Location & Accessibility

Qingcheng Mountain Back Mountain sits in the Dujiangyan City area of Chengdu, about an hour’s drive west from downtown Chengdu. The entrance near Tai’an Ancient Town (address: 112 Yidaojie Street, Dujiangyan) makes it easy to reach. If you’re coming from Chengdu, take a bus or taxi to Tai’an Town first—this charming old street is your starting point for the adventure!

Natural Scenery: A Hiking Dream

Honestly, Qingcheng Mountain Back Mountain feels like a hidden paradise. Unlike the crowded front mountain, the back mountain is all about wild beauty. Imagine walking through forests filled with wildflowers, crossing wooden bridges over gurgling streams, and spotting waterfalls that drop into crystal-clear pools. The Longyin Gorge trail even has a cliffside walkway carved into the rock—it’s thrilling but safe, perfect for photo ops!

In spring and summer, the mountain blooms with rhododendrons and azaleas. Bring your camera because every corner looks like a painting. If you’re lucky, you’ll see mist rolling over the Jinbian Rock cliffs—it’s like stepping into a Chinese watercolor scene.

Cultural Highlights: Temples & Towns

Don’t miss Tai’an Ancient Town at the foot of the mountain. This old-school Chinese town has cobblestone streets, traditional teahouses, and shops selling local snacks. It’s a great place to stock up on maple-syrup cakes or Sichuan pepper treats before your hike.

Up the mountain, the White Cloud Temple (Baiyun Si) offers quiet moments away from crowds. While it’s not as grand as the front mountain’s palaces, its simplicity matches the natural vibe. Keep an eye out for carved stone tablets along the trails—they’re ancient poems celebrating the mountain’s beauty.

Trails & Difficulty: For All Skill Levels

The paths here are mostly stone steps and wooden boardwalks, so no need for hardcore gear. The main route takes about 4–5 hours round-trip, but there are plenty of shaded spots to rest. Some sections get steep, especially near Golden Staff Peak, but the views make it worth it.

Pro tip: Wear comfortable hiking shoes! I saw someone in flip-flops struggling on the wet stones… not fun. And bring waterproof jackets—mist can turn trails slippery.

Food & Facilities: Taste Local Life

After hiking, reward yourself at Tai’an Town’s food stalls. Try Dan Dan Noodles (spicy!), Gao Biseng Rice Noodles (a Sichuan specialty), or grilled river fish. For something sweet, hand-pulled sugar candy is a fun treat.

The area has simple hotels and guesthouses if you want to stay overnight. Prices are reasonable, and some have mountain views. Just book ahead during holidays—it gets busy!

Why You’ll Love It

Qingcheng Mountain Back Mountain is ideal if you hate tourist crowds but love nature. It’s less famous than the front mountain, so you’ll often have trails all to yourself. Plus, the mix of forests, waterfalls, and temples feels like a mini-adventure. Trust me, sitting by a mountain stream with a cup of Sichuan tea after a hike? Pure magic.

Just remember: Go early! Morning light through the trees is unforgettable, and afternoons can get misty. Avoid weekends if you want peace—though even then, it’s never as crazy as Chengdu’s other spots. Happy hiking!