CHINA EXPERIENCE
Enjoying a hot pot feast beneath a ginkgo tree is a defining scene in the hit Chinese animated film All Wishes Come True! The ginkgo tree is inspired by the 1,900-year-old one tucked away on Mount Qingcheng in Southwest China’s Sichuan province.
From the foot of Tianshi Cave, set-jetters flock there by taking a 40-minute uphill walk through lush greenery and cool, refreshing mountain air before the ancient ginkgo tree comes into view.
Red ribbons are tied to the tree’s branches, adding a vibrant touch to the weathered trunk. In autumn, the tree’s leaves turn a brilliant golden yellow, creating an especially enchanting scene for photographers and nature lovers.
Yet Mount Qingcheng’s allure goes well beyond a single film or a single tree. As the birthplace of Chinese Taoism, it is imbued with a rich mythic heritage.
According to legend, Zhang Ling, founder of an early school of Taoism (Tianshidao), planted the ginkgo tree during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220). The tree has become a living symbol of Mount Qingcheng’s Taoist legacy. Other folklore has it that the peak of Mount Qingcheng was once a sacred retreat where Xiwangmu, the Queen Mother of the West, cultivated her spirit.
Whether you come for the ancient tree, cinematic inspiration, Taoist culture, or simply a peaceful mountain escape, the journey to this living piece of history is well worth the climb.
Who it’s for
Ideal for: Lovers of nature-meets-history, photographers seeking vibrant vistas, and film buffs inspired by cinematic magic.
Not for: Those unwilling to climb steep pathways or venture into forested solitude.
Best time to visit
Plan your trip between late autumn and early winter, from late October to mid-December, when the ginkgo tree shimmers in golden hues.
Don’t miss
1. Make the ascent: Trek for 40 minutes to the ancient ginkgo tree and envelop yourself in both nature and history.
2. Tie a ribbon of hope: Add your wish alongside thousands fluttering in the breeze at the immortal ginkgo tree.
3. Tour the temples: Experience rich Taoist architecture across Mount Qingcheng.
4. Enter the story: Mount Qingcheng has been cast in the spotlight in many popular productions. Relive scenes from the hit film All Wishes Come True! or the 1986 TV series Journey to the West, and enjoy identical natural scenery and architecture appearing in the 2016 Hollywood blockbuster Kung Fu Panda 3.
Before you go
Wear sturdy shoes for uneven paths. Keep water and snacks handy, and remember that the higher you go, the fewer distractions — but also fewer vendors.
Practical essentials
Mount Qingcheng
Address: No 168 Qingchengshan Lu, Qingchengshan town, Dujiangyan, Chengdu, Sichuan province
Opening hours:
May 1-Sept 30: 8 am-6 pm
Oct 1-April 30: 8 am-5:30 pm
Admission:
Front Mountain: 80 yuan ($11.85)/person
Back Mountain: 20 yuan/person
Getting there:
Search for “Qingcheng Mountain Comprehensive Parking Lot” (青城山综合停车场) or “Qingcheng Mountain P2 Parking Lot” (青城山P2停车场) in your navigation app. It takes about one hour by car from downtown Chengdu via the Chengdu-Dujiangyan Expressway.