Qingcheng Back Mountain Valley Trail

The Qingcheng Back Mountain Valley Trail follows Taiyang Valley on the quieter, less touristed side of Qingcheng Mountain near Dujiangyan, Sichuan, threading past a series of waterfalls and limestone gorges rather than the temple-lined front-mountain route. From the back-mountain gate, the path follows the valley floor along wooden boardwalks and stone paths beside the stream, passing Yuling Pan waterfall and several smaller cascades before climbing more steeply toward the upper cable-car stations. The full valley-to-ridge circuit covers about 15 km and gains roughly 700 m, with the lower valley sections shaded, cool, and relatively flat, while the upper stretches involve steeper cable-assisted climbing on exposed rock steps near the waterfalls. Surfaces alternate between boardwalk, packed dirt, and wet limestone, which can be slippery near the falls. Most hikers turn around at the upper cable car station rather than continuing to the very top ridge, since the return descent adds significant time. There are no formal refuge huts along the route, but small rest pavilions with benches are spaced along the lower valley, and the cable car stations offer covered waiting areas. Water sources are limited to the stream itself, which is not treated, so hikers should carry their own supply rather than relying on natural water.