Around 8:00 a.m., your private guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in downtown Chengdu, providing a brief introduction to today’s itinerary. Then, we will drive approximately 1.5 hours to Dujiangyan, an ancient irrigation and flood control system that has been in use for over 2,000 years. Constructed in 256 BC, Dujiangyan is the world’s oldest and the only surviving hydraulic engineering project that harnesses a river by utilizing terrain to channel and divide the water rather than simply damming it, earning it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Beyond admiring the brimming rivers, sheer cliffs, and towering ancient trees, two temple sites related to the hydrologist Li Bing (302-235 BC), who is highly worshipped for his work on Dujiangyan, are unmissable.

In the Two Kings Temple (Erwang Temple) on the river bank, admire modern statues of Li Bing and the god Erlang, who was regarded as Li Bing’s son by locals, as well as a pavilion inscribed with Li Bing’s wise words - “When the river flows in zigzags, cut a straight channel; when the riverbed is wide and shallow, dig it deeper.” Next, visit the Dragon-Taming Temple (Fulongguan) in memory of a legendary battle between the god Erlang and a dragon, which has protected the region from floods. Also, watch a statue of Li Bing, known as China’s oldest stone statue of a human, once placed in the river during the East Han Dynasty (25-220) to monitor the water level, with a higher level than his shoulders indicating a flood and a lower than his calves indicating drought.

Then, the guide and driver will escort you on a 30-minute drive to Mount Qingcheng. “Qingcheng” literally means “Green City” because its 36 peaks, arranged in a ring shape, resemble the ancient Chinese city walls and are covered with exuberant, green vegetation all year round. Additionally, as one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China, its secludedness aligns with the Taoist concept of returning to nature, lending it further cultural significance.

★ Labor-saving and Worry-free Tour of Mt. Qingcheng

In order to offer our guests the most unmissable landscapes in the vast Mount Qingcheng scenic area in a limited time, we arrange the most reasonable and relaxing trail to save you time and effort, including a 10-minute shuttle bus ride from the parking lot to the foot of Front Mountain, a short boat ride to the cable car station after a 20-minute walk to Yuecheng Lake, and a round-trip cable car up and down the mountain.

During the cable ride up the mountain, appreciate the soaring ridges, deep valleys, and several ancient Taoist temples artfully nestled into the pristine landscape, which magnifies your imagination of Eastern mysticism. Reach the cable car’s upper terminus and follow the guide to climb for 30 minutes, and you will be amazed by the intense Chinese architectural style as the Laojun Pavilion, the highest point of Qingcheng Mountain, comes into view. Built on the Chinese traditional notion of “Round Heaven and Square Earth” and the eight trigrams of Taoism, Laojun Pavilion intuitively embodies Taoist culture. Enshrining the Taoist founder Laozi, it attracts a steady flow of believers who burn incense to pray for centuries and counting. You can experience the Oriental blessing ceremony up close and may also encounter Taoists chanting scriptures or practicing the martial art of Tai Chi.

After appreciating the Laojun Pavilion and enjoying a panoramic view of the rolling mountains and the western Sichuan plain in the distance, the guide will accompany you downhill the same way, and we will escort you back to your hotel in downtown Chengdu.

* The Mount Qingcheng scenic area is divided into the Front Mountain and the Rear Mountain, the latter called the Chengdu locals’ back garden with picturesque scenery. If your stay in Chengdu permits and you’re interested, you can contact us to tailor a two-day tour that includes the Rear Mountain.

Meals: No meals, advice freely available

► Recommended Dinner Site: Fuqin Night Market (at your own expense)

If you have no idea about where to have dinner after returning to Chengdu, you can ask your guide for suggestions. Fuqin Night Market is a great choice for experiencing authentic Chengdu nightlife. As the narrow alleys buzz with a crowd, it’s clear that the appetizing snacks here are hits with locals and tourists. Beyond grabbing delectable bites of Chengdu-style mini fluffy pancakes, Iced Jelly Desserts, and grilled skewers, challenge yourself to try the fish mint, which has a sharp, earthy taste but is loved by locals in salads and BBQ. You might discover your new favorite snack!

Average Cost per Person: CNY 20-50 (USD 3-7)

Address: West Fuqin Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu