Complete Hiking Guide to Qingcheng Mountain’s Back Mountain: A Secluded Journey of Spiritual Discovery and Culinary Delights

Meta Description: Discover the ultimate Qingcheng Mountain back mountain hiking guide—20 yuan tickets, hidden Taoist trails, and authentic Sichuan cuisine. Plan your spiritual retreat from Chengdu today.

Introduction: Why Qingcheng Mountain’s Back Mountain Is a Must-Visit for Solo Travelers

"Pay homage to the waters of Dujiangyan, seek the Tao on Qingcheng Mountain." This ancient proverb had lingered in my mind since I moved to Chengdu. After a year of city life, I finally shouldered my backpack on an ordinary morning and embarked on a solo pilgrimage to Qingcheng Mountain’s back mountain—a journey that promised spiritual discovery, physical challenge, and unforgettable culinary delights.

Unlike the crowded front mountain, the Qingcheng back mountain hiking route offers a secluded experience where nature and Taoist tranquility converge. With entrance fees at just 20 yuan (compared to 90 yuan for the front mountain), this is a paradise for budget-conscious adventurers and spiritual seekers alike.

How to Get to Qingcheng Mountain Back Mountain from Chengdu

By High-Speed Train (Recommended)

The most efficient way to reach Qingcheng Mountain is via the Chengdu-Dujiangyan high-speed train. Departing from Chengdu North Railway Station, 15 daily trains serve Qingchengshan Station, with journey times ranging from 30 to 50 minutes. The flat fare of 15 yuan makes it incredibly affordable.

Sample Train Schedule: | Train No. | Departure | Arrival | |-----------|-----------|---------| | D6101 | 07:01 | 07:50 | | D6105 | 08:34 | 09:22 | | D6109 | 09:30 | 10:25 | | D6115 | 13:30 | 14:20 | | D6125 | 17:40 | 18:29 |

Upon arrival, take Bus No. 101 directly to the front mountain scenic area—just 1-2 kilometers from the back mountain entrance.

By Bus (Alternative Option)

If you miss the train, head to Chengdu’s Chadianzi Bus Station for a tourist shuttle to Dujiangyan. The express highway route takes 45 minutes (16 yuan), while the regular route takes about an hour (8.5 yuan). From Dujiangyan, transfer to a local bus.

Pro tip: Avoid private minivans offered by drivers at bus stations. While a driver charged me 15 yuan for a ride to the mountain base, official tourist buses are safer and more reliable. [Link: How to avoid common travel scams in Sichuan]

Qingcheng Mountain Back Mountain Tickets and Costs

The Qingcheng Mountain back mountain entrance fee is remarkably budget-friendly: - Full-price ticket: 20 yuan - Student ticket: 10 yuan (with valid ID) - Boat ride across Cuiying Lake: 2 yuan (no student discount) - Shuttle bus from mountain gate to base: Approximately 20 yuan

Compared to the front mountain’s 90 yuan admission, the back mountain offers exceptional value for hiking enthusiasts.

Best Hiking Route: Ascend Left, Descend Right

Why Choose the Left Side?

The back mountain’s most spectacular attractions—Wulong Gully (Five Dragons Gully), Longyin Gorge Plank Path, Guihua Stream, and Youyi Village—are concentrated along the left ascent route. The right side is relatively uneventful and better suited as a descent path.

Key Highlights Along the Qingcheng Back Mountain Hiking Trail

Tai’an Ancient Town
Pass through a grand stone archway guarded by stone lions to enter this historic settlement. Every household displays the national flag, and sausages (cured meat) line the streets, filling the air with an irresistible aroma. At the town center stands an ancient stage where Sichuan opera face-changing performances occur during peak season. Night bonfire parties add to the vibrant atmosphere.

Tai’an Ancient Temple
Despite its name, this temple has no connection to Tai’an in Shandong Province. Buddhist visitors can enter to pay respects and experience the tranquility of this millennium-old sanctuary.

Wulong Gully and Longyin Gorge Plank Path
This is the most treacherous and breathtaking section of the entire Qingcheng Mountain back mountain hike. The plank path clings to the mountainside—slippery, narrow, and barely wide enough for one person in some sections. Crystal-clear streams flow below while jagged rocks loom above, showcasing nature’s raw craftsmanship.

Three-Tiered Waterfall
A stunning cascade where water tumbles down in layers, sending up sparkling mist in sunlight. On warmer days, you might be tempted to cool off in the pools below.

Baiyun Temple (White Cloud Temple)
The summit marker offers panoramic views of surrounding peaks. The temple’s stone walls feature carved Buddha statues, creating a solemn, awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Safety Considerations

The Qingcheng back mountain hiking trail is complex, with some sections damaged by earthquakes or rain erosion. Near Longyin Gorge Plank Path, you may need to detour along precarious paths. I witnessed a 70-year-old grandmother carefully navigating a slippery section where someone had just fallen—my heart was in my throat.

Essential safety tips: - Wear non-slip hiking shoes - Move slowly and steadily - Use handrails or ropes when available - Exercise extreme caution on rainy days

Where to Stay: Best Accommodation for Qingcheng Mountain Back Mountain

Spending a night in the mountains enhances the spiritual experience. Waking up to birdsong and falling asleep to babbling streams—this is an experience no city hotel can replicate.

Recommended Guesthouses

Tai’an Ancient Town offers many farmhouse stays and guesthouses with better rates during the off-season. [Link: Best budget guesthouses in Sichuan mountain areas]

Qingcheng Mountain Cuisine: The Four Treasures and Local Delicacies

The Four Treasures of Qingcheng

No visit is complete without sampling these iconic dishes:

1. Baiguo Dun Ji (White Fruit Stewed Chicken) – A nourishing chicken soup with tender ginkgo nuts, perfect after a long hike
2. Qingcheng Paocai (Pickled Vegetables) – Sour, spicy, and crunchy—a palate-cleansing appetizer
3. Dongtian Ru Jiu (Cave Heaven Milk Wine) – Sweet, fragrant wine made from kiwifruit
4. Qingcheng Kuding Cha (Bitter Tea) – Slightly bitter on first sip, with a sweet aftertaste; cools and detoxifies

Find these at small restaurants in Tai’an Ancient Town, offering fair prices and authentic flavors.

Must-Try Snacks in Dujiangyan

If passing through Dujiangyan, don’t miss these local favorites:

• Shouzhang Ji (Palm Chicken) – Signature palm chicken, roast duck, and grilled fish
• You Tuto Home-Style Dishes – A Dujiangyan institution loved by locals
• Xiuxian Ji (Leisure Chicken) – Cold chicken salad with spicy and numbing flavors; stir-fried wild mushrooms
• Liu Ji Rou (Liu’s Chicken) – Spicy and affordable, a favorite among Hexi locals

[Link: Complete guide to Sichuan street food]

FAQ: Qingcheng Mountain Back Mountain Hiking

Q1: How long does it take to hike Qingcheng Mountain back mountain?

A full loop takes 4-6 hours, depending on fitness level and stops for photos or meals. Start early to avoid crowds and complete the hike before dark.

Q2: Is Qingcheng Mountain back mountain suitable for beginners?

Moderate fitness is required. Some sections are steep and narrow, with loose rocks. Beginners should take the left ascent slowly and use handrails where available.

Q3: What should I bring for a Qingcheng back mountain hike?

Essentials include non-slip hiking shoes, water (at least 1 liter), snacks, a light jacket (temperatures drop at higher elevations), and a power bank (I forgot mine—don’t make the same mistake).

Q4: Can I visit Qingcheng Mountain back mountain in one day from Chengdu?

Yes. Take the 7:01 AM high-speed train, arrive by 7:50 AM, hike 4-6 hours, and return to Chengdu by late afternoon. Overnight stays are recommended for a more relaxed experience.

Q5: When is the best time to hike Qingcheng Mountain back mountain?

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer pleasant temperatures and clear skies. Summer can be rainy and slippery; winter sees fewer crowds but colder conditions.

Plan Your Qingcheng Mountain Back Mountain Adventure Today

From the affordable Qingcheng Mountain back mountain entrance fee to the breathtaking Longyin Gorge Plank Path and the soul-warming Baiguo Dun Ji, this secluded journey offers everything a spiritual seeker and food lover could desire.

Ready to escape the city? Book your high-speed train ticket to Qingchengshan Station now. Pack your hiking shoes, bring your appetite, and discover why this Taoist sanctuary has captivated travelers for centuries.

[Link: Complete Chengdu travel guide] [Link: Top 10 day hikes from Chengdu]

Share your Qingcheng Mountain experience in the comments below—what was your favorite trail or dish?