Yuecheng Lake in Dujiangyan City, Chengdu

Yuecheng Lake (月城湖) is located in the Front Mountain Area of Qingcheng Mountain (Qingcheng Shan, 青城山前山) in Dujiangyan, Chengdu, between Zhangren Peak (Zhangren Feng, 丈人峰) and Qinglong Ridge (Qinglong Gang, 青龙岗). The lake was named after nearby Yuecheng Mountain (月城山). In 1985, a dam was built to create this peaceful mountain lake, with water supplied by mountain streams from Laoxiao Peak (老霄顶). Covering an area of approximately 24,000 square meters, Yuecheng Lake is an important stop along the front mountain route and a must-pass point for visitors taking the Qingcheng Mountain front-area cable car.

The lake is included in the Qingcheng Mountain Front Area entrance ticket, while the boat shuttle costs 5 RMB per person. Surrounded by forests and Taoist cultural landscapes, Yuecheng Lake is also associated with local legends that ancient immortals such as Guiguzi (鬼谷子) and Liu Haichan (刘海蟾) once practiced cultivation and lived in seclusion here.

Best Time to Visit

Seasonal Recommendations

From April to October, the surrounding forests are lush and green, and the lake water becomes especially clear and emerald-colored. The cool mountain climate makes Yuecheng Lake a pleasant summer escape from the heat. From November to March of the following year, visitor numbers are lower, the atmosphere is quieter, and frequent mountain mist creates beautiful reflections on the lake surface, offering excellent conditions for landscape photography.

Best Time of Day

Yuecheng Lake is open during daytime hours from 08:00 to 17:00. Early morning and after rainfall are the best times to enjoy mirror-like reflections of the mountains and forests on the water. The visit usually takes around 20–30 minutes, making it a relaxing stop during a Qingcheng Mountain hiking route.

Transportation and Access

Visitors can enter through the Qingcheng Mountain Front Area entrance and reach Yuecheng Lake by walking for about 15 minutes. The lake is an essential passage point for the cable car route connecting the lower and upper sections of the mountain. Travelers can choose to take the short boat shuttle across the lake or walk along the lakeside trail to the opposite shore without taking the boat.

🌿 Core Attractions and Highlights

Mountain Lake Scenery and Reflections

The biggest attraction of Yuecheng Lake is its peaceful mountain scenery. Surrounded by green peaks and dense forests, the calm lake surface reflects the surrounding landscape like a mirror, creating the classic “Qingcheng Mountain, the most secluded mountain under heaven” atmosphere. The combination of clear water, misty mountains, and ancient forest scenery perfectly represents the quiet beauty of Qingcheng Mountain.

Yuecheng Lake Boat Shuttle

The short boat ride across Yuecheng Lake is a relaxing experience for visitors. Sitting on the water with mountain breezes passing by, travelers can enjoy a gentle transition between different sections of the scenic area while appreciating the surrounding forest landscape from a different perspective.

Lakeside Viewing Corridor

The lakeside viewing corridor provides a comfortable resting area where visitors can enjoy the scenery and look toward Zhangren Peak (丈人峰). It also connects naturally with the cable car route and nearby attractions such as Jianfu Palace (Jianfu Gong, 建福宫), making it a convenient stop during a Qingcheng Mountain exploration.

Taoist Cultural Legends

Beyond its natural scenery, Yuecheng Lake is connected with Taoist legends and the spiritual traditions of Qingcheng Mountain. The surrounding forests and quiet mountain environment allow visitors to experience the unique Taoist atmosphere that has made Qingcheng Mountain an important cultural destination for centuries.

Accommodation and Local Food

Visitors can stay at hotels and guesthouses near the foot of Qingcheng Mountain or in Dujiangyan city. Recommended local specialties include Qingcheng-style cured meat (Qingcheng La Larou, 青城老腊肉), Taoist-style pickled vegetables (Daojia Paocai, 道家泡菜), and traditional tofu dishes such as local douhua (豆花).

Travel Tips

1. The boat ticket is charged separately, and visitors can choose the lakeside walking trail instead, as taking the boat is not mandatory.
2. The lakeside paths can become slippery after rain, so wear comfortable anti-slip shoes and avoid approaching unsafe areas near the water.
3. Protect the natural environment and do not throw waste or other objects into the lake.
4. Boat services may be affected by weather conditions and water levels, and operations may stop during strong winds.
5. Yuecheng Lake is part of Qingcheng Mountain Scenic Area. Visitors should follow scenic area regulations, especially fire prevention rules in the forest environment.