Qingcheng back mountain

Question

Hello,

I am planning a two week trip to Chengdu and the surrounding area at the end of October.

As part of that trip I want to hike Qingchengshan on a day trip from Chengdu. After doing some research, I think I would prefer hiking the back mountain (tranquil nature and waterfalls) instead of the more crowded front.

Has anyone done this hike before and can advice me on the following questions?:

1) How do I get to the back mountain? I know that there is a train from Chengdu Xipu Station to Qingchengshan station and that there is a bus going from there to the front mountain.

Is there also a bus going to the back mountain? If so, how frequent is it and how long does it take? Will I be able get there, hike the back and get back to Chengdu on the same day?

2) While I am an experienced hiker, I would not consider myself particularly fast. I would like to hike up one part and down the other, but I'm not quite sure whether this is feasible.

I would also be open to hiking up on the right, then taking the second cable car down, and hiking down the rest of the way using the path on the left. If I do it this way, I would miss the peak, including the lower caves. Would I be missing much if I decide on this option?

How long does it roughly take to hike up on the "right" (a) to the peak b) to the upper cable car station) and how long does it roughly take to hike back down using the "left" path? (c) from the peak d) starting from the cable car station)

Thank you in advance!

Answer

Qingchengshan’s back mountain (Hou Shan) is a fantastic choice for a more tranquil hiking experience with lush forests, streams, and waterfalls, away from the crowded front mountain (Qian Shan). Here’s a detailed guide based on the questions you raised:

1) Getting to the back mountain and day-trip feasibility:

From Chengdu, you can take the train from Xipu Station to Qingchengshan Station (approximately 1 hour). From there, most visitors head to the front mountain by shuttle bus, but there are also local buses and taxis that can take you to the back mountain. Bus frequency is lower than for the front mountain, so it’s recommended to confirm the schedule in advance or consider taking a taxi (~10–15 minutes to reach the back mountain entrance).
It is feasible to hike the back mountain and return to Chengdu on the same day, especially if you start early in the morning. Plan for a 7–9 hour round trip, including transit time and hiking at a moderate pace.

2) Hiking options and time estimates:

If you hike up the right path to the peak and descend the same way, it is possible for an experienced hiker at a moderate pace. Expect roughly 3–4 hours to reach the peak and another 2–3 hours to return.
If you prefer to hike up the right path, take the upper cable car down, and then use the left path for the lower descent, you will miss some smaller peaks and caves along the main trail. The most notable sights at the peak, including the main Taoist temples and the panoramic views, will still be accessible from the top. The lower caves are scenic but not the central highlight.
Time estimates:

Right path to peak: ~3–4 hours (moderate pace, including short breaks)
Right path to upper cable car station: ~2.5–3 hours
Descending via left path from peak: ~2–2.5 hours
Descending from upper cable car station via left path: ~1.5–2 hours

Using the cable car can reduce hiking time and effort, making it more manageable for a day trip, especially if you want to enjoy the scenery without rushing.

Additional tips:

Start early to maximize daylight and allow flexibility for rest stops and photos.
Carry water, snacks, and comfortable hiking shoes. Paths are well-marked but can be steep and slippery near waterfalls.
Check weather conditions in advance; autumn in late October can be cool and misty, which enhances the scenery but may make paths slippery.
If you want the full experience of temples, waterfalls, and quiet forest trails, hiking both up and down without using the cable car is ideal, but the cable car option is a good compromise to save time or energy.

In summary, taking the right path up to the peak and descending via cable car or left path is a flexible approach. You won’t miss the main highlights, and a day trip from Chengdu is entirely doable if you start early and plan your transportation to and from the back mountain efficiently.

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