Mount Qingcheng
Mount Qingcheng
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
A natural scenic area and a holy mountain of Taoism.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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7 within 3 miles
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13 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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1,124 reviews
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4
Yann S
Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar36 contributions
Apr 2021
It's a really nice place to go early in the morning. Try to start the climbing before 9h30 with car cable or walking (bit more difficult and long). That's a place you have to go with guide as it will bring you a better understanding of Taoism approach versus Buddhism. One of the rare area were you are really in a nice country side in a nice surrounding with less than an hour driver from Chengdu.
Written April 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katherine D
Cambridge, MA229 contributions
Feb 2021
Not for the faint of heart! It is very humid and very steep. It is a beautiful mountain and cool temples disbursed through the trails. We are relatively in shape and young-ish, and this was a difficult hike. Even after you take the cable car to the top of the mountain, there is still significant walking. Lots of signs about the high oxygen content, since the area is so lush. Very beautiful area. I wish there were more signs about the temples.
Written January 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JudyOswestryUK
Oswestry, UK345 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
A great respite from the busy city. We took the bus, boat and cable car up and back, but there are still a lot of stairs to climb. My Fitbit noted just under 5 miles total there and back from main gate. There are plenty of stalls for food and drink and places to rest, take time and enjoy the views through the trees! We were lucky to have dry but cool weather making climbing easier. There are various maps posted further up the mountain making it easy to check progress. We only have cash and found it easy to buy the various extra tickets. Over 60’s free into park, adults 80. Bus 10. Boat 5 cable car 60 return or can get single if walking one way. Porters will carry you up last part but I didn’t even want to try and discover price as might have been tempted, would have felt too guilty as I’m not the lightest.
Written November 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tara
Luoyang, China8 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Climbing Mount QingCheng was a beautiful experience. It is a mountain, so if you choose to climb it it will take some time and there will be many stairs. You should make sure you are in decent health before you climb. If you simply want to see the main attraction, the temple, then you can take a tram up to the top of the mountain. I chose to climb. It was clean, fresh, and if you climb the mountain you will capture some amazing photos.
Written April 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ivan A
Bangkok, Thailand68 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
A good place to trek around and come close to nature. It's the birthplace of Taoism. Beautiful structure along way which is good to take photographs. A sports wear is a must as you need to walk and climb a lot also a dedicated partner who can complete the whole trek without complaining 😁
Written July 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jana7z
Wulong County, China167 contributions
Sep 2020
mount Qingcheng is divided into front hill and back hill, very different atmosphere.
front hill is the birthplace of China Taoism and has many Taoist temple and historical sites like steles and ancient trees from Tang Dynasty (about 1300 years ago). the temples half covered with fog are like true fairylands. took me 4 hour and half to finish the whole route.
back hill is mainly natural scenery, waterfalls and strange giant rocks along the way. took me about 6 hours to finish the whole route.
here is an advice, try your best to climb instead of cable car, the roads are built well and not slippy even in rain. feel the vibe walking in the fairyland.
front hill is the birthplace of China Taoism and has many Taoist temple and historical sites like steles and ancient trees from Tang Dynasty (about 1300 years ago). the temples half covered with fog are like true fairylands. took me 4 hour and half to finish the whole route.
back hill is mainly natural scenery, waterfalls and strange giant rocks along the way. took me about 6 hours to finish the whole route.
here is an advice, try your best to climb instead of cable car, the roads are built well and not slippy even in rain. feel the vibe walking in the fairyland.
Written September 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KodoDrummer
Buenos Aires, Argentina70,626 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
Although very beautiful, for religious followers, this area is best known for being the birthplace of Taoism/Daoism. Taoism was founded by Zhang Ling, who on this mountain, wrote the Doctrine of Taoism. The mountain area is home to many artifacts, cultural relics, Shangqing Palace, Sanqing Hall, Jianfu Palace (built and restored over the 618 to 907 period), Zushi Palace (built and restored over the 1644 to 1911 period), Laojun Pavilion, Ciyun Tower, Tianshi Cave, Fangning Bridge, and more. The importance of the Mount Qingcheng Tourist Area is also reflected by its status as a World Heritage Site. The area is also packed with lots of vegetation and trees.
Written May 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventure1976
Sydney, Australia104 contributions
Mt Qingsheng (ching cheng shan) a definite bamboo laden, waterfall & fresh air experience! 3 great scenic choices to choose from, including; 2 hiking trails (with cable cars for non hikers), and a Unesco world heritage site. Easy to reach - bullet train to the mountain from Chengdu costs RMB20 return.
**Highly rec hiking only if you're of medium plus fitness level otherwise you may not enjoy due to consistent steps/steep inclines. Both hiking routes to the summit take about 4 hours up (3 hours back)**
Or for a simple meander take the cable cars up the mountain instead (on option2 see below),
or simply visit the 'Dujiangyan' Unesco site.
The mountain is a remote spot, but there are many Chinese & South Korean tourists. I didn't see one westerner the whole day. It is safe to go on your own & as a white red haired western female hiking I had no problems at all - just bring lots of smiles with you!
Time of week/year: It was a Wednesday (1st April) so I started early taking the metro to Xi Pu (shi foo) where the bullet train departs from in Chengdu, just to beat taxi/traffic. Bullet trains also go from Chengdu North Station but not as frequent or often! Xi Pu departure in my experience is better for ticket flexibility. Bullet train from Xi Pu to QingChengShan only 40mins. (Yu can get the bus directly to the foot Mt Qingsheng aswell, from Chiadnzi metro stop in Chengdu, but it's a good two hour or so journey)
Getting out there (& back) is dead easy:
Metro details: Get metro to Xi Pu (Shi foo), it's at the very end of the orange line 2. (Transfer from Line 1 to Line 2 at Tianfu station). RMB5 note needed fr metro ticket machine.
From metro to bullet train station: After exiting the metro barriers at Xi Pu, take the exit on your left hand side, turn left & continue straight on. Bullet train office at the very end on your left side. 2min walk.
Ticket purchasing: Ticket desk for the bullet train is inside the railway building. Only nationals can use the automatic machines. Show your passport at the desk & make sure you have clear instructions in Chinese of what yu want - times & train numbers for out to QuinChengShan & return journey to Xi Pu aswell (yr concierge at the hotel will give you this). The staff at the ticket desk speak no English so be prepared - they may say 'full' or 'cancelled' but after insisting it clearly means yu can't buy a seat, it's standing room only.
Beware: when buying your ticket on the day - Chinese people do not queue, so at the ticket desk inside the railway station be prepared!!!! Only one sales booth was open & there was people about 20deep all very enthusiastic to buy their ticket! Watch your bags, pockets etc & I hate to say it but when in Rome... otherwise you will miss your train!!
Less hassle: Pre purchase tickets the day before if you are able, there's a sales booth inside some local post offices (open 9-4).
Cost: Bullet train from Xi Pu to Mt Qingsheng costs RMB20 return.
Train times: 4 departures morning from Xi Pu to QuinChengShan between 0653-10.30am & returns only in the early evening. No trains back to Chengdu (Xi Pu) during the day. First train back to Chengdu (Xi Pu) is the C6110 at 17.42pm. Check with your concierge for exact train details. If you book a train but arrive at the station early, the ticket desk can change your ticket for you if there is availability.
Carriage/seating: everything on your ticket is in Chinese except your name & numbers. On the top upper right side of your ticket the first number is your carriage number. Train carriage entry gates up on the platform are clearly signed. The second number, is your seat number.
At Qingchengshan station: Yu arrive 40mins later. On exiting there is a tourist info office straight ahead - it's worth getting a map of the mountain/area from here. Don't let the advisory people there (who speak no English!) give you the wrong info on mountain access or transport even with written Chinese (from experience!)
So now you have 3 clear options:
Option one:
Hiking (1260m elevation) to Laojun Pavillion. RMB20.
For hiking this side of the mountain which is supposed to be more scenic on the way up & apparently non touristy, head from the station literally straight ahead (go behind the tourist info office) to the village across the road. 5min walk. Meandering through this village & up, will take you in. There is a map on a big sign just by the road for guidance. No public transport needed.
Option Two:
Hiking - 2128m elevation. The summit is on a par with Mt Yingyua.The 'Posterior' side of the mountain. You can see streams, waterfalls, lush green surroundings as you weave your way straight up (steep stair inclines & trails) through villages & small worship sites. It's pretty tame but bring deet/aeroguard you'll need it.
Getting there: Exit Qinchengshan station & turn immediately to your left. Pass the toilets on your left & in the distance you'll see a taxi rank & behind is a bus depo. Go for the mustard (yellow) & cream minibuses (RMB25 return).They wait to fill up with passengers before departing. Half an hour journey winding up the mountains. The minibus will drop you at the base of the mountain car park, it's the last stop.
On arrival at the base, walk through this village (to your left) & you can buy your entry onto the mountain from the tourism office. RMB30.
There is little stalls along the way up - mountain locals selling tat, various unusual food items (don't rely on them) also water at inflated prices. BYO. It's not an overly peaceful trail as other people are on it but the views are nice along & from the top.
To get up there to the summit I took the most direct route (4hours in 34deg temps!).. If you go straight up through Ti'an village, up through the Feiquan valley, you will eventually come across a guy with a bamboo pole ferrying people across a small river to the rest of the track. It's RMB2. Here you're at 'Shuangquan Waterfall Cave'. You'll then eventually hit Baiyun village (where the cable car takes yu down) but look for the track up, you're really close to the summit from here, an hour. Keep going.
For non hikers - you can catch the cable cars up a great portion of the mountain. Jin Li is RMB35, it starts at the base of the mountain & finishes half way up - it was closed when I was there. From the signs up there, it looks like you will still have to hike inbetween the cable car stops. The higher cable car, Baiyun is RMB45 (beautiful & very cooling/rewarding to do if you've hiked up & you're on your way down from the summit!).
One cable car apparently shaves about two hours off your total hiking journey.
Option 3:
Dujiangyuan - Unesco site. Entry RMB90. Exit Qinchengshan station & turn immediately to your left. Pass toilets on your left & in the distance you'll see a small taxi rank & just behind is a bus depo. Take public bus '101' (pink & white) to reach the entry point, it's the last stop.
You can get the bullet train directly to Dujiangyan aswell (same line as QingChengShan) From Dujiangyan station take local bus #4 (RMB2) to the actual site.
Hot tips:
Bullet train - it's fast, clean, quiet & straightforward. There is a dining cart onboard with chairs/tables selling basic snacks/drinks etc If you have stand only seats (esp on the way back!) you can go to this carriage, buy a drink & sit down.
I didn't see one westerner the whole day. Many people stare & others want you in their photos - even when hiking & you're at steep inclines (when it's dangerous) & you're out of breath! Be patient, smile, they do mean well.
Carry lots of small notes RMB10 being the highest denomination. No cash machines anywhere. For the whole day incl ALL transport, drink, snack I spent under £10.
Sanitary conditions aren't exactly A1 out there on the mountain so pack your own food to get by. Oh & bring your own toilet paper too. Don't litter, hold your rubbish until you see a bin to put it in.
Comfy shoes with grip - a necessity!
It might seem daunting but don't let the non speaking English side of things discourage you, it's a good healthy day out in amongst the fresh air & bamboo trees - views of the mountains esp from the summit are nice :-)
**Highly rec hiking only if you're of medium plus fitness level otherwise you may not enjoy due to consistent steps/steep inclines. Both hiking routes to the summit take about 4 hours up (3 hours back)**
Or for a simple meander take the cable cars up the mountain instead (on option2 see below),
or simply visit the 'Dujiangyan' Unesco site.
The mountain is a remote spot, but there are many Chinese & South Korean tourists. I didn't see one westerner the whole day. It is safe to go on your own & as a white red haired western female hiking I had no problems at all - just bring lots of smiles with you!
Time of week/year: It was a Wednesday (1st April) so I started early taking the metro to Xi Pu (shi foo) where the bullet train departs from in Chengdu, just to beat taxi/traffic. Bullet trains also go from Chengdu North Station but not as frequent or often! Xi Pu departure in my experience is better for ticket flexibility. Bullet train from Xi Pu to QingChengShan only 40mins. (Yu can get the bus directly to the foot Mt Qingsheng aswell, from Chiadnzi metro stop in Chengdu, but it's a good two hour or so journey)
Getting out there (& back) is dead easy:
Metro details: Get metro to Xi Pu (Shi foo), it's at the very end of the orange line 2. (Transfer from Line 1 to Line 2 at Tianfu station). RMB5 note needed fr metro ticket machine.
From metro to bullet train station: After exiting the metro barriers at Xi Pu, take the exit on your left hand side, turn left & continue straight on. Bullet train office at the very end on your left side. 2min walk.
Ticket purchasing: Ticket desk for the bullet train is inside the railway building. Only nationals can use the automatic machines. Show your passport at the desk & make sure you have clear instructions in Chinese of what yu want - times & train numbers for out to QuinChengShan & return journey to Xi Pu aswell (yr concierge at the hotel will give you this). The staff at the ticket desk speak no English so be prepared - they may say 'full' or 'cancelled' but after insisting it clearly means yu can't buy a seat, it's standing room only.
Beware: when buying your ticket on the day - Chinese people do not queue, so at the ticket desk inside the railway station be prepared!!!! Only one sales booth was open & there was people about 20deep all very enthusiastic to buy their ticket! Watch your bags, pockets etc & I hate to say it but when in Rome... otherwise you will miss your train!!
Less hassle: Pre purchase tickets the day before if you are able, there's a sales booth inside some local post offices (open 9-4).
Cost: Bullet train from Xi Pu to Mt Qingsheng costs RMB20 return.
Train times: 4 departures morning from Xi Pu to QuinChengShan between 0653-10.30am & returns only in the early evening. No trains back to Chengdu (Xi Pu) during the day. First train back to Chengdu (Xi Pu) is the C6110 at 17.42pm. Check with your concierge for exact train details. If you book a train but arrive at the station early, the ticket desk can change your ticket for you if there is availability.
Carriage/seating: everything on your ticket is in Chinese except your name & numbers. On the top upper right side of your ticket the first number is your carriage number. Train carriage entry gates up on the platform are clearly signed. The second number, is your seat number.
At Qingchengshan station: Yu arrive 40mins later. On exiting there is a tourist info office straight ahead - it's worth getting a map of the mountain/area from here. Don't let the advisory people there (who speak no English!) give you the wrong info on mountain access or transport even with written Chinese (from experience!)
So now you have 3 clear options:
Option one:
Hiking (1260m elevation) to Laojun Pavillion. RMB20.
For hiking this side of the mountain which is supposed to be more scenic on the way up & apparently non touristy, head from the station literally straight ahead (go behind the tourist info office) to the village across the road. 5min walk. Meandering through this village & up, will take you in. There is a map on a big sign just by the road for guidance. No public transport needed.
Option Two:
Hiking - 2128m elevation. The summit is on a par with Mt Yingyua.The 'Posterior' side of the mountain. You can see streams, waterfalls, lush green surroundings as you weave your way straight up (steep stair inclines & trails) through villages & small worship sites. It's pretty tame but bring deet/aeroguard you'll need it.
Getting there: Exit Qinchengshan station & turn immediately to your left. Pass the toilets on your left & in the distance you'll see a taxi rank & behind is a bus depo. Go for the mustard (yellow) & cream minibuses (RMB25 return).They wait to fill up with passengers before departing. Half an hour journey winding up the mountains. The minibus will drop you at the base of the mountain car park, it's the last stop.
On arrival at the base, walk through this village (to your left) & you can buy your entry onto the mountain from the tourism office. RMB30.
There is little stalls along the way up - mountain locals selling tat, various unusual food items (don't rely on them) also water at inflated prices. BYO. It's not an overly peaceful trail as other people are on it but the views are nice along & from the top.
To get up there to the summit I took the most direct route (4hours in 34deg temps!).. If you go straight up through Ti'an village, up through the Feiquan valley, you will eventually come across a guy with a bamboo pole ferrying people across a small river to the rest of the track. It's RMB2. Here you're at 'Shuangquan Waterfall Cave'. You'll then eventually hit Baiyun village (where the cable car takes yu down) but look for the track up, you're really close to the summit from here, an hour. Keep going.
For non hikers - you can catch the cable cars up a great portion of the mountain. Jin Li is RMB35, it starts at the base of the mountain & finishes half way up - it was closed when I was there. From the signs up there, it looks like you will still have to hike inbetween the cable car stops. The higher cable car, Baiyun is RMB45 (beautiful & very cooling/rewarding to do if you've hiked up & you're on your way down from the summit!).
One cable car apparently shaves about two hours off your total hiking journey.
Option 3:
Dujiangyuan - Unesco site. Entry RMB90. Exit Qinchengshan station & turn immediately to your left. Pass toilets on your left & in the distance you'll see a small taxi rank & just behind is a bus depo. Take public bus '101' (pink & white) to reach the entry point, it's the last stop.
You can get the bullet train directly to Dujiangyan aswell (same line as QingChengShan) From Dujiangyan station take local bus #4 (RMB2) to the actual site.
Hot tips:
Bullet train - it's fast, clean, quiet & straightforward. There is a dining cart onboard with chairs/tables selling basic snacks/drinks etc If you have stand only seats (esp on the way back!) you can go to this carriage, buy a drink & sit down.
I didn't see one westerner the whole day. Many people stare & others want you in their photos - even when hiking & you're at steep inclines (when it's dangerous) & you're out of breath! Be patient, smile, they do mean well.
Carry lots of small notes RMB10 being the highest denomination. No cash machines anywhere. For the whole day incl ALL transport, drink, snack I spent under £10.
Sanitary conditions aren't exactly A1 out there on the mountain so pack your own food to get by. Oh & bring your own toilet paper too. Don't litter, hold your rubbish until you see a bin to put it in.
Comfy shoes with grip - a necessity!
It might seem daunting but don't let the non speaking English side of things discourage you, it's a good healthy day out in amongst the fresh air & bamboo trees - views of the mountains esp from the summit are nice :-)
Written April 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventure1976
Sydney, Australia104 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
Mt Qingsheng (ching cheng shan) a definite bamboo laden, waterfall & fresh air experience. 3 great scenic choices to choose from, including; 2 hiking trails (with cable cars for non hikers), & a Unesco world heritage site. Easy to reach - bullet train to the mountain from Chengdu costs Y20 return.
Start early, take metro to XiPu (shi foo) where the bullet train departs from in Chengdu. Bullet trains also go from Chengdu North Station but not as frequent or often! XiPu in my experience is much better for ticket flexibility. Bullet train from XiPu to QingChengShan only 40mins.
Getting out there (& back) is straightforward:
From metro to bullet train station: After exiting the metro barriers at XiPu, take the exit on your left hand side, turn left & continue straight on. Bullet train office at the very end on your left side. 2min walk.
Ticket purchasing: Ticket desk for the bullet train is inside the railway building. Only nationals can use the automatic machines. Show your passport at the desk & make sure you have clear instructions in Chinese of what yu want - times & train numbers for out to QuinChengShan & return journey to Xi Pu aswell (concierge at your hotel will give you this). The staff at the ticket desk speak no English so be prepared.
Beware: when buying your ticket on the day - Chinese people do not queue, it's chaotic. Pre purchase tickets the day before if you are able, there's a sales booth inside some post offices (open 9-4).
Train times: 4 departures from Xi Pu to QuinChengShan between 0653-10.30am & returns only in the early evening. No trains back to Chengdu (XiPu) during the day. First train back to Chengdu (XiPu) is the C6110 at 17.42pm. Next train 2020. Check with your concierge for exact train details. If you book a train but arrive at the station early, the ticket desk can change your ticket for you if there is availability. I did this & got a standing room only ticket.
Carriage/seating: everything on your ticket is in Chinese except your name & numbers. On the top upper right side of your ticket the first number is your carriage number. Train carriage entry gates up on the platform are clearly signed. The second number is your seat number.
At Qingchengshan station: Yu arrive 40mins later. On exiting there is a tourist info office straight ahead - it's worth getting a map of the mountain/area from here. Don't let the advisory people there (who speak no English!) give you the wrong info on mountain access or transport even with written Chinese (from experience!)
So you now have 3 clear options:
Option one:
Hiking (1260m elevation) to Laojun Pavillion. Y20 entry. Hiking this side of the mountain, the front side is less touristic - head from the station literally straight ahead (go behind the tourist info office) to the village across the road. 5min walk. Meandering through this village & up, will take you in. There is a map on a big sign just by the road for guidance. No public transport needed.
Option Two:
Hiking (2128m elevation) The 'Posterior' or 'back' side (howshan) of the mountain. You can see streams, waterfalls, lush green surroundings as you weave your way straight up (steep stair inclines & trails) through villages & small worship sites. It's pretty tame but bring deet/aeroguard you'll need it.
Getting here: Exit Qinchengshan station & turn immediately to your left. Pass the toilets on your left & in the distance you'll see a taxi rank & behind is a bus depo. Go for the mustard (yellow) & cream minibuses (Y25 return).They wait to fill up with passengers before departing. Half an hour journey winding up the mountains. The minibus will drop you at the base of the mountain car park, it's the last stop.
On arrival at the base buy your entry onto the mountain from the tourism office. I only paid Y30entry.
There are stalls along the way up; mountain locals selling tat, various unusual food items (don't rely on them) also water at heavily inflated prices. BYO. It's not an overly peaceful trail as other people are on it but the views are nice along & from the top.
To get up there to the summit I took the most direct walking route: 3.5 hours. If you go straight up through Ti'an village, up through the Feiquan valley, you will eventually come across a guy with a bamboo pole ferrying people across a small river to the rest of the track. It's Y2 entry. Here you're at 'Shuangquan Waterfall Cave'. You'll then eventually hit Baiyun village (where the cable car takes yu down) but look for the track up, you're really close to the summit from here, an hour. Keep going. When you look at your map you'll see what I mean. Come back down to the base via the dragons ridge or use the cable car if you're too tired.
For non hikers - you can catch the cable cars up a great portion of the mountain. Jin Li is Y35 each way, it starts at the base of the mountain & finishes half way up. You will still have to walk inbetween the cable car stops, it is up & over hills. The higher cable car, Baiyun, takes yu from midway up the mountain to within an hour from the peak; it's Y45 each way. It is very cooling/rewarding to use this cable car if you've hiked up & you're on your way down from the summit!
One cable car shaves about two hours off your total hiking journey.
Option 3:
Dujiangyuan - Unesco site. Entry RMB90. This is at the back end of the mountain but positioned lower than option 2.
Getting here: Exit Qinchengshan station & turn immediately to your left. Pass toilets on your left & in the distance you'll see a small taxi rank & just behind is a bus depo. Take public bus '101' (pink & white) to reach the entry point, it's the last stop.
You can also get the bullet train directly to Dujiangyan aswell (same line as QingChengShan) From Dujiangyan bullet train station take local bus #4 (RMB2) to the actual site.
Hot tips:
Forget the bus. Bullet train - it's fast, clean, quiet, air con & straightforward. There is a dining cart onboard with chairs/tables selling basic snacks/drinks etc If you have stand only seats (esp on the way back!) you can go to this carriage, buy a drink & sit down.
Carry lots of small notes with you. No cash machines anywhere. For the whole day incl ALL transport, drink, snack I spent under £10.
Sanitary conditions aren't exactly A1 out there on the mountain so pack your own food to get by. Oh & bring your own toilet paper too. Don't litter, hold your rubbish until you see a bin to put it in.
Comfy shoes with grip - a necessity!
It might seem daunting but don't let your non speaking Chinese language discourage you. It's a good healthy day out in amongst the fresh air & bamboo trees - views of the mountains esp from the summit are nice :-)
Start early, take metro to XiPu (shi foo) where the bullet train departs from in Chengdu. Bullet trains also go from Chengdu North Station but not as frequent or often! XiPu in my experience is much better for ticket flexibility. Bullet train from XiPu to QingChengShan only 40mins.
Getting out there (& back) is straightforward:
From metro to bullet train station: After exiting the metro barriers at XiPu, take the exit on your left hand side, turn left & continue straight on. Bullet train office at the very end on your left side. 2min walk.
Ticket purchasing: Ticket desk for the bullet train is inside the railway building. Only nationals can use the automatic machines. Show your passport at the desk & make sure you have clear instructions in Chinese of what yu want - times & train numbers for out to QuinChengShan & return journey to Xi Pu aswell (concierge at your hotel will give you this). The staff at the ticket desk speak no English so be prepared.
Beware: when buying your ticket on the day - Chinese people do not queue, it's chaotic. Pre purchase tickets the day before if you are able, there's a sales booth inside some post offices (open 9-4).
Train times: 4 departures from Xi Pu to QuinChengShan between 0653-10.30am & returns only in the early evening. No trains back to Chengdu (XiPu) during the day. First train back to Chengdu (XiPu) is the C6110 at 17.42pm. Next train 2020. Check with your concierge for exact train details. If you book a train but arrive at the station early, the ticket desk can change your ticket for you if there is availability. I did this & got a standing room only ticket.
Carriage/seating: everything on your ticket is in Chinese except your name & numbers. On the top upper right side of your ticket the first number is your carriage number. Train carriage entry gates up on the platform are clearly signed. The second number is your seat number.
At Qingchengshan station: Yu arrive 40mins later. On exiting there is a tourist info office straight ahead - it's worth getting a map of the mountain/area from here. Don't let the advisory people there (who speak no English!) give you the wrong info on mountain access or transport even with written Chinese (from experience!)
So you now have 3 clear options:
Option one:
Hiking (1260m elevation) to Laojun Pavillion. Y20 entry. Hiking this side of the mountain, the front side is less touristic - head from the station literally straight ahead (go behind the tourist info office) to the village across the road. 5min walk. Meandering through this village & up, will take you in. There is a map on a big sign just by the road for guidance. No public transport needed.
Option Two:
Hiking (2128m elevation) The 'Posterior' or 'back' side (howshan) of the mountain. You can see streams, waterfalls, lush green surroundings as you weave your way straight up (steep stair inclines & trails) through villages & small worship sites. It's pretty tame but bring deet/aeroguard you'll need it.
Getting here: Exit Qinchengshan station & turn immediately to your left. Pass the toilets on your left & in the distance you'll see a taxi rank & behind is a bus depo. Go for the mustard (yellow) & cream minibuses (Y25 return).They wait to fill up with passengers before departing. Half an hour journey winding up the mountains. The minibus will drop you at the base of the mountain car park, it's the last stop.
On arrival at the base buy your entry onto the mountain from the tourism office. I only paid Y30entry.
There are stalls along the way up; mountain locals selling tat, various unusual food items (don't rely on them) also water at heavily inflated prices. BYO. It's not an overly peaceful trail as other people are on it but the views are nice along & from the top.
To get up there to the summit I took the most direct walking route: 3.5 hours. If you go straight up through Ti'an village, up through the Feiquan valley, you will eventually come across a guy with a bamboo pole ferrying people across a small river to the rest of the track. It's Y2 entry. Here you're at 'Shuangquan Waterfall Cave'. You'll then eventually hit Baiyun village (where the cable car takes yu down) but look for the track up, you're really close to the summit from here, an hour. Keep going. When you look at your map you'll see what I mean. Come back down to the base via the dragons ridge or use the cable car if you're too tired.
For non hikers - you can catch the cable cars up a great portion of the mountain. Jin Li is Y35 each way, it starts at the base of the mountain & finishes half way up. You will still have to walk inbetween the cable car stops, it is up & over hills. The higher cable car, Baiyun, takes yu from midway up the mountain to within an hour from the peak; it's Y45 each way. It is very cooling/rewarding to use this cable car if you've hiked up & you're on your way down from the summit!
One cable car shaves about two hours off your total hiking journey.
Option 3:
Dujiangyuan - Unesco site. Entry RMB90. This is at the back end of the mountain but positioned lower than option 2.
Getting here: Exit Qinchengshan station & turn immediately to your left. Pass toilets on your left & in the distance you'll see a small taxi rank & just behind is a bus depo. Take public bus '101' (pink & white) to reach the entry point, it's the last stop.
You can also get the bullet train directly to Dujiangyan aswell (same line as QingChengShan) From Dujiangyan bullet train station take local bus #4 (RMB2) to the actual site.
Hot tips:
Forget the bus. Bullet train - it's fast, clean, quiet, air con & straightforward. There is a dining cart onboard with chairs/tables selling basic snacks/drinks etc If you have stand only seats (esp on the way back!) you can go to this carriage, buy a drink & sit down.
Carry lots of small notes with you. No cash machines anywhere. For the whole day incl ALL transport, drink, snack I spent under £10.
Sanitary conditions aren't exactly A1 out there on the mountain so pack your own food to get by. Oh & bring your own toilet paper too. Don't litter, hold your rubbish until you see a bin to put it in.
Comfy shoes with grip - a necessity!
It might seem daunting but don't let your non speaking Chinese language discourage you. It's a good healthy day out in amongst the fresh air & bamboo trees - views of the mountains esp from the summit are nice :-)
Written July 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex W
Singapore, Singapore1,426 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
If it's your first time in China, it may be quite a wow, but frankly, there are thousands of temples all over the continent-sized country similar to these ones on QingChengShan (the Chinese name for Mount QingCheng). To aficionados, however, these temples do have added significance for their age and historical relationship with Taoism. As for the mountain scenery, many places will offer just as good, if not better views.
My overall score is two stars: somewhat disappointing, go only if you have extra time to spare.
Nevertheless, it makes for a nice change of pace as a day trip out of Chengdu. That said, even though it was the middle of the week, there were still a lot of domestic tourists. You’re never alone.
I paired QingChengShan with visiting the Dujiangyan project (see my review at Dujiangyan), doing Dujiangyan in the morning and QingChengShan in the afternoon.
I notice that most reviews are from people within organised tours. If you're planning to go solo on public transport, there are details below.
If you're planning to get here directly from Chengdu, take the train from Chengdu's Xipu Railway Station. You can reach Xipu using Chengdu's metro system -- it's the last stop on Metro Line 2 (to the northwest). The train and metro stations virtually share the same building though they have different entrances.There are trains roughly hourly from Xipu to QingChengShan via Dujiangyan. Journey time Xipu to QingChengShan is about 50 minutes.
Always have your passport with you. You cannot buy a train ticket without it.
As mentioned above, I didn’t get here directly from Chengdu. Instead, I had spent the morning in Dujiangyan’s Lidui Park (see my review in Dujiangyan). After that, from outside Lidui Park, I took the local bus #101 that went directly to QingChengShan scenic area.
QingChengShan is also the name of the small town and the surrounding district; not just the mountain area. So, be careful which “QingChengShan” you are referring to when asking for directions or schedules, otherwise you may get wrong information. The mountain (or scenic area) is some distance from the town.
Anyway, bus #101, after going through the town, proceeds to the mountain, stopping at QingChengShan railway station along the way. The bus took about 45 minutes from Dujiangyan’s Lidui Park.
Things get a bit more complicated at the mountain. Best to think of it as four different segments.
The first is from the bus park to the ticket gate. It’s about 1.0km to 1.5km, and a gentle climb upwards. There’s a shuttle bus (10 yuan) if you prefer not to walk.
Then pay 90 yuan admission at the ticket gate. The second segment, on foot, is another gentle climb with some steps, from the ticket gate to a lake. Follow the broad path (and other people). If you ignore the people, you can enjoy the many trees and greenery.
It’s a small lake, held by mountains on three sides. There are toilet facilities here. The cable car station is on the other side of the lake. You can walk to the cable car station along a wooden path around the lake or you can pay more money and take the ferry.
The third segment is the steep part. You can take the cable car ride up a few hundred metres. 35 yuan one way. There is a path you can walk if you think you're fit enough. There are many steps.
The cable car does not take you to the top, but it does take you to where the cluster of Taoist temples begin. No two are the same. They’re brightly coloured and richly ornamented, and very much in use by the devout.
The fourth segment is on foot again – a lot of steps, as you wander around from one temple to another, ascending higher and higher, with lovely views of valleys beyond. If you take it slowly, you can get to the top-most pagoda.
Have good shoes. The stone steps get slippery when wet. No grab bars for your hands.
Getting back to Chengdu: Down at the bus park below the ticket gate, I took bus #101 again. Two stops and 5 minutes later, I was at QingChengShan railway station. It may not be obvious that you have reached the railway station. Depending on which side of the bus you’re sitting at, it may look as if the #101 bus is pulling into a bus park instead of a railway station, but there is a reason why there are other buses waiting here: because there’s a railway station nearby. Look a little beyond and up: you will see a massive modern building too big for the little town of QingChengShan. That’s the railway station, from where you can catch a train back to Xipu in Chengdu (via Dujiangyan).
My overall score is two stars: somewhat disappointing, go only if you have extra time to spare.
Nevertheless, it makes for a nice change of pace as a day trip out of Chengdu. That said, even though it was the middle of the week, there were still a lot of domestic tourists. You’re never alone.
I paired QingChengShan with visiting the Dujiangyan project (see my review at Dujiangyan), doing Dujiangyan in the morning and QingChengShan in the afternoon.
I notice that most reviews are from people within organised tours. If you're planning to go solo on public transport, there are details below.
If you're planning to get here directly from Chengdu, take the train from Chengdu's Xipu Railway Station. You can reach Xipu using Chengdu's metro system -- it's the last stop on Metro Line 2 (to the northwest). The train and metro stations virtually share the same building though they have different entrances.There are trains roughly hourly from Xipu to QingChengShan via Dujiangyan. Journey time Xipu to QingChengShan is about 50 minutes.
Always have your passport with you. You cannot buy a train ticket without it.
As mentioned above, I didn’t get here directly from Chengdu. Instead, I had spent the morning in Dujiangyan’s Lidui Park (see my review in Dujiangyan). After that, from outside Lidui Park, I took the local bus #101 that went directly to QingChengShan scenic area.
QingChengShan is also the name of the small town and the surrounding district; not just the mountain area. So, be careful which “QingChengShan” you are referring to when asking for directions or schedules, otherwise you may get wrong information. The mountain (or scenic area) is some distance from the town.
Anyway, bus #101, after going through the town, proceeds to the mountain, stopping at QingChengShan railway station along the way. The bus took about 45 minutes from Dujiangyan’s Lidui Park.
Things get a bit more complicated at the mountain. Best to think of it as four different segments.
The first is from the bus park to the ticket gate. It’s about 1.0km to 1.5km, and a gentle climb upwards. There’s a shuttle bus (10 yuan) if you prefer not to walk.
Then pay 90 yuan admission at the ticket gate. The second segment, on foot, is another gentle climb with some steps, from the ticket gate to a lake. Follow the broad path (and other people). If you ignore the people, you can enjoy the many trees and greenery.
It’s a small lake, held by mountains on three sides. There are toilet facilities here. The cable car station is on the other side of the lake. You can walk to the cable car station along a wooden path around the lake or you can pay more money and take the ferry.
The third segment is the steep part. You can take the cable car ride up a few hundred metres. 35 yuan one way. There is a path you can walk if you think you're fit enough. There are many steps.
The cable car does not take you to the top, but it does take you to where the cluster of Taoist temples begin. No two are the same. They’re brightly coloured and richly ornamented, and very much in use by the devout.
The fourth segment is on foot again – a lot of steps, as you wander around from one temple to another, ascending higher and higher, with lovely views of valleys beyond. If you take it slowly, you can get to the top-most pagoda.
Have good shoes. The stone steps get slippery when wet. No grab bars for your hands.
Getting back to Chengdu: Down at the bus park below the ticket gate, I took bus #101 again. Two stops and 5 minutes later, I was at QingChengShan railway station. It may not be obvious that you have reached the railway station. Depending on which side of the bus you’re sitting at, it may look as if the #101 bus is pulling into a bus park instead of a railway station, but there is a reason why there are other buses waiting here: because there’s a railway station nearby. Look a little beyond and up: you will see a massive modern building too big for the little town of QingChengShan. That’s the railway station, from where you can catch a train back to Xipu in Chengdu (via Dujiangyan).
Written December 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How to best get to the mountain from downtown Chengdu?
Written July 12, 2022
Savez vous si on peu faire dans la meme journée le système hydraulique de Dujiangyan ? Nous comptions faire le Mount Quingcheng en partant tot le matin.
Written August 25, 2018
Each site is a day trip in its own as they both entail a considerable amount of walking and by the end of the day you would be exhausted.
Written September 2, 2018
Hi Sarah! Thanks for the tips! Just wondering if you had 1 day in Chengdu would you choose the Buddha or Mount Qingcheng?
Thanks
Antoinette
Written August 16, 2018
Between the two options I would suggest the Leshan Buddha but my favourite day trip in the Chengdu area is the Sanxingdui Museum.
Written September 2, 2018
Hi Alex, would you recommend going to the front or back part of Mt. Qingcheng? Thank you for the detailed instruction on how to get to and from Chengdu and Mt.Qingcheng.
Written March 19, 2018
We are thinking oh hiking up QingCheng houshan this week, but the weather looks like it will rain. Can we know if the track will be slippery when wet?
Written July 3, 2017
not this time of the year, only during winter
Written July 9, 2017
Hi everyone, have a problem ankle so not able to hike. Is it worthwhile to visit and just take the cable car up and down?
Thanks in advance!
Written June 10, 2017
Its a great view, but not worth (and I wouldn't risk) getting injured there:it could be a real problem! I don't know if there is a cable car.
Written July 4, 2017
Hi everybody! We will stay in Chengdu for short time and don't have a full day for visiting Mount Qingcheng. We will arrive to Chengdu East Railway Station about 11 a.m. Is it possible or reasonable to visit Mount Qingcheng at that day? (We don't have another possibility!) I know that morning trains are already gone at that time but are there any buses from Xinnanmen Bus Station between 11 and 12 a.m.? Can we leave a luggage at the bus station?
Written March 11, 2017
The normal train journey takes about 45 minutes but you'd want to check the return times. There are only a few. Arriving at the train station going to the mountain, that bus or car will also take about 45 minutes.
Actually I think you'd be under some pressure to do this. Sorry but I wouldn't advise it.
Written March 11, 2017
Hello everybody.....can anyone guide me about the procedure of visiting Mount Qing and Duijianyan irrigaiton system. i am in Chengdu for the spring break. i want to know which train goes there and from which station (east or north ?) and how much money and time are involved?
Written February 7, 2016
We looked into trains when there and it wasn't easy - changing trains and also a bus. Whilst I would have preferred the train, it was just easier to get a cab. We hired one for the whole day at 800 CNY for the Panda reserve, Mt Qingchen and the irrigation system.
Written February 9, 2016
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