How to Get from Chengdu to Qingcheng Mountain by Public Transport (2026)

Quick Answer

Take Chengdu Metro Line 2 or 6 to Xipu Station (犀浦站), then an intercity train to Qingchengshan Station (青城山站) — 23–35 minutes, ¥10. From the station, bus 101 or a scenic-area shuttle takes you to the Front Mountain entrance in 10–15 minutes. This is the fastest, cheapest, and most reliable option. Trains run from approximately 06:06 to 22:09, roughly every 15–30 minutes.

Mount Qingcheng (青城山) is one of Taoism's four sacred mountains, located about 65 km northwest of Chengdu in Dujiangyan City. It is split into two distinct areas: Front Mountain (前山), a cultural route with temples and a cable car, and Back Mountain (后山), a wilder hiking area with waterfalls and gorges. Most first-time visitors choose Front Mountain.

Compare Your Options

Option 1 — Metro + Intercity Train (Recommended)

Why Xipu Station is special

Xipu Railway Station (犀浦站) is China's first cross-platform metro-to-railway transfer hub. Chengdu Metro Lines 2 and 6 connect directly to the Chengdu–Dujiangyan Intercity Railway inside the same building. You take the metro, walk across the platform, and board an intercity train.

Step-by-step

1. Take Chengdu Metro Line 2 or Line 6 to Xipu Station (犀浦站). From Tianfu Square in the city center, Line 2 takes about 31 minutes. Metro fare is ¥5–8.

2. Transfer to the intercity railway. Follow signs for "成灌铁路" (Chengdu–Dujiangyan Railway) or "城际列车" (intercity train). The transfer takes about 5 minutes on foot, but allow 15 minutes for railway security screening.

3. Board a train to Qingchengshan Station (青城山站). Look for trains with destination "青城山" (Qingchengshan).

   • Travel time: 23–35 minutes
   • Fare: ¥10 (soft seat)
   • Frequency: Every 15–30 minutes during daytime
   • First train from Xipu: Around 06:06
   • Last train from Xipu: Around 21:40 (some services run later; verify on 12306)
   • Last train back from Qingchengshan: Around 22:09 (S5059 at 21:40 from Xipu arrives 22:09; verify return times on 12306)

4. Exit Qingchengshan Station and transfer to the mountain.

   • For Front Mountain (前山): Take bus 101 (¥2, about 10–15 minutes) or the official scenic-area shuttle bus (about ¥10–20 one-way, verify at the station) directly across the road. A taxi costs about ¥15.
   • For Back Mountain (后山): Take a minibus from the station parking lot to Tai'an Ancient Town (泰安古镇), the gateway to Back Mountain. Fare is about ¥16 one-way; the ride takes about 40 minutes through mountain roads.

[!TIP] You can use the Tianfutong (天府通) app QR code or a physical transit card to tap on and off these suburban trains — no advance ticket needed for S-series trains. Otherwise, buy tickets on 12306.cn or the 12306 app with your passport. During weekends and holidays, tickets can sell out — book 1–2 days ahead.

Front Mountain vs. Back Mountain

Front Mountain and Back Mountain are 8–10 km apart with separate ticket gates. Tell your driver or bus clearly which one you want. If unsure, say "Front Mountain" (前山).

Option 2 — Coach Bus

Long-distance buses run from Chengdu to Qingchengshan:

• Chadianzi Bus Station (茶店子客运站): Metro Line 2, Chadianzi stop. Buses to Qingchengshan take about 1–1.5 hours and cost roughly ¥16–25. Services run approximately every 30 minutes from around 07:00 to 18:30.
• The bus may drop you near the Front Mountain area, but confirm with the driver.

The bus is only worth considering if you are staying near Chadianzi or if train tickets are completely sold out during a major holiday. The train is faster, cheaper, and more comfortable.

Option 3 — Combining with Dujiangyan

The same intercity railway passes through Dujiangyan. If you have a full day, you can combine both sites:

• Take the train to Lidui Park Station (离堆公园站) for Dujiangyan's irrigation system (23 min from Xipu, ¥10).
• After visiting Dujiangyan, take the train one stop onward to Qingchengshan Station (about 10 minutes, ¥5).
• A common itinerary: Morning at Dujiangyan → lunch in Dujiangyan city → afternoon at Qingcheng Front Mountain → train back to Chengdu.
• This is a full day — both sites deserve 2–3 hours each. For a relaxed pace, visit on separate days.

How to Get Back

• Trains from Qingchengshan to Xipu run until approximately 22:00. S-trains are frequent during the day but thin out in the evening.
• Check the return schedule on 12306 when you arrive at Qingchengshan Station, and set a reminder for when you need to head down the mountain.
• From Xipu, take Metro Line 2 or 6 back to your hotel.
• If you miss the last train, a DiDi back to central Chengdu costs approximately ¥120–180.

[!WARNING] For Back Mountain hikers, the minibus back to Qingchengshan Station stops running in the early evening. Finish your hike by 16:00–17:00 to ensure you can catch the shuttle and then the train.

Chinese Names You May Need

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Confusing Front Mountain and Back Mountain. They are separate sites 8–10 km apart with different ticket gates, entry fees, and experiences. Tell your driver clearly which one you want. Most first-time visitors want Front Mountain.

2. Not booking return train tickets on weekends. S-trains can sell out on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Buy a round-trip ticket on 12306 in the morning, or at least check the last few departures before heading up the mountain.

3. Following touts at the station. When you exit Qingchengshan Station, people may offer taxis, tours, or "special routes." Ignore them — the official bus 101 stop and scenic shuttle are directly across the road.

4. Trying to visit both Front and Back Mountain in one day. Each requires several hours; Back Mountain alone is a 5–8 hour hike. Pick one.

5. Forgetting your passport. You need valid ID for intercity train travel in China. Foreigners must carry their passport.

6. Underestimating Back Mountain. It is a strenuous full-day hike with steep, sometimes slippery trails. Wear proper hiking shoes and bring rain gear — the mountain is misty and wet much of the year.

Before You Go

• Front Mountain entry: ¥80 per adult; cable car ¥35 one-way / ¥60 round-trip
• Back Mountain entry: ¥20 per person; two cable car sections ¥30–45 each
• Opening hours: 08:00–17:30 (Front Mountain, year-round); Back Mountain similar
• Recommended visit duration: 2–4 hours (Front Mountain); 5–8 hours (Back Mountain)
• Scenic-area tickets can be purchased via the official WeChat account "青城山都江堰" or at the gate. Bring your passport.
• There is currently no Crowd Forecast for Qingcheng Mountain on China Local Help.

Still Not Sure How to Get There?

Planning a Sichuan trip with multiple destinations? Our Chengdu-based team can help with train tickets, private drivers, and itinerary planning. Contact us or message us on WhatsApp.

Related Guides

• Chengdu Travel Guide — full city guide with panda base and food recommendations
• Chengdu to Dujiangyan by Train — combine both sites in one day
• Chengdu to Siguniang Mountain by Public Transport — heading further into western Sichuan
• 12306 High-Speed Rail Guide — how to book Chinese train tickets as a foreigner

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Train schedules and fares are based on 12306.cn, Ctrip/Trip.com listings, and TravelChinaGuide (updated July–August 2026). S-train numbers (S-series) and times may change — always check 12306 for your travel date.

Last verified: August 2026