Location & Accessibility

Qingcheng Waishan (Qingcheng Outer Mountain) sits in Taoyuan Village, Daguan Town, Dujiangyan City, about 40 minutes by car from downtown Chengdu. Unlike the crowded Qingcheng Shan (Inner Mountain), Waishan feels like a hidden gem—quiet, green, and perfect for escapers who want to skip the tourist crowds. To get here, you can take a bus from Chengdu’s Chadianzi Station to Dujiangyan (~1 hour), then transfer to a local minivan heading to Daguan Town. From there, it’s a 15-minute taxi ride to the mountain’s entrance. If you drive, plug the address into your GPS: “Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Dujiangyan City, Daguan Town, Taoyuan Village, Group 8”—easy!

Nature’s Playground

Qingcheng Waishan isn’t just a mountain—it’s a nature lover’s paradise. The area is wrapped in thick forests, with trails winding through towering trees that feel like they’re straight out of a fairy tale. In spring, wildflowers blanket the slopes, while summer brings cool streams and waterfalls. I once stumbled upon a tiny lake called Cui Ying Lake (locals call it “Emerald Mirror”) that reflect the mountains like a painting. For hikers, the Baiyun Trail (named after the cloud-filled peak) offers a moderate 2-hour climb. At the top, you’ll spot temple rooftops peeking through the mist—talk about magic!

Culture & History

Don’t miss the White Cloud Temple (Baiyun Si) on Waishan’s south side. This 800-year-old Taoist temple is the real deal—no tourist traps, just incense smoke swirling through ancient halls. Legend says a Taoist hermit meditated here and tamed a wild tiger, which later became a symbol of the area. Even if you’re not into religion, the temple’s wooden carvings and mountain views are worth a visit. Nearby, local farmers grow tea on terraced hills—try picking leaves or sipping freshly brewed Qingcheng tea at a roadside stall. It’s China’s countryside at its most authentic!

Practical Tips

Waishan’s facilities are simple but solid. There’s a small visitor center at the entrance with maps and water, plus a handful of local restaurants serving Sichuan classics like dan dan noodles and mountain mushroom hotpot. Stay overnight at a farmhouse lodge (they rent rooms for ~￥100/night) to wake up with birdsong. Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes—the trails are rocky, and rain turns them muddy. Also, bring cash—some places don’t take cards.

Day-Trip Itinerary

Start early! Arrive by 9 AM to beat the heat. Hike the Lung Leaf Trail (named for its maple-leaf views in fall) to a lookout point. At noon, grab lunch at Mountain Dew Café, which has outdoor tables overlooking the valley. Afternoons are perfect for visiting the temple or renting a bike to explore nearby villages. By late afternoon, head to Sunset Rock for photos. If you’re lucky, the sky turns pink just as monks chant evening prayers—it’s like a scene from a movie!

Waishan isn’t about ticking off sights—it’s about breathing fresh air, listening to cicadas, and feeling small next to those giant, silent mountains. Come here to unplug, not to rush. Trust me, after a day at Qingcheng Waishan, you’ll leave with dirt on your shoes and peace in your heart.