Cara norte del monte Qingcheng

The Back Mountain of Qingcheng is the quieter, wilder half of Mount Qingcheng, the UNESCO World Heritage mountain that rises to the southwest of Dujiangyan. Where the Front Mountain is the established center of Taoist culture and temples, the Back Mountain is defined by its natural beauty: dense forest, deep valleys, waterfalls, and the small ancient town of Taian nestled at its foot. For travelers who come to Mount Qingcheng for hiking and clean mountain air rather than religious heritage, the Back Mountain is the rewarding choice, and it is widely regarded as the best place to experience the famous serenity of Qingcheng as the most serene mountain under heaven.

The Back Mountain is built around a network of hiking trails that climb past streams, waterfalls, wooden walkways bolted to cliff faces, and small mountain temples tucked into the forest. The trails are steeper and longer than anything on the Front Mountain, and they pass through some of the most untouched forest in the region, with ancient trees, moss-covered stone steps, and the constant sound of running water. Several routes lead up toward the higher ridges, and a combination of trails, cable cars, and lake boats lets visitors shape the difficulty and length of their hike. The atmosphere is markedly calmer than on the busier Front Mountain, with fewer crowds and a slower rhythm of travel.

At the foot of the Back Mountain sits Taian Ancient Town, a quiet mountain settlement with traditional Sichuan vernacular houses, small guesthouses, and the old Taian Temple. Many hikers spend the night here before or after walking the mountain, and the town makes a pleasant base for a slower two-day visit. The combination of an evening in Taian, a morning hike, and an afternoon return to Dujiangyan is one of the most enjoyable rhythms for visiting the area.

The Back Mountain is part of the same UNESCO listing as the Dujiangyan Irrigation System and the Front Mountain, but it rewards a separate day of its own. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for hiking; summer brings green slopes but also heat and the occasional storm, while winter is cold and quiet with far fewer visitors. Allow a full day, wear proper hiking shoes, and bring water, as the trails are long and there are long stretches between shelters.