Mount Qingcheng & Dujiangyan private tour with local lunch

Summary

Private day trip from Chengdu to Qingcheng Mountain & Dujiangyan

You’ll step into misty forests at Mount Qingcheng, ride boats and cable cars past hidden temples, share laughs with your local guide, and taste real Sichuan flavors over lunch. Then see how ancient engineering still shapes life at Dujiangyan Irrigation System — moments you’ll remember long after you leave Sichuan.

What’s the experience like?

We were already rolling out of Chengdu before I’d really woken up — the city sort of faded behind us, replaced by this soft green haze that just kept getting thicker as we got closer to Mount Qingcheng. Our guide, Li, had this habit of pointing out things through the window: a cluster of bamboo here, a flash of red lanterns there. When we finally stepped off the bus, the air was cool and smelled like wet leaves (or maybe it was just my imagination). The boat ride across Yuecheng Lake was quieter than I expected; you could hear someone laughing on the far shore, but mostly it was just the oars and that weirdly soothing creak they make.

I didn’t realize how many temples were tucked into the mountain until we started hiking. Jianfu Temple looked almost hidden in all that green — mossy steps, incense smoke curling around old stone. Li told us a story about a Taoist master who used to teach here; I tried to repeat his name in Mandarin and totally butchered it, which made him laugh. The cable car up was kind of surreal — you’re floating above this sea of trees, and for a second it feels like you could just drift away if you let go. The hike itself wasn’t too tough but there were some steep bits; my legs definitely noticed by the time we reached Tianshi Cave.

Lunch was at this little place near the base — nothing fancy, but the mapo tofu had that numbing Sichuan pepper thing going on (I still think about that taste). Afterward we drove over to see the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. It’s wild to think something built in 256 BC is still working — Li explained how water flows around the “fish mouth” levee and honestly, I had to squint to really get it. There were kids running around Lidui Park chasing each other between these old statues while their grandparents played cards under gingko trees. The whole place felt lived-in, not like a museum at all.

I caught myself just standing there for a minute watching sunlight flicker through bamboo onto those ancient stones. You know when you travel somewhere and suddenly feel very small in a good way? That’s what stuck with me after this day trip from Chengdu — well, that and my sore calves.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Qingcheng Mountain Exploration

• Boat ride on Yuecheng Lake
• Cable car ride over forest
• Hike and visit Taoist temples

Day 2 — Dujiangyan Irrigation System Tour

• Visit fish mouth levee
• Explore Two Kings and Dragon-Taming Temples
• Stroll Lidui Park gardens

Top questions

How long does the Mount Qingcheng & Dujiangyan tour take?

This is a full-day private tour from Chengdu including both sites.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included in the tour price.

What’s special about Dujiangyan Irrigation System?

It’s an ancient hydraulic project built in 256 BC for irrigation and flood control.

Are there steep hikes on Mount Qingcheng?

The hike includes some steep slopes; comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Is hotel pickup provided for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included with your booking.

Do I need to speak Chinese for this tour?

No; an English-speaking local guide leads the experience.

What temples will I visit on Mount Qingcheng?

You’ll visit Jianfu Temple and Tianshi Cave among others along the trail.

Is transportation between sites included?

A private air-conditioned vehicle takes you between all locations on the itinerary.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Chengdu, entry tickets for both Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Irrigation System, boat ride and round-trip cable car at Qingchengshan, an excursion bus between sites, plus a traditional Sichuan lunch at a local restaurant before heading back in comfort with your guide.