On Qingcheng Back Mountain, Every Step Is a View

If the front of Qingcheng Mountain is steeped in Taoist mystery, then the back of Qingcheng Mountain reveals the true charm of the landscape: steep trails, hidden waterfalls, and tranquility surrounded by towering trees. If you're looking for a quiet, beautiful, and professional hiking route near Chengdu, a trip to the back of Qingcheng Mountain is the perfect choice.

The starting point of the back mountain of Qingcheng

As the gateway to the back of Qingcheng Mountain, Tai'an Ancient Town provides a welcoming environment for travelers from all directions! Nestled at the foot of the mountain, this ancient and rustic town retains its stone-paved roads and wooden buildings virtually unchanged over the years.

Tai'an is worth slowing down for. Before setting off, consider buying a bowl of noodles or a bottle of water. Take some time to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the hike ahead—a comforting and ancient start.

From the town center, follow the signs to Wulonggou. The trailhead is easy to find. You'll hear the babbling water even before you see it.

The Source of Water, the Beginning of the Hike - Wulonggou

From the start, you'll follow a rushing stream. The water is clear and icy cold, forming small waterfalls every few minutes. In summer, dense forests block out most of the sunlight. In autumn, the leaves turn golden and fiery red, and the light softens.

The trail here consists of many stone steps. Initially, the slope is gentle, gradually becoming steeper as you venture deeper into the ravine. You'll cross small bridges and pass beneath dripping rock walls. Every turn on the trail reveals new scenery, with the stream cascading over moss-covered rocks.

This route takes approximately one and a half to two hours, depending on the number of breaks you take. But don't rush; the beautiful scenery will relax your mind and body, and listening to the babbling water is part of the experience.

A village in the mist - YouYi Village

After leaving Wulonggou, you'll arrive at a small village nestled against the mountainside. This is a natural rest stop. Teahouses and snack shops, all run by locals, are scattered throughout. You can sit on a wooden bench, sip some green tea, and rest before the second half of the hike.

On a clear day, you can overlook the valley; on a misty day, the clouds swirl around you, making you feel as if you're walking through the forest. You can also sit against the mountainside and listen to the sounds of nature, such as birdsong and waterfalls.

From Another Village, you can choose to continue uphill to Baiyun Temple, or take the cable car if you get tired. But surely, another beautiful view awaits you beyond the mist!

The reflection of the mountains and lakes is a beautiful picture

Baiyun Temple sits high in the mountains, an ancient temple complex with stone carvings and the rustling of leaves. From Baiyun Temple, you can look back. The view is expansive, with layers of mountains stretching into the distance. It's a great spot for photos, but even more suitable for pausing to quietly appreciate the scenery and calm your mind. However, you'll need considerable perseverance to reach it, as some sections of the path have narrower steps that will make your thighs ache.

After leaving Baiyun Temple, the trail extends down to Cuiying Lake. This isn't a lake in the traditional sense. It's a long, narrow body of water nestled quietly between two steep slopes, lush and shimmering.

Simple and unpretentious, it is precisely this raw natural beauty that makes the mountain hike more of an adventure than a typical tourist attraction.

By the end of the day, your legs will be tired and your shoes will be dirty. You‘ll have sweat through your shirt, and you might have slipped on a wet step or two.

But you‘ll also have walked through one of the most beautiful mountain trails in Sichuan — quietly, without rushing, at your own pace.

One trail at a time, MistPanda will help you find your way to the misty mountain