
Jintang Yunding Mountain Scenic Area is located in the middle section of Longquan Mountain Range in Jintang County, Chengdu. Jintang Yunding Mountain Scenic Area includes Big and Small Yunding Mountain, Handan Ancient Ferry, Tuojiang Jintang Little Three Gorges, Jiulongtan, Sanxue Temple, Paotai Mountain, Tianxing Cave, etc.
Dayunding Mountain is 982 meters above sea level. The mountain is tall and straight, with steep cliffs reaching into the clouds, as if cut by a knife or an axe, and is surrounded for several miles. There are dozens of acres of flat land on it, which looks like a city wall, so it is also called "Shicheng Mountain". It was one of the eight major mountain city defense systems in the late Song Dynasty and is a famous anti-Yuan castle site.
Xiaoyunding Mountain, 2.5 kilometers from Dayunding Mountain, boasts a slender peak and over 110 species of trees, casting a dense shade and blanketing the mountain in lush greenery. The Jintang Little Three Gorges, formed by the Tuojiang River cutting through the Longquan Mountains, is a 10-kilometer-long gorge, steep with mountains and deep valleys, and the river rushing out of the gorge is a magnificent sight.
Yunding Mountain has been a strategic location for military strategists since ancient times. The Southern Song Dynasty built a city here. During the Song-Yuan War, it was relocated to Chengdufu Road, Chuanfu Road, and Anjun. The Lixusi (Lixusi) stationed a heavily fortified force, withstood numerous battles and held out for 15 years before ultimately falling due to food shortages. Yunding Mountain currently boasts eight gates, as well as a wencheng (barbican), a straight wall, artillery forts, a military camp, a Tianchi Lake, a well, a sentry box, a naval dock, and other military relics.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: about 1 day
free
8:00-18:00
Yunding Mountain is known for its natural beauty and cultural significance in Chengdu. It is often associated with Buddhist teachings and has a number of temples and meditation spots. The mountain is also recognized for its biodiversity and serene landscape.
Yunding Mountain is located in Jintang County, approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Chengdu. It can be reached by taxi or private car, as public transport options are limited. Alternatively, guided tours from Chengdu may be available.
The mountain is open year-round. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months (April to October) when the weather is pleasant and the landscape is at its most vibrant.
The entrance fee for Yunding Mountain is typically ¥50-¥100. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through local travel agencies. It is recommended to check for any online booking options in advance during peak seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory but recommended during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn) to ensure availability. Booking a few days in advance should suffice.
You will need around 3 to 4 hours to explore the main hiking trails and visit the temples. If you plan to meditate or enjoy more leisurely walks, you may want to spend up to a full day.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some may offer English-speaking guides during peak tourist seasons. Audio guides are not commonly available, but a local guide can provide insightful information about the area’s history and culture.
The best viewpoints are at the summit, where you can capture panoramic photos of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The temples and serene hiking spots also provide beautiful photo opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Start by hiking to the summit for spectacular views, then explore the temples and shrines along the way down. Take time to walk through the forested trails, enjoying the natural surroundings. A loop around the mountain should take 3-4 hours.
Night visits are not typically available at Yunding Mountain, and there are no light shows. The area is more suited for daytime exploration, offering a peaceful atmosphere without the distractions of artificial lights.
Yunding Mountain is generally not overcrowded, but weekends and public holidays can see an influx of visitors. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays, especially during the off-season (winter and early spring).
The mountain’s trails can be challenging, especially for elderly or disabled visitors. However, there are easier paths around the base and near the temples, which can be suitable for children and less mobile visitors.
Cash is typically preferred, but some shops may accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay. It is advisable to carry cash for small purchases, especially in more remote areas.
There are no large restaurants or cafes inside the mountain area, but you can find local eateries in the nearby town of Jintang, which offer Sichuan cuisine and light refreshments.
Vegetarian options are available in the local eateries around Jintang town, but vegan and halal options may be limited. It’s best to check in advance with local restaurants for specific dietary preferences.
There are small shops around the base of the mountain where visitors can purchase local handicrafts, such as handmade jewelry, Tibetan carpets, and souvenirs related to the region’s culture.
After visiting Yunding Mountain, you can return to Chengdu by taxi or private car. Local buses also operate between Jintang town and Chengdu. If you're exploring nearby attractions, taxis or local tour operators are the best way to get around.