irrigation System, making it easy to visit both in one day.

Last Updated: July 2026

Note: Opening hours and ticket prices are subject to change. Please verify current information before visiting.