Qing Cheng Mountain Taoist Temple Yuanminggong Inn

I highly recommend the Daoxiang Twin Room. It has a balcony with a view of the mountains opposite, which I personally find more expansive than the 'balcony mountain view' rooms. There are eight or nine different types of small flowers by the entrance, and even a 320-year-old Phoebe zhennan tree.

The room was spacious, and the surroundings were tranquil and elegant, with fresh air and ancient trees over a hundred years old. There was noticeable humidity in the room, and no air conditioning. The slippers, toothbrushes, and hairdryer were comparable to what you'd find in a four-star hotel in our county. It was very cold at night; even with thermal underwear, a sweatshirt, and a jacket, it was uncomfortable to sit still. We ended up turning on the electric blanket early and snuggling under the covers. Meals were provided in the morning and evening, with a good mix of meat and vegetables. The food was a bit oily but delicious, and the steamed buns were excellent. There was a morning class available. Getting around was a bit inconvenient as transportation was needed, and some parts of the walking path were muddy. On the second day, we went to the scenic area, taking a small path from Yuqing Palace to Shangqing Palace. We bought tickets at the locked gate and went straight up to Laojun Hall. It didn't rain, but it was foggy, and the path was damp. We eventually descended via the western route, which had very steep and difficult stairs. Therefore, for visiting the scenic area, I'd recommend entering from the west at the bottom of the mountain and taking the cable car down on the east side instead.

This was an amazing experience! The hotel is actually a Taoist temple, so you stay and eat with the masters. The food was especially good, mainly because the ingredients were fresh and grown by the masters and disciples themselves in the small vegetable garden in front.

The environment is fantastic, a rare find for peace and quiet. The Taoist priests are also very kind; you can even join them for tea.

The room was very clean and tidy. There's a tree right outside the balcony, which made sitting out there really pleasant and relaxing.

Let me give an objective review. If you're just sightseeing and want to have a good time, there's absolutely no need to stay in a Taoist temple. Mount Qingcheng has plenty of other accommodation options. However, if you're interested in culture or looking for a relaxing, health-focused getaway, then a Taoist temple is a really excellent choice. The atmosphere there is incredibly comforting; in the mornings, you hear birds chirping, and all you see are green trees – it's truly therapeutic. The three meals a day, cooked in a large wood-fired pot, are also quite delicious. But if you want to experience Taoist culture and stay deep in the mountains, while also demanding exceptionally good accommodation, that's being a bit too greedy. The beds are absolutely clean, my neighbors weren't noisy at night, the room had heating, and everything was very clean. They clean daily; I saw the auntie carrying the sheets to be washed. But no matter what, the accommodation facilities simply can't be as convenient as those down the mountain. It's unrealistic to expect both a secluded mountain retreat and exceptionally convenient and comfortable conditions. You can't have both. I stayed in the Taoist temple for three days for a vacation, and after leaving, I felt much more relaxed in body and mind. Of course, if you're just visiting and in a hurry to move on, there's no need to travel all the way up the mountain; Pingle Ancient Town and Dujiangyan down below are perfectly fine.

It was truly primitive, nestled deep in the mountains and forests. The buildings were hundreds of years old, as were the rooms, yet they were still fully equipped and comfortable. We ate lunch and dinner with the senior students; the food was delicious, and the environment was so rustic! It was a unique experience, and I'm grateful to Yuanming Palace for providing the accommodation.