Mount Qingcheng

I did the rear mountain loop and it was incredible. Way fewer people than the front area, and the trail winds through a gorge with waterfalls, little bridges, and clear green pools. At one point I crossed a shaky rope bridge with mist rising from the valley below — pure magic. It's a tough climb in parts, but the forest shelters you and the sound of water is constant. By the end my legs were jelly, but I never wanted it to end. This is a gem for anyone who loves a proper mountain adventure.

Qingcheng Mountain blew me away. We were with my parents, so we took the cable car up and then walked down at a relaxed pace. The views from the upper temple are stunning — you can see the whole valley and the old rooftops peeking through the forest. Every temple has its own character, and the ginkgo tree at the main temple is enormous. We stopped at a little farmhouse on the way out and had the best tofu dinner. Great combo of nature, culture, and food. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Absolutely magical! I caught an early bus from Chengdu and had the lower trail nearly to myself. The rain had just stopped, so everything was lush and dripping. I followed the stone stairway up past the old Taoist temples, and at the top I sat and drank tea while the clouds rolled through the peaks. The incense smell, the bird calls, the quiet — it felt like stepping into an old Chinese painting. One of the best day trips I've ever done. Highly recommend going as early as possible!

Solid half-day outing. I took the cable car up to the upper temple area and then hiked down through the misty forest. The air was clean and the mossy stone steps felt ancient, which I loved. Some of the trail markers are faded though, and I ended up on a side path that sort of vanished. With a better map it'd be a five-star experience. The Taoist vibe is definitely there, especially when you hear the chanting drift through the trees. Worth visiting, just pay attention to the signs.

I really wanted to love Qingcheng Mountain, and the scenery is pretty, but my visit was a bit disappointing. We went on a Saturday and it was absolutely packed. The ticket office was chaotic, and then we found out the shuttle bus to the real trailhead costs extra. Once on the trail, it was more like following a queue than hiking. The temples are nice but it's hard to feel any peace when people are pushing past and taking selfies. The cable car line was over an hour, so we walked down instead. It's not a bad place, just too crowded and overhyped for what it is.

Came here as part of a longer trip in Sichuan and it definitely stood out. The Taoist temples tucked into the green hills feel so calm and meditative, especially the one at Tianshi Cave. I'm not religious, but sitting on the stone steps watching the clouds roll through the valley was incredibly grounding. Pay for the electric shuttle at the entrance — it saves you a long, boring stretch of road before the real climbing starts. Wish I had planned a full day instead of just half.

Absolutely loved the Qingchengshan back mountain section! Took the ferry across the lake and then hiked up to the waterfalls — the sound of rushing water and birds echoing between the cliffs was pure magic. My legs were shaking by the end, but the tiny noodle shop run by an old grandma at the halfway point gave me the energy to finish. Felt like a proper adventure, not just another tourist stop. 10/10 would recommend to anyone who likes nature with a bit of effort.

Maybe I hyped this up too much after seeing photos. The mountain is pretty, sure, but the whole experience felt a bit too commercialized for me. Constant vendors selling the same souvenirs, and a few of the temples were under renovation so I couldn't really soak in the atmosphere. Also the humidity was brutal — by the time I reached the summit my shirt was soaked and there wasn't much breeze. It's a decent day trip from Chengdu, but I wouldn't rush back.

Went on a weekday afternoon, so it wasn't too crowded. The cable car up to the upper temple is worth it if you're short on time, but honestly the walk through the forest paths is the real highlight. Heard monks chanting somewhere below the clouds — gave me chills. Only downside: the signs are a bit confusing at the fork near Chaoyang Cave. Took a wrong turn and added an extra hour, but the scenery made up for it.

Hiked up from the Jianfu Palace side and honestly it was one of the more peaceful mountain visits I've had in Sichuan. The air smelled like wet bamboo and incense, and the mist made the old pavilions look straight out of a painting. Lots of stairs, but the little tea stops along the way saved me. If you go early, you basically have the whole trail to yourself. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

I was a bit disappointed, to be honest. Maybe I had too high expectations after hearing it's a UNESCO site. Yes, the bamboo forests are nice, but half the trail is lined with souvenir stalls selling the same tourist trinkets. The entrance fee (¥90) felt steep for what you get – the temples are mostly rebuilt and lack that ancient aura. A few monks were more interested in selling incense than explaining the history. If you've seen one mountain temple in China, you've seen them all. Not worth the trip from Chengdu.

Mount Qingcheng is beautiful, no doubt – the lush greenery and ancient architecture are impressive. However, I visited on a Saturday and it was packed. Queues for the cable car took nearly an hour, and some of the narrow paths felt uncomfortably crowded. Also, the public toilets near the main temples could use better maintenance. The scenery itself deserves a 5, but the overcrowding knocked it down a notch. Go on a weekday if you can.

This place is a paradise if you're into Taoism or just want to slow down. I stayed overnight at a guesthouse near Tian Shi Cave and joined the morning tai chi session with the resident Daoist. The vegetarian meal they served was simple but incredibly fresh – greens straight from their garden. Sitting on the cliffside teahouse watching the mist roll over the peaks... that alone deserves a five. Only flaw? The Internet was spotty, but honestly, that's a plus.

Went up the back mountain and it was stunning – way fewer tourists and more rugged trails. The cable car saves your legs if you're short on time, but hiking down gives you close encounters with tiny waterfalls and mossy stone steps. Only downside: the signs in English are scarce, so I almost missed the turn to Chaoyang Cave. Still, the panoramic view from the top is worth every drop of sweat. Highly recommend the back route for nature lovers.

Absolutely loved Mount Qingcheng! The moment you step onto the path, the air turns cooler and smells of damp earth and pine. I took the front mountain route and the climb was gentle enough for a casual hiker. The Daoist temples tucked between bamboo groves feel truly sacred – I sat for ten minutes just listening to the wind chimes and monks chanting. If you want a break from Chengdu's hustle, this is it. 10/10 would go again.

Honestly, I was a bit let down. For the entrance fee (which isn't cheap), I expected more. The mountain itself is beautiful, but it's swarming with selfie-stick tourists and loud tour groups. The temples felt overly commercialized with souvenir stalls everywhere. I ended up skipping the summit because the queue for the cable car was over an hour. Maybe if you go on a weekday or off-season it's better, but my Saturday visit was a headache.

We took our two kids (ages 8 and 10) and overall had a good time. The cable car saved us a lot of leg work, and the kids enjoyed spotting monkeys near the temple. The scenery is lovely, but it got really crowded around noon, which made some narrow paths feel a bit unsafe with little ones. Also, the food options at the top were overpriced and mediocre. Still, a nice family outing—just go early to beat the rush.

What a climb! I'm not gonna lie, some sections had me huffing and puffing, but the reward at the top is incredible. The panoramic views of the Sichuan basin are stunning on a clear day. I loved the natural rock formations and the little waterfalls along the way. Bring plenty of water and wear good shoes—you'll need 'em! One of the best day hikes I've done in China.

If you're looking for a place to clear your mind, this is it. The Taoist atmosphere is palpable—the quiet courtyards, the sound of wind chimes, and the faint smell of incense. I spent hours just sitting by the Celestial Master's Cave, feeling the history. Only downside? Some of the temple paths were a bit steep for my knees, but that's part of the charm. A truly spiritual escape.

Absolutely breathtaking! The hike through the dense bamboo forests was so refreshing, and the crisp mountain air made every step worthwhile. Reached the top just before sunrise and watched the mist roll over the peaks—pure magic. The ancient temples tucked away along the trail added a sense of peace you don't find in the city. Definitely plan a full day here; you'll want to soak it all in. 10/10 would recommend!

As a Taoism enthusiast, this place was a dream come true. The architecture of Tianshi Cave and Shangqing Temple is incredibly well preserved, and I loved reading the inscriptions on the stone tablets. The guide we hired (outside the gate) was very knowledgeable and added so much context. The whole mountain feels sacred. Even the climb itself is meditative. If you love history, nature, and spirituality, don’t miss this. Absolutely 5/5.

Mount Qingcheng exceeded all my expectations! Not only is the mountain itself gorgeous with those winding stone staircases and hidden temples, but the little tea houses along the way serve the most refreshing local tea. I sat for an hour just watching the clouds drift past the peaks. The cable car ride up gives you a bird’s-eye view of the whole valley — breathtaking. Bring good walking shoes and plenty of water. Definite 5 stars!

Absolutely magical! From the moment I stepped through the front gate, I felt transported. The mist rolling through the ancient trees, the sound of running water, and the smell of incense — it’s like walking into a Chinese painting. I did the full loop from Jianfu Temple up to Laojun Pavilion. Every step offered a new view. Highly recommend taking the hiking path and skipping the cable car for the full experience. One of the best days of my trip to Chengdu.

Beautiful scenery and great for a half-day hike. The lower temples are very well preserved and the bamboo groves are stunning. We did the walking trail up instead of the cable car, which was tough but rewarding. Only reason I’m not giving 5 stars is that the signs in English were a bit confusing in a couple of spots, and we ended up taking a detour. Still, totally worth it for the fresh air and history.

Honestly, I was a bit let down by the crowds. We arrived early but still ended up queuing for the cable car for nearly an hour. The temple views are nice enough, but the constant stream of people made it hard to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere you'd expect from a Taoist mountain. Paths are well maintained, though. Maybe go on a weekday if you can.

I really wanted to love this place, but it didn't live up to the hype for me. Maybe I came on a bad day – it was foggy and drizzly, so visibility was almost zero. The constant stream of selfie-stick wielding groups made it hard to enjoy the atmosphere. And honestly, the souvenir shops and snack stalls felt too commercial for a supposed holy mountain. The hike itself wasn't too tough, but for the entry fee I expected more. Sort of a letdown.

Mount Qingcheng is beautiful and definitely worth visiting. The scenery is stunning with lush greenery and peaceful streams. The Taoist temple on the front mountain is well-preserved and interesting. However, on weekends it gets really crowded, and the narrow paths can be frustrating. Also, the ticket price is a bit steep for what it offers compared to other mountains in China. Still a great day trip from Chengdu – just go on a weekday if you can.

This was the highlight of my Sichuan trip. The air is so fresh and clean, I felt my lungs thanking me with every breath. I loved how the architecture blends seamlessly with the mountain – it's like the temples grew out of the cliffs. The local vendors selling cold tea and sugarcane juice at the rest stops were super friendly. Yes, it's a bit touristy near the entrance, but once you go deeper it's pure magic. Highly recommend!

An incredible blend of nature and spirituality. I spent hours exploring the smaller temples tucked away from the main path – the incense smoke and chanting monks made it feel truly sacred. The cable car saves time but you miss the best views, so I recommend hiking up and taking it down. Only downside: some signs were only in Chinese, but that just made it more authentic. 5 stars without hesitation.

Absolutely loved Mount Qingcheng! The misty bamboo forests and ancient Taoist temples felt like stepping into another world. The hike was challenging but rewarding, especially when we reached the top and saw the clouds rolling over the peaks. We went on a weekday morning and almost had the place to ourselves. Pro tip: bring good hiking shoes because the stone steps get slippery after rain. Already planning my next visit!

Solid mountain hike with good infrastructure. The paths are clearly marked and there are plenty of benches and trash bins — kudos to the park management. The cable car is convenient for those who don’t want to climb all the way, but I’d recommend walking down to really absorb the forest atmosphere. Only complaint: the restrooms near the peak were pretty dirty, which is a shame for such a nice park. Still a great day out.

This place is magic! I came with my family and we took the hiking route up instead of the cable car. My kids (ages 8 and 10) managed just fine — the steps are well maintained and there are little pavilions to rest. We stopped at a small Taoist temple where a monk offered us tea and told us about the mountain’s history. The whole experience felt authentic and unhurried. Best part of our Sichuan trip by far!

I really wanted to love this mountain, but I left feeling a bit disappointed. The scenery is beautiful, no doubt, but the ticket price felt steep for what you get. The temples are charming but several were under renovation when I visited, so there were scaffolding and noise everywhere. Also, the food stalls near the entrance are overpriced and not very good. Probably a once-in-a-lifetime visit for me. Not bad, just not amazing.

Nice place for a day trip from Chengdu, but honestly the crowds were a bit much. There’s a reason they call it a Taoist mountain — peaceful in theory, but not when you’re shuffling behind a tour group on the main path. The view from the summit is gorgeous, but the cable car line took almost an hour. If you go, skip the peak hours or take the back trails. Still enjoyed it overall, just wished for more solitude.

I’ve been hiking all over China and Mount Qingcheng is hands down one of the most serene trails I’ve ever done. The bamboo groves are so dense that sunlight barely touches the path — it felt like walking through a green tunnel. The air was crisp and cool even in July. The ancient temples tucked away along the route add a spiritual vibe that you don’t get at crowded tourist spots. Definitely worth the early start to beat the heat. Would give it six stars if I could.

An absolute dream for photographers! The combination of ancient Daoist temples, moss-covered stone steps, and dappled light through the canopy is unbeatable. I spent four hours here and barely scratched the surface. Went on a weekday morning – had entire sections of the trail to myself. The tranquility is healing. Will definitely come back in autumn for the changing leaves.

Honestly a bit underwhelmed after hearing so many rave reviews. The mountain is pretty, sure, but there are dozens of similar spots in Sichuan. The entrance fee felt steep for what you get, and the souvenir shops along the path really cheapen the experience. If you're short on time, I'd skip this and go to Mount Emei instead – more dramatic scenery and fewer trinket sellers.

Took the easy route – cable car up and then a short walk to the main temple. The ancient architecture nestled among bamboo groves is stunning. I loved the little tea house near the summit; had a pot of local green tea while listening to the wind through the pines. Very serene, but I do recommend bringing your own snacks because the food stalls are overpriced and mediocre.

Came here expecting a peaceful nature escape, but on a Saturday it was packed with tourist groups. The constant chatter and selfie sticks really killed the vibe. To make things worse, one of the cable cars was out of service so we waited over an hour. The scenery is undeniably beautiful, but the overcrowding made it feel more like a theme park than a sacred mountain.

Hiked up to the main temple early in the morning to beat the crowds. The mist rolling through the forest was absolutely magical – felt like walking into a traditional Chinese painting. The trails are well-maintained but steep in sections. My legs were burning but the view from the top made every step worth it. Only wish there were more English signs for the side paths.