What is the difference between the Front Mountain and Back Mountain at Qingcheng?

Front Mountain is the developed Taoist route with temples, a cable car, and walking paths, taking about 4 to 5 hours and costing 90 RMB; it pairs well with Dujiangyan. Back Mountain is wilder, with 8-hour loops for serious hikers and far fewer crowds, costing only 20 RMB. Most first-time visitors choose Front Mountain.

How do I get to Mount Qingcheng from Chengdu?

Take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Qingchengshan station, which takes about 40 minutes, then a roughly 10-minute shuttle to the entrance. Bring your passport for the train and to book entry. Because the same line serves Dujiangyan, many visitors combine both sites; the two are about 15 minutes apart by taxi.

Why is Mount Qingcheng important to Taoism?

It is regarded as the birthplace of Religious Taoism: Zhang Daoling founded the Way of the Celestial Masters here in 142 CE. The mountain holds 36 peaks and active temples such as Tianshi Cave and Shangqing Palace, set in a dense evergreen canopy that gives the name 'Green Wall.' It is one of the four sacred Taoist mountains.

Mount Qingcheng, Chengdu: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Birthplace of Taoism — UNESCO World Heritage mountain with Han-era Taoist temples in cedar forests.

At a glance

What it is: Outdoors
Also known as: 青城山 (Qīngchéng Shān)
Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
Time needed: Half day (front mountain) or full day (back)
Best time to visit: Spring/autumn; weekday morning
Getting there: Taxi / DiDi from metro
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Entry: Passport booking recommended
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: Qingcheng Mountain Town, Dujiangyan City · 都江堰市青城山镇

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Mount Qingcheng is one of the four sacred Taoist mountains and the birthplace of Religious Taoism — Zhang Daoling founded the Way of the Celestial Masters here in 142 CE. The mountain has 36 peaks, multiple Taoist temples (Tianshi Cave, Shangqing Palace), and a famously dense evergreen canopy ('青城' = 'Green Wall'). Front Mountain is the developed tourist route — cable car + walking, 4-5 hours. Back Mountain is for serious hikers (8-hour loops, less developed). Entry 90 RMB front, 20 RMB back. Pair with Dujiangyan on the same day trip if doing only the front. 60 km from Chengdu by high-speed train (40 min) to Qingchengshan Station + 10 min shuttle.

Highlights

Tianshi Cave (天师洞)Founding site of Religious Taoism, 142 CE
Shangqing Palace summitMountain top temple + sunrise viewpoint
Back Mountain Loop8 hours; serious hikers; far fewer crowds

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Take the cable car up and walk down on the front route; the descent through cedar forest is the quiet, scenic half.
▸Ride the small ferry across the lake near the lower path; it shortcuts a dull stretch and is part of the classic route.
▸Climb to Shangqing Palace for the summit viewpoint; clear weekday mornings give the cleanest layered-ridge photos.
▸Visit Tianshi Cave on the way up rather than down, before tour groups arrive and the incense halls get packed.
▸Choose Back Mountain only if you are a fit hiker with a full day; it is far less developed with long 8-hour loops.
▸Spring and autumn weekday mornings dodge both heat and crowds; summer brings haze and weekend Chengdu day-trippers.
▸The dense canopy keeps the mountain cool and damp; bring a light layer and grippy shoes even on warm valley days.

Photos

Vibrant evergreen branches create a lush, serene forest atmosphere.

Explore the historical Nansha Tin Hau Palace's exquisite traditional Chinese architecture in Guangzhou.

A beautifully ornate Japanese temple amongst towering trees in Nikko, Japan.

A peaceful walk through a cedar forest in Nagano, Japan with people holding umbrellas.

Epic shot of a towering cedar tree in Yakushima's lush forest, capturing the ethereal beauty of nature.

Scenic view of towering cedar trees in Fujinomiya, Japan's tranquil forest.

Low-angle view of a traditional Chinese pagoda under a clear blue sky, highlighting intricate woodwork.

Beautiful view of traditional Asian temple roofs under a cloudy sky, highlighting architectural details.

Beautiful autumn scene with cypress trees reflecting on Yanque Lake in Nanjing, China.

Tall cedar trees create a serene atmosphere in Ifrane, Morocco's forest landscapes.

Elegant traditional Chinese temple roof with intricate designs surrounded by trees under a vibrant blue sky.

Tranquil path amidst towering trees in Ome, Japan's lush forest.

Close-up of vibrant evergreen foliage displaying natural patterns and textures.

What travelers say (5 reviews)

TaoistFan·TripAdvisor·5/5

Birthplace of Taoism — Zhang Daoling founded the Way of the Celestial Masters here in 142 CE. UNESCO. Front mountain is easy 4-hour cable car + walk.

2026-04-10

道教文化·Xiaohongshu·5/5

青城山前山4-5小时索道+步行，后山是登山客的8小时挑战。天师洞是道教祖庭。¥90前山。

2026-03-22

James H.·Google Maps·4/5

Front mountain is tourist-developed, back mountain is for serious hikers. The cedar canopy is so dense it earned the name '青城' (Green Wall).

2026-04-26

HikingChina·YouTube·5/5

Filmed back mountain — 8-hour loop, almost no tourists, ancient temples in cedar forest. Front mountain for casual; back for hiking.

2026-02-18

Zhang W.·Ctrip·4/5

高铁青城山站，前山+都江堰一日游热门套餐。¥90门票+索道¥60。

2026-04-12

Watch creators visit Mount Qingcheng

Each clip is timestamped to the moment the creator arrives at this stop.

Dujiangyan + Qingcheng Mountain — Day Trip from Chengdu

FarWest TalesStarts at 6:00

Frequently asked questions about Mount Qingcheng

What is the difference between the Front Mountain and Back Mountain at Qingcheng?: Front Mountain is the developed Taoist route with temples, a cable car, and walking paths, taking about 4 to 5 hours and costing 90 RMB; it pairs well with Dujiangyan. Back Mountain is wilder, with 8-hour loops for serious hikers and far fewer crowds, costing only 20 RMB. Most first-time visitors choose Front Mountain.
How do I get to Mount Qingcheng from Chengdu?: Take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Qingchengshan station, which takes about 40 minutes, then a roughly 10-minute shuttle to the entrance. Bring your passport for the train and to book entry. Because the same line serves Dujiangyan, many visitors combine both sites; the two are about 15 minutes apart by taxi.
Why is Mount Qingcheng important to Taoism?: It is regarded as the birthplace of Religious Taoism: Zhang Daoling founded the Way of the Celestial Masters here in 142 CE. The mountain holds 36 peaks and active temples such as Tianshi Cave and Shangqing Palace, set in a dense evergreen canopy that gives the name 'Green Wall.' It is one of the four sacred Taoist mountains.