As a weekend getaway near Chengdu—with frequent views of snow-capped mountains—Dujiangyan and Mount Qingcheng rarely disappoint. The mix of nature and cultural heritage unfolds like a painted scroll.

Overview of Dujiangyan and Mount Qingcheng

The scenery is picturesque and full of historic depth: Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Scenic Area are major cultural landmarks.
There’s also plenty of family-friendly fun: Panda Valley and Dujiangyan Rongchuang Amusement Park work well for both adults and kids.
And you’ll find everyday warmth in the old towns: Guanxian Ancient Town and Jiezi Ancient Town are great for local food, especially during festivals when the streets feel extra lively.

1. How to Get from Chengdu to Dujiangyan

Self-driving

Driving west via the Chengguan Expressway usually takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

The Dujiangyan Scenic Area sits next to the ancient town area, and there are multiple parking lots available.
These include Scenic Area lots P1, P2, and P4; Baiguo Lane Parking Lot; Guanxian Ancient Town Parking Lot; Daojie Dujiangyan and Erwang Temple Parking Lots; and emergency overflow lots near the water plant and Chengkan Institute. Follow on-site staff directions when parking.

Scenic Area Direct Bus

Chengdu’s Wuhou Shrine Visitor Center and Kuanzhai Alley often offer direct shuttle services to Dujiangyan and Mount Qingcheng, similar to one-day tour packages that bundle transport, tickets, and commentary.

Intercity train

The Chengdu–Guanxian intercity line includes the Lidui Park branch in Dujiangyan (often called the Chengdu suburban railway). From downtown Chengdu, it takes roughly half an hour to reach Lidui Park Station, which is the closest stop to the Dujiangyan Scenic Area. Departures are frequent and convenient.

Detailed route: From Xipu Station (connected to Chengdu Metro Line 2), take the intercity train to Lidui Park. The ride is about 25 minutes and typically costs around 10 yuan. After exiting, it’s about a 15-minute walk, or you can take Bus No. 4 (around 2 yuan) or a taxi (around 20 yuan) to the scenic area.

Coach

You can also take a direct coach from Chengdu’s Chadianzi Bus Station. Departures are typically available from about 7:30 to 19:00, and the ride takes around 45 minutes.

2. How to Get from Chengdu to Mount Qingcheng

Self-driving

Mount Qingcheng is within Chengdu’s jurisdiction. From central Chengdu (using Kuanzhai Alley as a reference), it’s about 65 km by car and typically takes around 1 hour 15 minutes. The usual route uses the Chengdu–Guanxian Expressway, with tolls around 15 yuan. A ride-hailing car is often around 150 yuan.

There are three main parking lots for Qingcheng Front Mountain: Dao Hot Spring Parking Lot, Qingyou Street Temporary Parking Lot, and the Mount Qingcheng Comprehensive Parking Lot.

There are four parking lots near Qingcheng Back Mountain, and they are relatively close to each other: Scenic Area Parking Lot A, Scenic Area Parking Lot B, Back Mountain Visitor Center Parking Lot, and the temporary lot in Taian Ancient Town.

For a short holiday trip from Chengdu to Qingcheng Mountain, it is recommended to take the following routes to avoid heavy traffic:

⑴ Exit the Chengdu-Guanxian Expressway (Rongchang Expressway) at the Chongyi or Juyuan toll station, then proceed to Qingcheng Mountain via the Juqing Line and Pengqing Line. Alternatively, you can reach Qingcheng Mountain via the Chengqing Expressway.

⑵ Take the Chengdu-Guanxian Expressway (Rongchang Expressway) to the Dujiangyan West exit on the Dujiangyan-Wenchuan Expressway, then follow the Ring Mountain Tourist Road to Qingcheng Mountain.

⑶ Exit the Chengdu-Guanxian Expressway (Rongchang Expressway) at the Dujiangyan toll station, then take Yong'an Avenue — Tianfu Avenue (or Guanwen Road) — Juqing Line (or Pengqing Line) towards Qingcheng Mountain, Chongzhou, and Wenjiang.

Subway transfer

Xipu Station (connected to Chengdu Metro Lines 2 and 6) is the easiest transfer point. From here, the intercity train to Qingchengshan Station takes about 30 minutes and typically costs around 10 yuan. Schedules and frequency can change, so check the latest timetable before you go.

After exiting Qingchengshan Station, you can take a taxi to the Back Mountain ticket office, or transfer to Dujiangyan Bus 101/101A from the “Qingchengshan High-speed Rail” stop and get off at “Qingchengshan Scenic Area” (around 2 yuan).

Coach bus

Chengdu East Railway Station Bus Station (connected to Metro Lines 2 and 7) offers coaches to Qingcheng Mountain. The journey is usually about 1.5 hours, and fares are often around 45 yuan (subject to change). You can search for “Tianfu Travel” on WeChat to purchase tickets.

3. How to Get from Dujiangyan to Mount Qingcheng

Self-driving: Navigate to Qingcheng Mountain.

Public Transportation:
1. Starting from Dujiangyan Scenic Area's Lidui Park Station: Take Dujiangyan City Bus No. 101, fare is 2 yuan, travel time is 1 hour.
2. Starting from Qingcheng Mountain Station: There is a shuttle bus directly to the Back Mountain Scenic Area of Qingcheng Mountain. A 500-meter walk from the station leads to the ticket office for the Qingcheng Back Mountain Visitor Center, round-trip fare is 30 yuan, and the bus departs when full; bus schedules are flexible based on train and scenic area operating hours; a taxi ride is about 17 km, costing 30 yuan, and is recommended for groups to save time.
3. Starting from Dujiangyan Bus Terminal: There is a direct tourist bus to the Qingcheng Back Mountain Visitor Center, taking about 40 minutes, fare is 20 yuan.

4. How to Get from Qingcheng Front Mountain to Back Mountain

By Bus: After exiting the station, transfer to a minibus at the high-speed rail station. The round-trip ticket costs 25 yuan, and the bus departs only when full, with no fixed schedule. The journey from Qingchengshan Railway Station to the ticket office at the back mountain of Qingchengshan takes about 40 minutes.

By Car: Take the Ring Mountain Road → Qingchengshan Road → Back Mountain of Qingchengshan.

The mountain road is rugged, please drive slowly and carefully~

5. Qingcheng Mountain Easy Mode: Boat + Cable Car + Sightseeing Bus

Mount Qingcheng offers sightseeing buses, boats, and cable cars, which can make the visit much easier.

From the parking lot / bus station to the mountain gate: The sightseeing bus saves you a 1.7 km walk. Fare is about 10 yuan, paid on site.
At Yuecheng Lake, there’s a lakeside boardwalk. If you’d rather not walk, you can take a short boat ride. Fare is about 5 yuan.

The cable car covers a large portion of the climb (you’ll still need to walk the final stretch). It runs from the far side of Yuecheng Lake to a point roughly 30 minutes from the summit. Fares are commonly around 35 yuan one way and 60 yuan round trip. A practical strategy is to ride up and walk down for better views.

6. Recommended Itinerary Routes

You can do Dujiangyan and Mount Qingcheng as a relaxing weekend, or extend to a few days and cover more nearby sights.

Spend a Relaxing Weekend at Qingcheng Mountain

DAY1 If you want a slower pace, sleep in, then drive from Chengdu to Mount Qingcheng (Front Mountain) to see the main historic sites. In the evening, head to Taian Ancient Town for local food and old-town atmosphere. Stay overnight nearby.

DAY2 Enjoy a quiet morning in Taian Ancient Town, then explore Mount Qingcheng (Back Mountain) and return to Chengdu.

Recommended Itinerary for Exploring the Surroundings of Mount Qingcheng

If you have three days, you can comfortably combine Dujiangyan and Mount Qingcheng with a few extra stops.

DAY1 Chengdu — Dujiangyan Scenic Area — Front Mountain of Mount Qingcheng
DAY2 Front Mountain of Mount Qingcheng — Back Mountain of Mount Qingcheng — Taian Ancient Town
DAY3 Taian Ancient Town — Panda Valley — Chengdu

For accommodation, you can choose to stay in areas such as the Front Mountain of Mount Qingcheng, Back Mountain of Mount Qingcheng/Taian Ancient Town, or Shaping Village. For accommodation recommendations, check out: 《With So Many Homestays in Mount Qingcheng, How Should You Choose?》