Qingcheng Back Mountain, 青城后山, is a good option to consider if you’re more interested in walking and natural scenery than the Front Mountain’s Taoist temples. They are separate areas with different entrances and transport arrangements.

This guide covers planning your visit rather than giving turn-by-turn hiking directions. Check current paths and services locally before choosing a route.

Getting to the right entrance

Save 青城后山, not just 青城山, when looking up your destination. Check how to get from your station or accommodation to the entrance where you’ll start walking.

Look at the current scenic-area map and notices. If you plan to finish somewhere different from your starting point, check how you’ll get back afterwards.

The entrance arch at Tai’an Ancient Town
The entrance arch at Tai’an Ancient Town
Red ribbons and wooden wishes hanging beside a path
Red ribbons and wooden wishes hanging beside a path
Small oranges beside a stone water feature
Small oranges beside a stone water feature

Choosing a walking route

Decide how much walking and climbing you’re comfortable with. Check the terrain as well as the distance: a short route on a map may include uneven paths and plenty of steps.

If you want to use a cableway or local transport, confirm the current hours and last service. Leave enough time to get down and reach your return transport.

A waterfall dropping between moss-covered rocks
A waterfall dropping between moss-covered rocks
A narrow cascade beside a rock face
A narrow cascade beside a rock face
A walking path passing beneath tall gorge walls
A walking path passing beneath tall gorge walls
White water cascading over dark rocks
White water cascading over dark rocks
Clear green water over a rocky riverbed
Clear green water over a rocky riverbed
A wooden walkway following a narrow stream
A wooden walkway following a narrow stream
A small waterfall in dense green woodland
A small waterfall in dense green woodland
Stone steps rising beside a wooded stream
Stone steps rising beside a wooded stream

Weather and trail conditions

Check the forecast and local access notices on the day. Wear shoes suited to steps and damp surfaces, use handrails where needed and stay on open marked paths.

Ask staff if a closure affects your chosen route. If the weather or path conditions don’t suit the walk, shorten it or choose another outing.

Getting back to Chengdu

Save your station or pickup point before starting. If you have a train booked, allow for the full journey from the end of your walk to the platform, including local transport and station checks.

Keep the details offline, bring a backup way to pay and leave room for breaks or slower walking on the way down.

Colourful cable cars above a wooded valley
Colourful cable cars above a wooded valley
Misty green mountain ridges beneath low cloud
Misty green mountain ridges beneath low cloud

Front Mountain or Back Mountain?

Choose Front Mountain for Taoist temples and cultural history. Consider Back Mountain for a day focused on walking and scenery, provided the current conditions suit your plans.

You don’t need to visit both on the same day. Pick the one that interests you most and give yourself time to enjoy it.

Sources and updates

Sources checked on 28 Oct 2026.

Check the latest official information for your travel date before making a booking.

Spotted a mistake? Let me know.