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Qingcheng Mountain is a famous Taoist mountain. It is one of the places where Taoism originated. It was entered in the UNESCO World Heritage List in the year 2000.
Location
Qingcheng Mountain is 16 kilometers southwest of Dujiangyan City in Sichuan Province and 68 kilometers northwest of Chengdu City (the capital of Sichuan Province).
Brief Introduction
The Qingcheng Mountain range towers above the Chengdu Plain, and the Mingjiang River flows down one of its slopes. The scenic area covers an area of 200 square kilometers. The mountain range has 36 peaks. The tallest peak is named Laoxiao Ding, and it has an elevation of 1260 meters (4133 feet) above sea level. The peaks stand in a circle like a great wall protecting the city. Trees grow luxuriantly on the mountain, so it is green all the year round. That’s why it is called Qingcheng Mountain (“Qing” means green and “cheng” means city wall).
Qingcheng Mountain has a beautiful peak near the city, and another peak is behind it. These peaks are called “Front Mountain” (前山) and “Behind Mountain” (后山) . Front Mountain has been a major travel highlight in the Chengdu area, because it has a lot of ancient Taoist and Buddhist temples and historic sites. It was a religious pilgrimage destination. The scenery is beautiful.
15 kilometers away from Front Mountain is Back Mountain that the government has recently opened up for hikers. There are a few temples and historical sites, but it is mainly a natural reserve that has peaceful streams, quiet forests and a grand peak. The natural scenery is beautiful and magnificent, so Back Mountain is a good choice for recreational hiking. Five Dragon Gorge has dramatic vistas. Back Mountain is also a major “Shu” Tea growing area (“Shu” means Sichuan). Tourists can take buses or taxis from Front Mountain to Back Mountain. Hiking up the mountain takes about 4 hours, and hiking down takes about 3 hours.
Taoist Sites
Qingcheng Mountain is a famous Taoist mountain because it is one of the places where the Taoist religion originated. A Taoist teacher named Zhang came to the mountain and preached during the Eastern Han Dynasty period (25-220 AD). Since then, over the last two millennia, dozens of other temples were built on the mountain. Tianshi Cave is one of the main attractions since it is the place where Zhang is said to have preached in. It is a good place to start from to see the dozens of other temples around. These temples include Jianfugong Temple, Shangqinggong Temple, Zushi Temple, Yuanminggong Temple, Laojunge Temple, Yuqinggong Temple, and Chaoyang Cave. The sunrise, the misty “sea of clouds” and the Shengdeng (celestial lights) are beautiful sights.
Jianfugong Temple
If you are walking up the mountain, Jianfugong Temple that is under Zhangren Peak is a major highlight and the starting point for a tour of the mountain. It was first built during the Tang Dynasty about the year 730 AD, and it was repaired or rebuilt many times afterwards. Now only two temples and three courtyards exist. One of the temples has three parts for different Taoist teachers and gods. Yuanyun Pavilion and a clear brook is in front of the temple. And behind it are scenic sights like Chicheng Rock, Ruquan Spring, Shuixin Pavilion, and Dressing Table. There is also a famous long couplet with 394 Chinese characters that was written in the Qing Dynasty. The surrounding grey-green forest provides refreshing shade while walking in the area.
Shangqinggong Temple
Shangqinggong Temple is one of the most famous Taoist temples. It is near the top of Qingcheng Mountain. A structure was first built during the Jin Dynasty (265-420 AD). The existing temple was completed during the reign of the Tongzhi Emperor (1862-1874 AD) of the Qing Dynasty. The main buildings are the gate, the main temple where Taishanglaojun is enshrined, a side hall, and the Yuhuang (or Jade Emperor) Building. The main temple has an image of Taishanglaojun. Treasured wood boards are carved with the full texts of the Taoist Classic of the Virtue of the Tao and Huangdi Yinfujing. Behind the Shanqinggong temple are steps leading up 100 meters to the top of Qingcheng Mountain where there is a covered observation platform where you can see the sunrise and the clouds. If you are there at night, you can see the celestial lights. The area is beautiful when it rains and when it snows in winter.
How to Get There
Buses go to Qingcheng Mountain every day. It is a journey of 2 hours or so.
Bus No. 101 goes from Dujiangyan to Qingcheng Mountain directly. It is a journey of about 30 minutes.
