Qingcheng Shan (Azure City Mountain) is one of the ancient cradles of Taoism. Numerous Taoist temples dot the mountain’s slopes along paths that connect to lead to the peak. The mountain is relatively low, at 1,600 m (6,250 ft.) above sea level, and remains pleasantly green year round. Well-maintained trails offer numerous spots for relaxing and enjoying the view.
Jianfu Temple (Jianfu Gong), a large, well-preserved Daoist temple from the Tang Dynasty, sits at the base of the mountain. About halfway up, Tianshi Cave (Tianshi Dong, or “Taoist Master Cave”) holds a temple and mon
astic school dedicated to Zhang Daoling, a famous Taoist who taught locally and helped spread Daoism throughout China in the 2nd century AD. The present Tianshi Cave complex was built at the end of the Qing Dynasty. Near the peak stands Shangqing Temple, originally established in the Jin Dynasty with current temple buildings dating to the Qin.
Traversing the area is made easier by a set of chairlifts and by easy access across Yuecheng Lake (Yuecheng Hu). Nearby Qingcheng Houshan (Azure City Back Mountain), approximately 15 km to the northwest, provides more hiking options for those looking to get away from the crowds and more developed Qingcheng Shan.
