Location & How to Get There

Qingcheng Mountain - Natural Picture is tucked away on the southeastern edge of Qingcheng Mountain, near Dujiangyan City in Sichuan. To reach this hidden gem, first get to Qingcheng Mountain Scenic Area (address: No. 167, Qingcheng Mountain Road). The easiest way is to take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Dujiangyan Station, then a 15-minute taxi ride to the mountain’s entrance. If you’re up for a hike, there’s a winding path from the front gates, but honestly, the steep steps to Natural Picture make it feel like a mini-adventure!

Nature’s Postcard

The moment you step into Qingcheng Mountain - Natural Picture, you’ll feel like you’re inside a traditional Chinese painting. Towering forests wrap around the trails, and the air smells piney and fresh. The path to Natural Picture is lined with moss-covered stones and ancient trees—it’s like walking through a cathedral of nature. Once you reach the top, the view? Worth every sweaty step. Rolling hills, mist-kissed peaks, and sunlight filtering through leaves… it’s pure magic.

A Snapshot of History

Natural Picture isn’t just pretty—it’s got stories too. This ten-sided pavilion dates back to the Qing Dynasty (around 1875–1908), making it over a century old! Built on a hilltop, it looks like something out of a fairy tale. The roof has layers of eaves that curl like dragon wings, and the wooden carvings are mind-blowing. Fun fact: emperors used to send artists here for inspiration—no wonder it feels so extra.

The Challenge: Steep Steps Ahead

Here’s the truth: reaching Qingcheng Mountain - Natural Picture requires climbing a staircase that’ll make your calves scream. We’re talking 300+ steps, some as tall as your knee. But hey, the struggle is part of the fun! Along the way, there are stone railings and little rest spots where you can pretend you’re not out of breath. Just take it slow, and don’t forget to snap pics of the spiraling stairs—they’re almost as famous as the view.

Food & Facilities: Bring Cash (and Snacks)

At the top of Qingcheng Mountain - Natural Picture, you’ll find a handful of food stalls selling noodles, tea, and snacks. Think of it as a mountainside cafe… but with sky-high prices (literally). A bottle of water costs double what it does at the base, so stock up before you climb! There’s also a tiny gift shop, but save your shopping for the bigger areas downhill. Pro tip: Sit at the pavilion’s edge, sip tea, and people-watch—it’s free entertainment.

Why It’s Worth the Hustle

After conquering those steps, standing inside Natural Picture feels like winning a medal. The pavilion offers 360° views of Qingcheng Mountain’s lush valleys, and on clear days, you can see all the way to the river plains. Locals say this spot captures the essence of “harmony between humans and nature”—a big deal in Chinese philosophy. Even if you’re not into history, the photos alone will make your friends jealous.

For the Adventurous

If you’re feeling energized, keep exploring! From Natural Picture, trails lead deeper into Qingcheng Mountain’s network of palaces, cliffs, and waterfalls. The area is packed with Taoist temples (Qingcheng Mountain is one of China’s four sacred Taoist mountains). Just remember: the higher you go, the more stairs (and the fewer snack stands) you’ll encounter.

Final Tips

  • Best time to visit: Spring (flowers!) or autumn (crisp air). Summer is humid, winter is chilly.
  • What to wear: Sneakers, layers, and a hat. Those steps are slippery when wet.
  • Guided tours: Available at the entrance, but the path to Natural Picture is hard to miss.

Qingcheng Mountain - Natural Picture isn’t just a sight—it’s an experience. Whether you’re here for the workout, the history, or the Instagram gold, it’s a slice of old-school China that’ll stick with you. Just don’t say you weren’t warned about the stairs!