Mount Qingcheng A Birthplace of Taoism in China
Mount Qingcheng: A Sacred Taoist Site and World Heritage🏔️
Mount Qingcheng, a globally recognized Taoist holy site of the Quanzhen School, is both a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage and Natural Heritage site (part of the Sichuan Giant Panda Habitat). It is one of China’s four sacred Taoist mountains, a national key cultural relic protection unit, a national scenic area, and a 5A-rated tourist destination. The Taoist fasting and wellness retreat is situated at Yuanming Palace on Mount Qingcheng, where the tradition of health preservation thrives.
Located southwest of Dujiangyan City and 68 km from Chengdu, Mount Qingcheng sits just 10 km southwest of the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project. Its main peak, Laojunge, reaches 1,260 meters in elevation. Known for its dense, evergreen forests and tranquil beauty, Mount Qingcheng is praised as “The Most Secluded Place Under Heaven.” The mountain has a rich history as one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China and is the fifth of the ten sacred Taoist caves. Its ancient architecture, historical relics, and literary contributions from famous poets and scholars throughout history further enhance its cultural significance.
The central Taoist temple is Tianshi Cave, surrounded by other important sites such as Jianfu Palace, Shangqing Palace, and the Taoist fasting and wellness retreat at Yuanming Palace. Throughout the centuries, Mount Qingcheng has been a destination for scholars, poets, and those seeking spiritual cultivation. Referred to as “The Land of Bliss” and “The City of Immortals,” it was once called Wenshan, Tiangu Mountain, and Chicheng Mountain. It is also honored as “The Fifth Famous Mountain Under Heaven.”
*Gate of the Mountain
*Here you never feel the summer
Location and Geography
Mount Qingcheng is located southwest of Dujiangyan City in Sichuan Province, in the northwest part of the Chengdu Plain. It is 68 km from Chengdu and 16 km from the center of Dujiangyan. The mountain is covered with lush green forests that remain verdant year-round. Its peaks surround the area like a natural fortress, earning it the name “Qingcheng,” meaning “Green City.” The mountain is famous for its winding paths and tranquil scenery, celebrated since ancient times for its peacefulness. Along with Jianmen’s danger, Emei’s elegance, and Kui Gate’s grandeur, Mount Qingcheng’s beauty is well-known.
Topography and Landforms
Formerly called Zhangren Mountain, Mount Qingcheng is a branch of the Qionglai Mountain range. It faces the western Sichuan plain and backs the Min River snowy peaks. Its main peak, Laoxiaoding, stands at 1,260 meters above sea level (according to 2007 measurements). The scenic area spans 200 square kilometers, overlooking the Chengdu Plain and supported by the mighty Min River. Ancient texts describe the mountain as having “thirty-six peaks,” “eight caves,” “seventy-two small caves,” and “one hundred and eight scenic spots,” with its 36 peaks encircling the area like a city.
*Top of the mountain
*Yuecheng Lake
Climate
The Mount Qingcheng scenic area lies in the northern part of the renowned “Western Sichuan Rain Screen Belt” on the edge of the Sichuan Basin, at approximately 30°54’N and 103°35’E. The region has a mild, humid climate typical of subtropical zones. The average annual temperature is 15.2°C, with the hottest month reaching up to 34.2°C and the coldest dipping to -7.1°C. The area receives about 1,225.1 mm of precipitation yearly, with an average humidity of 81% and a frost-free period of 271 days. The geological features include red rock valleys and steep cliffs, while the primary soil type is mountain yellow earth.
A Haven for Wellness
Mount Qingcheng is one of the cradles of Taoism and a famed Taoist mountain. Scenic spots like Jianfu Palace, the Natural Picture, Tianshi Cave, and Shangqing Palace line the mountain’s pathways. The Taoist fasting and wellness retreat, located at Yuanming Palace, attracts visitors year-round who practice Taoist health preservation techniques. This has earned the palace the reputation of a sanctuary for wellness.
Origins of the Name
The mountain was once called Tiancang Mountain. In 730 AD, during the Tang Dynasty, it was renamed Qingcheng. According to legend, the Yellow Emperor toured the Five Sacred Mountains and titled Mount Qingcheng as the “Five Sacred Mountains Elder,” hence its other name, Zhangren Mountain. The name “Qingcheng” itself has two possible origins. One theory is that the lush green trees surrounding the mountain give it the appearance of a fortress, hence “Green City” or Qingcheng. Another suggests that it was originally named “Qingcheng” (meaning “Clear City”), referencing ancient mythology in which “Qingdu, Ziwei, and Heaven’s Emperor reside.” However, during the Tang Dynasty, a land dispute between Taoists and Buddhists reached the emperor, who ruled in favor of the Taoists. In the imperial edict, the name was mistakenly written as “Qingcheng” instead of “Qingcheng,” and it has been called Qingcheng ever since. This explanation is not just folklore; a Tang Dynasty stele still bears the full text of the imperial edict.
Natural Resources
The Mount Qingcheng Scenic Area is home to subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests, evergreen-deciduous mixed forests, and warm-temperate coniferous forests. According to local botanical records, there are approximately 346 plant species on Mount Qingcheng, including 51 species of ferns from 26 genera and 16 families, and 295 seed plant species from 192 genera and 90 families. This includes seven species of gymnosperms, five families of vascular plants, 252 species of dicotyledons, and 36 species of monocotyledons. The flora of Mount Qingcheng reflects a distinct transition from subtropical to temperate species.
Honors and Recognition
As one of China’s first scenic areas announced in 1982, Mount Qingcheng, together with Dujiangyan, became part of the first group of national scenic areas. On May 8, 2007, the Mount Qingcheng-Dujiangyan Scenic Area was officially recognized as one of the first 5A-rated tourist destinations by the China National Tourism Administration. A popular saying captures its fame: “Worship the Water of Dujiangyan, Seek the Tao of Mount Qingcheng.” In November 2000, Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under criteria C(II)(IV)(VI).
*Special Mount Qingcheng food
*Old Heaven Top-Highest in Mount Qingcheng
Local Specialties
Mount Qingcheng is famous for its “Four Wonders”:
1. Dongtian Tribute Tea – Since the Tang Dynasty, this tea has been a prized product, with Qingcheng’s “Purple Back Dragon Bud” and “White Back Dragon Bud” recognized as tributes to the imperial court.
2. White Ginkgo Chicken – A traditional delicacy from the Qingcheng region, known for its rich broth and tender chicken.
3. Qingcheng Pickles – Also known as Taoist pickles, made from fresh cucumbers, beans, and other vegetables grown by local Taoist monks, pickled in a special brine for a unique flavor.
4. Dongtian Milk Wine – A traditional Taoist beverage made from local kiwi fruit, blended with rice wine, sugar, and a hint of spirits.
Local Specialties
The “Longevity Banquet” is a famous Taoist culinary tradition served at the Shangshantang Restaurant in Qingcheng. The banquet originated with Fan Changsheng, a famous Taoist priest during the Shu Han period of the Three Kingdoms, who created special dishes using mountain herbs and local ingredients, believed to promote long life. Later, the famous herbalist Sun Simiao resided here, perfecting the banquet with medicinal herbs, and today, chefs prepare these traditional Taoist recipes, merging ancient health wisdom with modern culinary techniques.
Old Mountain Cured Meat
A local specialty of the mountain’s back region, this smoked meat is famous for its rich flavor, tender texture, and unique smokey taste.