Initiated in Heming Mountain of Sichuan from Zhang Daoling (张道陵：founder of Daoism) in East Han Dynasty (25–220 AD), Taoism is the local religion of China that distinguishes from the Buddhism introduced from foreign countries. Although Taoism got flourishing until the Northern and Southern Dynasty (420-589 AD), the four famous Taoism Mountains already established Taoist temples and palaces as early as East Han Dynasty (25–220 AD). Legend going around even says Taoism was propagated much earlier than Buddhist in many other well-renowned mountains like Mount Wutai and Mount Jiuhua. The Mount Qingcheng, Wudang Mountain, Longhu Mountain and Qiyun Mountain are the most influential and famous Taoism mountains worshipping Ancestral Celestial Masters of founder of Tianshi Taoism - Zhang Daoling, Lord Lao Zi (老子), originator of Quanzhen Taoism - Qiu Chuji and Zhenwu Tati respectively.
TripAdvisor Impression: Mother Nature, Ancient Temples and Excellent Mountain Views, Picturesque & Totally Presented
Type: Sacred & Religious Sites, Mountains, Natural & Parks, Sights & Landmarks
Recommended Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elevation: 1260 m (4134 ft)
Location: Qingchengshan Town, Dujiangyan City, Chengdu, Sichuan; about 65 km of southeast Chengdu City & about 10 km from Dujiangyan Irrigation System.
Best Travel Time: March ~ November
Ticket: 80 RMB for Front Mount Qingcheng & 20 RMB for Back; Cableway Fees are Excluded.
Recommended Visiting: One Day
Highlights: Laojun Pavilion, Tianshi Cave, Yuecheng Lake, Five Heavenly Caves, Zushi Temple, Shangqing Palace
Activity: Taoist Culture Festival
Honored as World Cultural Heritage, Mount Qingcheng is one of the famous cradles of Taoism and holy land in China, as well as great sites ranking in Top 10 attractions of Chengdu. It is named Qingchengshan for the location in green and quiet forest throughout the year, which also wins it reputation of Mount Qingcheng - Most Secluded Land (青城天下幽) in the World and Exploration of Taoist in the Shrine - Mount Qingcheng (问道青城山).
The whole scenic area covering area of 200sq km includes the front mountain with lots of cultural relics like Taoist temples and pavilions and back mountain where keeps original nature scenery. If hiking upward from the front, you can take boat to tour Yuecheng Lake (月城湖 - huge mountain lake originated from Summit of Mount Qingcheng), and continue climbing by cableway, or walking through Yuqing Palace (玉清宫) and Yuanming Palace (圆明宫) to Shangqing Palace (上清宫 - ancienty taoist temple where Chinese painting master Chang Dai-Chien chose as seclusion and created thousands of paintings). A second choice to Shangqing Palace is hiking the western route from the entrance to Tianshi Celestial Cave (天师洞 - ashram of founder of Tianshi Taoism preaching) and Zushi Temple. Laojun Pavilion (老君阁) on summit of Mount Qingcheng is another major spot at elevation of 1260 m. Besides Taoist sites on Front Mountain, nature lovers can luxuriate in the pristine beauty on the Qingcheng Back Mountain.
Besides, Mount Qingcheng is only in 15 minutes' car ride from Dujiangyan Panda Base, which will give Big Panda Fans a precious chance to live with and even feed cuddly pandas up-close! Also, you can explore Confucius Temple and Jiezi Ancient Town to feel the profound Chinese history and culture. What more, we highly recommend you immerse yourself in Chengdu's cultural vibrancy, discover the authentic and active temple Wenshu Monastery and Wuhou Memorial Temple as well as Qingyang Palace - the oldest and largest Taoist Shrine in Chengdu, the bustling Jinli Ancient Street and Kuanzhai Alley as well as great Archaeological Discovery Dujiangyan Panda Base. You can also venture further to explore the majestic Leshan Giant Buddha, a towering symbol of Buddhist reverence, marvel at the unbelievable Jiuzhaigou, seek spiritual solace amidst the serene forests of Mount Emei, where sacred temples beckon.
Tips:
1. Thanks to the thick forests, you will enjoy pleasant fresh air whenever you visit Mount Qingcheng and lovely natural sceneries. Meanwhile, you should walk cautiously on wet and slippery roads due to the high humidity.
2. One day is only enough for one side trip. If you plan to hike both ranges, you need to get another day for further discovery.
Verdant Mount Qingcheng
Mount Qingcheng - Top Mountain in Western Sichuan
Shangqing Palace on East Slope of Pengzu Peak
Laojun Pavilion - Summit of Mount Qingcheng
Our Delighted Customers at Mount Qingcheng
Tourist Map of Front Mount Qingcheng
TripAdvisor Impression: Tai Chi Mountain, Admire Tai Chi, Beats Shaolin, Absolutely Surreal Scenery, Famous Taoist City
Type: Ancient Ruins, Religious & Historic Sites, Sights & Landmarks
Recommended Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elevation: 1612 m (5289 ft)
Location: Danjiangkou, Shiyan City, Northwest Hubei Province; about 35 km of southeast Shiyan City & 450 km to southeast Wuhan City (capital of Hubei Province).
Best Travel Time: March ~ May & September ~ November (Spring & Autumn)
Ticket: 259 RMB for Entrance Ticket & Tour Bus; 15 RMB for Purple Clouds Palace; 27 RMB for Golden Summit; 5 RMB Insurance Fee & 3 RMB of Tourist Map; Cableway Fees are Excluded.
Recommended Visiting: Two ~ Three days
Highlights: Golden Summit, Purple Clouds Palace, Fuzhen Temple (Prince Slope), Nanyan Temple, Ramble valley.
Activity: Martial Arts Performance (Wudang Tai Chi) in Ramble Valley, Fantasy Wudang in Tai Chi Theater
Wudang Mountain is the famous Taoism sanctum where Wudang Martial Arts – Tai Chi originated. It is a World Cultural Heritage and the most beautiful national Geopark for three years in northwest Hubei Province. Ennobled as royal mountain from Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), Wudang Mountain is worshipped for the immortal Taoist culture and natural landscape up to now.
Covering about 312sq km, Wudang Mountain owns many attractions surrounding or located in the center Tianzhu Peak (天柱峰 – highest peak of Wudang Mountain with elavation of 1612 m). Ticket package including paid tour bus connects most major sites on Wudang Mountain. Pass through Needle Grinding Well (磨针井: 487.2m), Prince Slope (太子坡, Fuzhen Temple - the most-preserved and biggest temple in Wudang Mountain which was built on abrupt slope in Ming Dynasty) to Rambel Valley (逍遥谷) where holds Macaque Play & Wudang Martial Arts Performance, then tourist will visit Purple Clouds Palace (紫霄宫 - large royal Taoist temple groups) and Nanyan Temple (南岩宫 - sacred site where Zhenwu Tati got enlightenment). The Golden Summit or Golden Palace (金顶 - the highest holy Taoist Hall on Tianzhu Peak) via Chaotian Palace.
After witnessing the Wudang Mountains in Hubei, continue your journey with cruise along the legendary Three Gorges, where ancient cliffs and picturesque villages dot the landscape and a visit to the majestic Three Gorges Dam, finally delving into the untouched wilderness of the Shennongjia Nature Reserve. And if time permits, extend your Hubei adventure to include the vibrant cities of Wuhan, Yichang, and Jingzhou, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity.
Tips:
1. A friendly advice is that arrange your Wudang Mountain tour more leisurely by taking tour bus in some sections.
2. Accommodation in Wudang Mountain mainly concentrates in Rock in South and Qiongtai, where you can reach Golden Summit through hiking or cableway separately.
Splendid Palace in Wudang Mountain
Vivid Statue in Wudang
Golden Palace on Summit of Wudangshan
Great Palace in Wudang Mountain
Guide Map of Wudang Mountain
TripAdvisor Impression: Boat Trip Inside, A Surprise Treat, Highlight of Jiangxi
Type: Historical Sites, Mountains, Nature & Parks, Sights & Landmarks
Recommended Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elevation: 1300 m (4265 ft)
Location: 20 km of West Yingtan City, Jiangxi Province; about 180 km to northwest Nanchang City.
Best Travel Time: April ~ October
Ticket: 180 RMB for Entrance Ticket & Tour Bus & Bamboo Rafting Once
Recommended Visiting: One Day
Highlights: Taoist Master Mansion, Great Shangqing Palace, Zhengyi Temple, Trunk Mountain.
Activity: Bamboo Rafting & Hanging Coffins Performance & Landscape Live Show – "Dream of Tao"
With an elevation of 1300 m, Longhu Mountain is a World Geopark and Natural Heritage in southwest Yingtan City of Jiangxi. This unique Danxia Landform scenic area is still a birthplace of Chinese Taoism as the ashram for Taoist masters and successors. Even the name comes from folk story which tells dragon and tiger appear when the initiator of Zhengyi Sect of Taoism successfully in making alchemy.
Most scenic spots spreading by westshore of Luxi River are easy to reach by tour bus. The essential Longhu Mountain tour departs from tourist center and gets to Trunk Mountain (象鼻山 - a typical Danxia Landform spot of Longhu Mountain Geopark - like a giant stone elephant is wicking) firstly, then following sightseeing goes to the activities you may get interested in, like the Hanging Coffins Performance (悬棺表演) in Peach Sandbank near South Gate of Trunk Mountain. Later you can take the Bamboo Rafting to enjoy natural scenery on the river banks, including No Mosquito Village (ideal summer resort), Mushroom Rock, Lotus Stone, Old Man Peak and etc. Sihan Taoist Master Mansion (嗣汉天师府 - sacred Taoist site to honor the god and served as residence of Taoist Masters, about 1 km to Great Shangqing Palace), Shangqing Ancient Town (old town with over 1000 years history) and Great Shangqing Palace (大上清宫) are the highlights in the peak of Longhu Mountain tour.
Then, plan your journey with a visit to the historic city of Jingdezhen, known as the 'Porcelain Capital' for its centuries-old tradition of ceramic craftsmanship. Immerse yourself in the rich history and artistic heritage of this cultural gem as you wander through its ancient kilns and vibrant markets. Then, ascend to the majestic peaks of Mount Lu, where emerald forests and cascading waterfalls create a picturesque backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Tips:
1. Transportation: Tourists can get to Longhu Mountain from Yingtan Railway Station by taxi or local bus. And there are two sightseeing vehicles: tour bus and special mini-train which departs less than every 15 mins.
2. Ticket of "Dream of Tao" 《寻梦龙虎山》 is 268 RMB separately.
3. Hanging Coffins Performances are scheduled four times a day at 10:00, 12:00,14:00 and 16:00 and lasts about 30 mins.
Taoist Palace in Longhu Mountain
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Typical Landform Spot of Longhu Mountain
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Tranquil Villages in Longhu Mountain
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Indoor Scene of the Taoist Palace
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Guide Map of Longhu Mountain
TripAdvisor Impression: Fairy and Spiritual Mountain, Exhausting but Super Nice Trip, Interest Little Mountain
Type: Religious Sites, Mountains, Nature & Parks
Recommended Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elevation: 585 m (1919 ft)
Location: Qiyunshan Town, 15 km of West Xiuning County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province; about 330 km of southeast Hefei City (capital of Anhui Province) & 45 km to Mount Huang (Yellow Mountain) and Huizhou Ancient City.
Best Travel Time: March ~ November
Ticket: 58 RMB; Bamboo Rafting and Cableway Fees are Excluded.
Recommended Visiting: One Day
Highlights: Yuxu Palace, Taisu Palace, Yuehua Street, Xianglu Peak, Highest Peak
Activity: Taoist Fair
Qiyun Mountain is the lowest one with hundreds' elevation among the China's four famous Taoist mountains, and previously praised by Emperor Qianlong from Qing Dynasty (1616-1912 AD) as the only beauty in China and the top famous mountain in Jiangnan. Originally known as of Baiyue, Qiyun Mountain is named for its summit on the same level with clouds. In the 110sq km area of Qiyun Mountain, attractions include 36 exotic peaks, 72 odd cliffs and many peaceful caves, lakes and springs, making up a dreamlike elfland when Clouds Sea emerges around.
Climbing up to the Highest Peak and Yuehua Heaven Street - terminal of Qiyun Mountain tour needs departure from Tourist Center. For the beginning roads, you can hike from Dengfeng Bridge (登封桥), pass through 13 pavilions in 9 kms to the end Wangxian Tower (望仙亭 - good viewpoint between Wangxian Peak and Zhonghe Peak), or take the direct cableway to Feiyun Pavilion ahead of Wangxian Tower, then to Xianglu Peak (香炉峰 - shaped like censer at 945m above sea level), Yuehua Street (月华街) (small Taoist village half hanging on the cliff), later to Taisu Palace (太素宫 - holy ancient Taoist temple constructed in Ming Dynasty), Yuxu Palace (玉虚宫 - major Taoist temple built in Ming Dynasty) and Inscription Stele of Purple Cloud Palace & Xuan Emperor(紫霄宫玄帝碑铭 - the only reserved ancient inscription of Tang Bohu), pass through Hanging Walkway to the Highest Peak (585 m - highest point of Qiyun Mountain once visited by Tang Bohu and Danxia Landform site) where you will get breathtaking mountain views. For return trip, tourists can take the bamboo boating near the Five Old Peak to Dengfeng Bridge at foothill.
Go on your adventure with a visit to the legendary Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, mystical peaks, and ancient pine trees that have inspired poets and artists for centuries. Next, step back in time as you wander through the quaint streets of Xidi Ancient Village and Hongcun Ancient Villages, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where traditional Huizhou architecture and charming countryside views await. Continue your exploration with a visit to the historic towns of Tunxi Ancient Street and Huizhou Ancient City, where centuries-old streets, ancient temples, and traditional tea houses offer a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.
Tips:
1. The viewing platform down Moon Pavilion on the Highest Peak is the best viewing point of Qiyun Mountain for the sightseeing from the pavilion will be blocked from surrounding trees.
Fairy and Spiritual Mountain
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Eight Diagram of Rape Flowers
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Gorgeous Scenery in Qiyun Mountain
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Charming Villages and Beautiful Scenery
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Tourist Map of Qiyun Mountain
In China, beyond the famed Four Famous Taoist Mountains, there are considerable other breathtaking mountains worth to exploring. From the majestic heights of Mount Everest to the enchanting allure of Yellow Mountain, the UNESCO World Heritage Epic Site - Mount Fanjing, the World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site - Mount Emei, and one of the 10 Most Famous Mountains in China - Changbai Mountain, each mountain offers a unique adventure. Also, you can witness the fantastical landscapes of Zhangjiajie's Avatar Mountains, the dramatic Karst Mountains of Guilin, and the revered sites of Mount Wutai. If you are interested in Chinese Buddhism, you can also visit Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains in China. Besides, Five Great Mountains in China including Mount Tai (Eastern Yue), Mount Huashan (Western Yue), Mount Songshan (Center Yue), Mount Heng (North Yue) and Mount Hengshan (Southern Yue) will never disappoint you and give you so much surpries, etc. For more details and travel tips, please feel free to contact us.
Explore More Breathtaking Mountains in China
If you want to get rid of hustle of public transportation and troublesome navigation, you can take a private tour package which covers sightseeing, dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to any destinations with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on sightseeing.
If you have more questions about Taoist or Buddhist travel in China, please click here to get more recommended Taoist & Buddhist tour information in Sichuan, or you can feel free to contact us for our professional travel consultants are always ready to help!
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