Qingcheng Mountain, Sichuan 📍

Qingcheng Mountain, located in the southwest of Dujiangyan City in Sichuan Province, about 68 kilometers from Chengdu, is renowned as a famous Taoist mountain known as "the most secluded place under heaven." It is one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China and was jointly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site with Dujiangyan in 2000. Qingcheng Mountain is famous for its "seclusion, beauty, and uniqueness," with its rolling hills, lush peaks, babbling streams, and towering ancient trees, earning it the reputation of "the most secluded place in the world." The main peak, Laoxiaoding, has an elevation of 1260 meters, and the mountain is home to numerous ancient sites, including Tianshi Cave, Jianfu Palace, and Shangqing Palace, all of which carry deep Taoist cultural significance.

The history of Qingcheng Mountain can be traced back to the Eastern Han Dynasty, where it is said that Zhang Daoling (Zhang Tianshi) established the Tianshi Dao of Taoism, solidifying its status as a sacred place of Taoism. During the Tang and Song Dynasties, Qingcheng Mountain became a retreat for scholars and poets, with figures like Du Fu and Lu You leaving behind verses praising its tranquility. The temples within the mountain are simple and elegant, blending harmoniously with nature, reflecting the Taoist philosophical thought of "the unity of heaven and man." Qingcheng Mountain is not only a religious sanctuary but also a microcosm of Bashu culture, with its serene environment complementing the Taoist concept of health cultivation, attracting countless individuals seeking to refine their hearts and nurture their nature.

The cultural connotation of Qingcheng Mountain is profound, reflecting the agility and inclusiveness of Bashu culture. Taoist culture emphasizes conforming to nature and returning to simplicity, and the landscape and layout of the Taoist temples in Qingcheng Mountain perfectly illustrate this concept. Visitors stroll along ancient paths, feeling the waves of pine trees and experiencing the artistic conception of "Inquiring the Dao at Qingcheng," as if conversing with nature and comprehending the philosophy of life. Qingcheng Mountain is also intertwined with Sichuan cuisine and tea culture, and the Dujiangyan irrigation project at the foot of the mountain further highlights the water management wisdom of the Bashu people. Qingcheng Mountain is not only a fusion of nature and culture but also a spiritual symbol of the Bashu people's pursuit of harmony and wisdom.

Sichuan Qingcheng Mountain

Qingcheng Mountain, located southwest of Dujiangyan City in Sichuan Province, about 68 kilometers from Chengdu, is a revered Daoist sacred site known as the “most serene under heaven.” Listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2000 alongside the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, it is celebrated for its tranquil, picturesque, and mystical charm. With its main peak, Laoxiao Ding, at 1,260 meters, the mountain features lush ridges, ancient trees, and babbling streams, dotted with historic sites like Tianshi Cave, Jianfu Palace, and Shangqing Palace, embodying profound Daoist heritage.

Dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty, Qingcheng Mountain became a Daoist hub when Zhang Daoling (Zhang Tianshi) founded the Celestial Master Dao, cementing its status as a sacred site. During the Tang and Song Dynasties, it inspired poets like Du Fu and Lu You, who praised its serene beauty. Its ancient temples, harmoniously integrated with nature, reflect the Daoist philosophy of “unity between heaven and humanity.” Qingcheng Mountain is not only a religious sanctuary but also a microcosm of Bashu culture, blending serene landscapes with Daoist principles of wellness and introspection.

The cultural significance of Qingcheng Mountain lies in its embodiment of Bashu’s vibrant and inclusive spirit. Daoist teachings emphasize harmony with nature and simplicity, mirrored in the mountain’s tranquil scenery and temple designs. Visitors walking its ancient paths, amidst whispering pines, experience the “seeking the Dao at Qingcheng” ethos, connecting with nature and philosophical insights. Intertwined with Sichuan’s culinary and tea traditions, and linked to the nearby Dujiangyan Irrigation System—a testament to Bashu’s water-management ingenuity—Qingcheng Mountain symbolizes the region’s pursuit of harmony, wisdom, and spiritual depth.