Location & Access

Yuecheng Lake sits nestled in the Qingcheng Mountain Scenic Area, about 15 kilometers west of Dujiangyan City, Sichuan Province. To reach this serene spot, most visitors start from the Qingcheng Mountain entrance (Qianbianmen) and take a short shuttle bus or walk along the winding mountain path. If you’re coming from downtown Dujiangyan, it’s a 30-minute taxi ride to the scenic area’s gateway, followed by a steep but rewarding hike—or you can splurge for a golf cart!

Getting There

No trip to Yuecheng Lake is complete without a boat ride! The lake itself lies halfway up Qingcheng’s Front Mountain, so you’ll either hike through lush forests (about 1 hour) or take a cable car to save energy. Once at the lake, you must take a small wooden ferry to cross its glassy waters. Boats run every few minutes, so no long waits—just hop on, snap photos, and soak in the mist-kissed mountains.

Natural Beauty

Yuecheng Lake is a hidden gem wrapped in greenery. Surrounded by the Yuecheng Mountain and Qinglong Ridge, it feels like a postcard. The lake’s water trickles down from Xiaoxiao Peak’s streams, creating a wetland oasis where reeds sway and dragonflies dance. In spring, cherry blossoms frame the shores; in autumn, maple leaves paint the hills red. Keep an eye out for wildlife—we spotted kingfishers diving for fish and heard monkeys chattering from the treetops!

Cultural Charm

This place isn’t just pretty—it’s steeped in Taoist history. Qingcheng Mountain is a sacred site for Taoism, and Yuecheng Lake sits along the ancient path where monks once meditated. Nearby, the Jiudaoyan Temple (a 10-minute walk from the lake) offers incense-filled halls and cliffside carvings. Even if you’re not into religion, the stone bridges and pavilions by the lake feel straight out of a Chinese painting.

Practical Perks

Don’t worry about getting hungry—there’s a lakeside teahouse serving hot pot and Sichuan snacks. Clean restrooms and benches line the docks, and souvenir shops sell hand-painted fans and tea sets. For thrill-seekers, rent a paddle boat to explore the lily-pad-dotted corners of Yuecheng Lake. Just wear comfy shoes—those temple steps are no joke!

The Experience

Crossing Yuecheng Lake by boat is like stepping into a fairy tale. The water mirrors the mountains, and when the boatman sings a local folk song, it’s pure magic. After disembarking, hike up to Laokou Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the lake shrinking into a shimmering ribbon. End your day with a dip in the hot springs near Qingcheng Mountain’s base—perfect for tired legs!

Pro tip: Visit on a foggy morning. The mist makes Yuecheng Lake look like a scene from Avatar, and you’ll have Instagram gold!