A Stroll Through Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan

Returning from a gathering in Chengdu, feeling a bit tired and thinking of resting for two or three more days, I came here again. I stayed at the same nice hotel I stayed at ten years ago. It has changed a lot, especially the three-dimensional transportation network—subway, high-speed rail, and even a new Tianfu Airport. Flying back to Chengdu from Los Angeles lands you right here. The information and smart technology are incredibly convenient; any question I want to know, I just tap on my phone and get the answer. Let AI introduce it to us. 🌟 Chengdu’s Backyard Garden: The Slow Time of Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan The mist after the rain on Qingcheng Mountain has not yet cleared. Standing by the window of the Howard Johnson Qingcheng Mountain International Hotel, the distant mountains appear faint and mysterious. This hotel, hidden at the foot of Qingcheng Mountain, has become my fixed stop to "recharge" in Chengdu. The high-speed train from Xipu Station takes only half an hour; this "immortal cultivation express" seems to transport people directly from the urban hustle and bustle to a paradise. 🏞️ Dujiangyan: The Story Behind the Hydraulic Miracle Dujiangyan is not just a scenic spot but a living epic of hydraulic engineering. In 256 BC, Li Bing and his son carved through the mountain here, using three major projects—the "Fish Mouth Dividing Water," "Flying Sand Weir," and "Bottle Neck"—to tame the Min River. Standing on the Fish Mouth dividing dike, the rushing river water is precisely divided into the inner and outer rivers, and it has never failed in 2,300 years. It is said that during the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, many buildings around Dujiangyan were damaged, but this ancient hydraulic project remained intact, which is a testament to the wisdom of the ancients. ⛰️ Qingcheng Mountain: The "Fifth Cave Heaven" of Taoism "Qingcheng is the most secluded under heaven," and the mountain scenery here is beautiful all year round. The front mountain is the most essential part; climbing from the foot of the mountain, 90% of the path is shaded by greenery. Looking down from the cable car, the vast forest sea of ginkgo and yellow camphor trees is spectacular. No wonder Master Zhang built the Celestial Master Cave here. I especially love the mountain in the early morning; walking past the red palace walls of Shangqing Palace and hearing the faint chanting from the Taoist temple, even the breath feels crisp and pure. 🏨 About That Familiar Hotel The location of the Howard Johnson Qingcheng Mountain International Hotel is simply perfect—just a 10-minute walk to the Qingcheng Mountain scenic area and 15 minutes to the high-speed rail station. I especially like the hot springs here; more than thirty pools are hidden among pavilions and towers. Gazing at the misty distant mountains while sipping a local specialty, Chuanxiong tea, all fatigue disappears. The large floor-to-ceiling windows in the hotel rooms face the mountain view, and you can occasionally see squirrels jumping on the pine branches outside the balcony. It used to take some effort to get to Qingcheng Mountain, but now the high-speed rail network from Chengdu East Station is extensive. Standing in front of the Celestial Master Cave overlooking the city, I suddenly thought that 2,300 years ago, Li Bing built Dujiangyan to irrigate the land, and now these two world heritage sites have become the best places for city dwellers to "escape."