Qingcheng Shan: Front Mountain
Travel Guide to the Kung Fu Panda Mountain
Nested in the lush landscapes of Sichuan province, Mount Qingcheng Front Mountain (Qingchengshan front entrance) stands as one of the most sacred Taoist mountains in China.
The mountain is not only a testament to ancient Chinese philosophy but has also captured the imaginations of modern audiences as it inspired the mythical Panda Village in the beloved Pixar movie, Kung Fu Panda.
Despite the allure of encountering wild pandas in their natural habitat, the dense trails and the popularity of the mountain can make such sightings challenging.
Nevertheless, the cultural richness, stunning landscapes, and subtle charm of Mount Qingcheng make it an enchanting destination. Its serene trails wind through ancient temples, hidden caves, and dense forests, providing a surreal backdrop that seemingly transports visitors into the animated world of Po.
Table of Contents
What to see
1. Climbing Up the Hill
After passing through the majestic Arch of Mt. Qingcheng, the journey begins with a captivating ascent through misty the forest leading to the Yuecheng Lake (see map below). We crossed this enchanting little lake on a beautiful traditional boat. On the other margin, one can find a convenient cable car station, offering a direct route to the summit of the mountain. The terrain here is not overly steep, and while there are fewer temples in this area, the natural beauty that surrounds us led us to explore this idyllic landscape on foot.
2. Main Temples at the Top of the Mountain
Upon reaching the upper cable car station, we step into one of the most captivating regions of the mountain. Here, dozens of pavilions and temples adorn the mountain. The aromatic smoke from incense burners blends with the fragrance emanating from the array of food stalls scattered around. Amidst this vibrant ambiance, the Shangqing Palace stands as a magnificent testament to the mountain's rich history and spirituality.
3. The summit
Beyond the Donghua Hall lies the summit of Mount Qingcheng, marked by a majestic 7-floor pagoda that crowns this 1260-meter-high mountain. From here, the ever-shifting clouds and misty forest below create a spellbinding panorama. The number of wishes, in the form of small red fabric offerings, undulating at the breeze are a testament to the spiritual significance of this elevated sanctuary to the Chinese people.
4. Descent Among the Temples
To descend Mount Qingcheng, opt for the less-traveled left side of the trail, a unique and enchanting experience unfolds. While most pilgrims ascend from this direction, descending on the left side makes this trail far less demanding.
The trail winds through a landscape adorned with ancient temples, serene caves, and picturesque resting spots, adding a sense of tranquility to your journey. Noteworthy landmarks along this path include the awe-inspiring Chaoyang Cave, the serene Zunshi Temple, and the mystical Tianshi Celestial Cave.
Where to stay in Qingcheng Shan
If like us, you wanna stay in a calm idyllic location near the Mountain we recommend staying at the Qingcheng Shan village. Staying at Qingsheng Shan allows you to enjoy this incredible location for longer without the worries of catching the next train and visiting other nearby attractions such as the Qingsheng Shan Front Mountain or the Dujiangyan Irrigation System.
The village offers many delicious traditional restaurants with super fresh locally grown foods that guarantee a great culinary experience when visiting Qingsheng Shan. Moreover, there are super high-quality hotels for every budget, many of them offering relaxing thermal pools for you to recover after a long day of hiking.
Some suggestions for hotels in the Qingcheng Shan area are highlighted below and can be easily booked in advance through our partner Trip.com.
How to get to Qingcheng Shan Front Mountain
The best way to get to Qingcheng Shan is to get a speed train from Xipu Station in Chengdu. It will take you to Qingcheng Shan in approximately 30 minutes and cost 10RMB. This proximity makes Chengdu also a convenient base to explore Mt. Qingcheng if you prefer a city stay.
Once in Qingcheng Shan, you can conveniently book a taxi with the Didi app, which can be found on WeChat. The taxi will take you all the way to the Arch of Mt. Qingcheng due to road closures. You'll need to stroll along a charming avenue leading to the arch or, alternatively, conserve some energy and take the sightseeing bus.
If you would like to get a worry-free journey you can book one of the many organized tours offered by Viator:
Best time to visit Qingcheng Shan
Spring (March to May): During spring, the mountain comes alive with vibrant colors as flowers bloom, creating a picturesque landscape. The weather is generally mild, making it comfortable for hiking and exploring the scenic trails.
Autumn (September to November): Similar to spring, autumn offers mild temperatures, making it suitable for outdoor activities. The fall foliage paints the mountain in hues of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Compared to the peak summer months, autumn tends to be less crowded, allowing for a more tranquil experience.
Summer (June to August): The summer months can be hot and humid, which may make hiking less comfortable. However, it offers the mildest Summer temperatures in the Sichuan province which makes it quite popular during the summer vacation period, leading to larger crowds and longer wait times at popular attractions.
Winter (December to February): Winter brings colder temperatures, and some areas of the mountain may experience snowfall. If you don't mind the cold, winter can be a quieter time to visit with fewer tourists.
Current Weather nearby Qingcheng Shan (Tiangpeng)
Travel tips
To hike the Front Mountain it takes roughly one day.
Keep the map with you at all times so as not to overlook any of the scenic areas.
The entry ticket to the scenic area is 90 RMB.
The cable car costs 35RMB one-way or 60RMB round-trip.
The boat to cross Yuecheng Lake costs 10RMB.
There are plenty of cheap food stalls that offer delicious fresh food scatters all over the scenic area. Among the many options you will find are fresh cucumbers, pork ribs, sausages, meat-filled pancakes, various fruits, etc.
To book hotels and even trains in China from a foreign country, Trip.com is your best bet. It has a wide range of options and is much more affordable than a traditional travel agency.
When traveling to a completely different country like China, we recommend you to get a Travel Insurance like Insubuy or VisitorsCoverage to get you covered.
Providing data during a trip is always crucial, but it can sometimes be a real headache. That's why we're offering two options: airalo is a eSIM (card-free) option that's incredibly convenient, allowing you to top up if you need more (a recommended and proven option in China, capable of bypassing the Chinese firewall), and DrimSim for universal physical SIM cards.
To find the best travel flight deals, comparing prices across different airlines and providers, and booking your ticket at the lowest price, we highly recommend using our Flight Price Comparator.
We also recommend using our Travelook app as your China trip planner. In the app, you'll discover this and many other trips and destinations in China shared by travelers from around the globe. Our app uses the power of AI to help you optimize your time and maximize your travel experience in China.
10 best travel tours in china
China, with its vast size, boasts some of the world's most breathtaking natural landscapes and awe-inspiring man-made wonders. While traveling in China is becoming more accessible for foreigners, challenges like the closed payment system and the need for a Chinese mobile number can make the experience daunting for international tourists.
To make exploring China easier and less stressful, we've curated a list of the top 10 best tours in China. These tours provide to different interests and preferences, offering options ranging from all-inclusive packages with private transfers, guides, and dining experiences, ensuring you can select the one that best suits your needs.
Nearby attractions
Travelook App
For additional itineraries on China and beyond download the Travelook app!
Use Travelook functionalities to prepare your next trip:
- Get AI generated recommendations
- Use Maps to discover places to visit, restaurants, cafes, things to do and much more!
- Book flights, tours and attractions tickets in one place
- Invite your friends to collaborate on your travel plan
- Follow other travel entusiasts for ideias and tips
Don’t forget to follows us!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue to provide valuable content and recommendations for our readers. Thank you for your support!
