Explore Chengdu's Backyard: Evelyn's 1 Day Trip to Mount Qingcheng

As residents of Sichuan, we are fortunate to have a plethora of amazing destinations within convenient drive, including the Panda Base and various informative museums in Chengdu, Qingcheng Mountain in Dujiangyan, the Leshan Giant Buddha, and Mount Emei in Leshan, among others. Generally, we tend to overlook the beauty that is close at hand, often taking it for granted. This is why we didn't visit Mount Qingcheng until last Chinese New Year, despite its proximity and allure.

1 Day Dujiangyan & Mount Qingcheng World Heritage Tour

Itinerary: Chengdu / Dujiangyan / Chengdu
Highlights: Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Mount Qingcheng

Nestled among the enchanting landscapes of the World Heritage Site of Mount Qingcheng-Dujiangyan and hailed as one of the standout destinations among Chengdu's Ten Scenic Spots, Mount Qingcheng was our chosen haven for adventure during the 2023 Chinese New Year holiday. Renowned as one of China's most revered Taoist mountains, it beckoned us with the promise of ancient tales and timeless mysteries.

Rather than enduring the endless queues for tickets, we wisely opted for the convenience of online ticket booking, whisking us to the mountain's base on a swift and efficient sightseeing bus. No need to fret about tickets; if you travel with China Discovery, our expert travel guide will handle everything seamlessly. The moment we commenced our hike, the landscape unfolded before us like a magical storybook, defying the winter season with its evergreen trees and lush beauty. Before long, we encountered Jianfu Palace, a collection of stunning Taoist structures that added an enchanting aura to the entire experience. At noon, we chose a mid-hike pause at Tianrantuhua (Natural Painting in English), nestled halfway up the mountain. Here, we explored the aromatic incense-filled temples, steeped in tradition and history.

Jianfu Palace (Left) & Tianrantuhua (Right)

As we pressed on with our hike, we encountered numerous remarkable examples of Taoist architecture. One standout was the Qixing Pavilion, situated within the heart of the lush forest, right within Quanzhen Temple.

Qixing Pavilion within Quanzhen Temple

Our lunch was a moment of culinary delight as we savored local delicacies, with our conversations infused with the magic of the journey so far. With newfound energy, we set off on our continuing hike, accompanied by the playful crows whose chatter was our cheerful soundtrack. At times, we let our instincts guide us, venturing down less-traveled paths that unveiled hidden gems at every turn. Steep and challenging steps appeared on our way, but with each ascent, we proved our determination and spirit. Our visit to Tianshi Celestial Cave, one of the prominent Taoist temples on Mount Qingcheng, was truly fascinating. It's worth noting that the Qingcheng Taoism Association is also based at this location. According to legend, this is where Zhang Daoling, the esteemed founder of Taoism, cultivated his spiritual journey. We encountered another Taoist site known as Chaoyang Cave, formed by two natural caves, one large and one small, nestled beneath the cliff.

Tianshi Celestial Cave (Right) & Chaoyang Cave (Left)

Feeling the weariness in our legs, we made the bittersweet decision to conclude our adventure at the mystical Shangqing Palace and began our descent. As we made our way down, the views continued to captivate us, a testament to the beauty we had encountered throughout the day. The memories we forged on Mount Qingcheng became an indelible part of our travel experiences, a story that we would share and treasure for years to come.

Although our time was limited, we didn't have the chance to extend our tour to the nearby Dujiangyan Irrigation System, another remarkable site listed in UNESCO World Heritage sites that complements the charm of Mount Qingcheng. However, this only provides me with a compelling reason to return to Dujiangyan in the future.

Our Happy Guests in Dujiangyan Irrigation System

After my own experience, I wholeheartedly encourage travelers to explore this destination on their own. Whether you're drawn to the beauty of nature, the allure of Taoism, or simply wish to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, Mount Qingcheng offers a rejuvenating and culturally rich escape that's not to be missed.