Reading ten thousand books is not as good as climbing ten thousand mountains!

Mount Qingcheng Hiking Guide Mount Qingcheng, located in Dujiangyan City, Chengdu, is known as the "Most Serene Place Under Heaven". It is divided into the Front Mountain and the Back Mountain. The Front Mountain is known for its Taoist culture and historical sites, while the Back Mountain offers more beautiful natural scenery. If you want to experience the fusion of Taoist culture and natural beauty, Mount Qingcheng is definitely a great choice. Here's a hiking guide for Mount Qingcheng: - Preparation: Check the weather forecast in advance and choose a sunny day for your trip. Prepare comfortable sneakers or hiking boots, light clothing, and enough water and snacks to replenish your energy. You can also bring hiking poles to reduce stress on your legs. - Transportation: - High-speed Rail: Take the subway from downtown Chengdu to Xipu Station, then transfer to the intercity train to Qingchengshan Station. The journey takes about 23 minutes and costs CNY 10. Buy round-trip tickets in advance to avoid delays. - Car: Navigate to the Mount Qingcheng parking lot. It is recommended to depart early to avoid traffic congestion during peak hours. - Tickets: Mount Qingcheng ticket prices may vary depending on the season and events. Check the official website or travel apps before your trip and book in advance to avoid delays. - Recommended Hiking Routes: - Front Mountain Classic Route (Full Hike): After entering the main gate, turn left and pass through Natural Pavilion, Natural Picture, and Quanzhen Temple to reach Tianshi Cave, an important Taoist temple with a long history. Then head to Five Caves of Heaven, which is said to be the dwelling place of Taoist immortals. Pass by Patriarch Hall and Chaoyang Cave, and finally reach Laojun Pavilion, the highest point of Mount Qingcheng, where you can enjoy magnificent views. Then take the cable car down from Shangqing Temple and Wuzhen Pavilion. This route allows you to fully appreciate both Taoist culture and the serene beauty of the Front Mountain. The entire hike takes about 4–6 hours, depending on your pace. - Front Mountain Leisure Route (Hiking + Cable Car): Take the cable car up the mountain to save time and energy. After reaching Shangqing Temple, visit Laojun Pavilion and then hike down, passing by Tianshi Cave, Natural Picture, and other scenic spots. This option is suitable for visitors with limited time or less stamina, allowing them to enjoy the scenery without overexertion. - Back Mountain Hiking Route: The Back Mountain offers more beautiful natural scenery and is suitable for hikers who enjoy adventure. Starting from Tai'an Ancient Town, pass through Wulonggou and Longyinxia Plank Road to reach Another Village, where you can take a break and replenish your energy. Then cross Baiyun Ancient Village, climb to Baiyun Temple, and finally return to Tai'an Ancient Town via Cuiying Lake and Feiquangou. The entire hike takes about 6–8 hours. The scenery along the way is beautiful, with mountains and rivers complementing each other. However, the route is long and requires good physical fitness. - Food and Rest: There are many rest stops and small shops in the scenic area where you can buy water, drinks, snacks, and other supplies. There are also some vegetarian restaurants near Tianshi Cave and Shangqing Temple on the Front Mountain, offering simple vegetarian dishes. If you want to try local specialties, you can visit nearby farmhouses or restaurants after descending the mountain. Recommended dishes include Qingcheng Mountain cured bacon and chicken stewed with ginkgo nuts. - Precautions: Pay attention to safety during the hike. Follow the signs in the scenic area and do not leave the trails to enter undeveloped areas. Keep your belongings safe, especially valuables such as mobile phones and cameras. Respect local religious beliefs and customs. Keep quiet and follow the rules inside Taoist temples.