The Ultimate Guide to Dujiangyan and Mount Qingcheng

If you're on a business trip to Chengdu and have a free day, but don't want to explore the city center, consider a day trip to Dujiangyan and Mount Qingcheng. Most online guides suggest a full day for this trip, but I split it into two half-days. On the first afternoon, I took a 70-minute taxi ride from Chengdu to Dujiangyan and stayed overnight at Mount Qingcheng. On the second day, I hiked up Mount Qingcheng in the morning and took a taxi back to Chengdu in the afternoon for my return journey. I. Itinerary 1. One-Day Trip: Morning: Visit the Dujiangyan Irrigation System and marvel at this ancient engineering feat. Afternoon: Head to the Front Mountain of Mount Qingcheng to experience Taoist culture and natural beauty. Evening: Return to Dujiangyan city center and savor the local cuisine. 2. Two-Day Trip: Day 1: Morning: Visit the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. Afternoon: Travel to the Front Mountain of Mount Qingcheng and stay overnight in Qingchengshan Town. Day 2: Morning: Explore the Back Mountain of Mount Qingcheng and admire the natural scenery. Afternoon: Return to Chengdu. II. Recommended Attractions 1. Dujiangyan Irrigation System Yuzui: The core of the irrigation system, dividing the Minjiang River into inner and outer streams. Feishayan: A crucial flood diversion and sediment discharge facility. Baopingkou: The key to controlling the inflow of water into the inner stream. Erwang Temple: A temple commemorating Li Bing and his son. 2. Mount Qingcheng Front Mountain Jianfu Palace: One of the main Taoist temples on Mount Qingcheng. Tianshi Cave: Where Zhang Daoling cultivated himself, one of the birthplaces of Taoism. Shangqing Palace: The highest Taoist temple on Mount Qingcheng, offering panoramic views. 3. Mount Qingcheng Back Mountain Tai'an Ancient Town: Experience the charm of the ancient town and sample local delicacies. Wulonggou: Known for its waterfalls and streams. Longyinxia: Famous for its precipitous plank roads and canyons. III. Transportation Guide Chengdu to Dujiangyan: High-speed Rail: Approx. 30 mins from Chengdu East Railway Station or Xipu Station. Bus: Approx. 1 hr from Chadianzi Bus Station or Xinnanmen Bus Station. Dujiangyan to Mount Qingcheng: Bus: Approx. 30 mins on Bus No. 101 from the entrance of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. Taxi: Approx. 20 mins. IV. Food Recommendations Dujiangyan: Yu Rabbit Head: Spicy, savory, and fragrant. Zhao Mai Mian: Sweet noodles and dumplings in chili oil. Xin Fan Beef Bean Curd: Tender bean curd with rich beef flavor. Mount Qingcheng: Qingcheng Four Wonders: White Fruit Stewed Chicken, Qingcheng Pickles, Dongtian Rice Wine, and Qingcheng Tea. Smoked Bacon: A local specialty, fatty but not greasy. V. Accommodation Recommendations Dujiangyan: Luxury: Howard Johnson Resort Chengdu, Qingchengshan; Yuleshanju Hotel. Comfort: Holiday Inn Express Dujiangyan City Center; Holiday Inn Express Dujiangyan Ancient City. Mount Qingcheng: Luxury: Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain; Howard Johnson Resort Chengdu, Qingchengshan. Comfort: Mount Qingcheng Xinyue Hot Spring Resort; Mount Qingcheng Grand Hotel. VI. Travel Tips The best time to visit is during spring and autumn. Mount Qingcheng is prone to rain, so bring an umbrella. There is a large temperature difference in the mountains, so dress warmly. There are many tourists during holidays, so it is recommended to travel during off-peak seasons. VII. Cost Reference Tickets: Dujiangyan Irrigation System: CNY 80/person Mount Qingcheng Front Mountain: CNY 90/person Mount Qingcheng Back Mountain: CNY 20/person Transportation: High-speed rail from Chengdu to Dujiangyan: CNY 15/person Bus from Dujiangyan to Mount Qingcheng: CNY 2/person Accommodation: Budget hotels: CNY 200-300/night Comfort hotels: CNY 400-600/night Luxury hotels: CNY 800+/night Food and Beverage: CNY 50-100/person per day VIII. Maps Dujiangyan Scenic Area Map Mount Qingcheng Scenic Area Map IX. Other Guide services are available in the scenic area. It is recommended to book in advance. Pay attention to safety and keep your belongings safe. Have a pleasant trip‼️