Qingcheng Mountain Worth It? Front vs Back Mountain Guide for Foreign Travelers in China
- Hansong Li
- Oct 18
- 4 min read
You’re planning a trip to Chengdu.You’ve heard about Dujiangyan (Dūjiāngyàn, 都江堰)—the 2,000-year-old irrigation system.And right next door is Qingcheng Mountain (Qīngchéng Shān, 青城山).
But here’s the real question:Is Qingcheng Mountain worth visiting?
And if yes—should you go to Front Mountain or Back Mountain?
A French traveler asked me last spring:“I only have one day. Should I skip Qingcheng and stay in Chengdu?”
I get it.
Time is short.
You don’t want to waste a full day on a “meh” hike.
Good news: Qingcheng Mountain is absolutely worth it—if you pick the right side.
This guide breaks down exactly what each mountain offers, based on 8 years of helping foreigners and 10 years living in Chengdu.
No fluff. Just real advice.
（Qingcheng Mountain Front vs Back for foreign tourists in China）
Qingcheng Mountain Worth It? Front vs Back Mountain Guide for Foreign Travelers in China
Front Mountain: Temples, Tourists, and Taoist History
Front Mountain (Qiánshān, 前山) is the classic postcard version of Qingcheng.It’s home to Tian Shi Dong (Celestial Master Cave, Tiānshī Dòng, 天师洞) and Shangqing Palace (Shàngqīng Gōng, 上清宫)—key sites in Taoism.
But it’s crowded.
On weekends, over 10,000 visitors climb the same stone steps.
The path has 365 steep stairs just to reach the first temple.
A UK couple tried it in July.They turned back after 45 minutes.“Too many people. Felt like a theme park with incense.”
Best for: history lovers, temple photography, and those who want a structured cultural experience.
Not for: hikers seeking peace or nature immersion.
Pro tip: Go on a weekday before 9 AM.
Entry fee is ¥80.
Wear grippy shoes—the stairs are slick from rain and foot traffic.
Back Mountain: Wild Streams, Quiet Trails, and Local Secrets
Back Mountain (Hòushān, 后山) is where locals go.Fewer tourists. More trees. Crystal-clear streams.The trail follows the Yuxi River (Yùxī Hé, 玉溪河)—you’ll hear water the whole way.
Total hike: 6–8 km round trip.
Elevation gain: only 300 meters—gentle compared to Front Mountain.
Entry fee: just ¥20.
A Brazilian backpacker spent a full day here.He said: “I saw one other foreigner. The rest were Chengdu families having picnics by the water. Perfect.”
Best for: nature lovers, light hikers, photographers, and anyone wanting quiet beauty.
Avoid if: you need temples or can’t walk on uneven paths.
Warning: Don’t go on rainy days.
The rocks near Flying Dragon Waterfall (Fēilóng Pùbù, 飞龙瀑布) get very slippery.
So… Which One Should YOU Choose?
Ask yourself:
Do you love history and architecture? → Front Mountain
Do you prefer nature and solitude? → Back Mountain
But here’s a local secret:Visit Dujiangyan in the morning, then Back Mountain in the afternoon.
They’re only 15 minutes apart by taxi.
Sample Half-Day Plan
9:00 AM: Dujiangyan Irrigation System (entry ¥80)
12:00 PM: Lunch in Guanxian Ancient Town (Guānxiàn Gǔzhèn, 灌县古镇)—try spicy skewers
1:30 PM: Taxi to Back Mountain entrance (¥25)
2:00–5:00 PM: Hike to Cuiying Lake (Cuìyǐng Hú, 翠映湖) and back
6:00 PM: Return to Chengdu by high-speed train (Dujiangyan Station → Chengdu, 30 mins, ¥10)
Skip the Combo Ticket Trap
Some travel sites sell a “Dujiangyan + Qingcheng Front Mountain” combo ticket for ¥180.
Don’t buy it unless you really want Front Mountain.Most foreigners regret it.
Back Mountain has no combo ticket—and that’s a good thing.It keeps the crowds away.
A Canadian friend said: “Hiked Back Mountain all day, then had a craft beer in Yulin Road. Best balance.”
That’s the Chengdu way: nature by day, culture by night.
Final Verdict: Is Qingcheng Mountain Worth It?
Yes—but only if you pick the right side.
Front Mountain: Worth it only if you care deeply about Taoist temples.
Back Mountain: Highly recommended for 90% of foreign travelers.
And remember: you don’t need a full day.
Half a day is enough—especially if you pair it with Dujiangyan.
Backed by Real Local Experience
I’ve hiked both sides many times.
I’ve sent hundreds of travelers to Qingcheng.
I know what works—and what wastes your time.
This isn’t theory.
It’s tested, real-world advice from someone who lives here.
Real Traveler Feedback
“We skipped Front Mountain after reading this. Did Back Mountain instead. So peaceful—like stepping into a Chinese painting.”— Lena, Germany
“Loved the icy streams! My kids played by the water while I drank tea at a trailside stall. Perfect family day.”— James, Australia
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Don’t guess.
Go with confidence—and come back with stories, not regrets.
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