Yuleishan Park in Dujiangyan City, Chengdu

Mount Yulei Park (玉垒山公园) is located in Dujiangyan, Chengdu, and forms an important part of the Dujiangyan Scenic Area (都江堰景区). Standing beside the Min River and adjacent to Guanxian Ancient Town (灌县古城), the mountain has historically served as the starting point of the ancient Songmao Route (松茂古道). The park preserves Ming Dynasty city walls, ancient mountain passes, and Taoist architectural complexes. From the summit, visitors can enjoy a complete panoramic view of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System (都江堰水利工程). The entrance is included in the Dujiangyan Scenic Area ticket package, with no separate admission fee required.

Best Time to Visit Mount Yulei Park

Seasonal Highlights

From March to November, the mountain is covered with lush vegetation and offers pleasant conditions for hiking and sightseeing. Spring and autumn are especially comfortable seasons for climbing and enjoying panoramic views of the Min River Valley.

From December to February, visitor numbers are lower, creating a quieter atmosphere. However, the weather is cooler, and mountain fog is more common, adding a mysterious mood to the ancient landscape.

Recommended Visiting Hours

The park is open during the daytime from 08:00 to 18:00 (17:30 closing time during the low season). Morning is the best time for photography because the light is softer and clearer, making it ideal for capturing the full panorama of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. A complete visit usually takes around 1.5–2.5 hours.

Transportation Guide

Visitors can enter Mount Yulei Park through the Yulei Mountain Square entrance (玉垒山广场) near Guanxian Ancient Town, or climb the mountain from the Qin Yan Tower (秦堰楼) entrance inside the Dujiangyan Scenic Area.

From Chengdu, take a high-speed train from Xipu Station (犀浦站) to Lidui Park Station (离堆公园站), then take a taxi to the scenic area. The main way to explore the park is by walking along mountain paths and stone steps. Visitors can also take the escalator to Yulei Pavilion (玉垒阁) to reduce the amount of climbing.

🏞️ Core Attractions and Highlights

Yulei Pavilion (玉垒阁)

Yulei Pavilion is the highest viewing point on Mount Yulei and the best place to admire the entire Dujiangyan Irrigation System. From here, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Fish Mouth (鱼嘴), Flying Sand Weir (飞沙堰), Bottle-Neck Channel (宝瓶口), and the winding Min River (岷江). It is considered one of the best viewpoints for photographing the complete landscape of Dujiangyan.

Yulei Pass and Xiguan Ming Dynasty City Wall (玉垒关、西关明城墙)

Yulei Pass was an important ancient mountain gateway with the reputation of being a strategic defensive location, known as “Yulei guarding the pass, impossible for thousands of soldiers to break through.” As part of the ancient Tea Horse Road network, the pass retains well-preserved Ming Dynasty city wall ruins. The open mountain position provides excellent views over the Min River Valley.

Chenghuang Temple (城隍庙 / Shidian 十殿)

Chenghuang Temple is a traditional western Sichuan Taoist architectural complex featuring red walls, ancient buildings, and traditional painted sculptures. It is a popular location for visitors interested in historical architecture and traditional Chinese aesthetics.

Songmao Ancient Road (松茂古道)

The Songmao Ancient Road is a thousand-year-old stone-paved route that once connected Sichuan with Tibetan areas as part of ancient trade networks. Surrounded by old cypress trees and traditional mountain teahouses, the trail offers an authentic atmosphere of the ancient western Sichuan caravan routes.

Douxi Platform (斗犀台)

Douxi Platform is associated with the legend of Li Bing fighting a rhinoceros during the construction of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. Located beside the Min River, it provides a scenic riverside viewpoint where visitors can observe the powerful flow of the river.

Accommodation and Local Food

Visitors can stay in hotels in Dujiangyan city area or boutique guesthouses in Guanxian Ancient Town (灌县古城). Recommended local specialties include Dujiangyan Zhazhā Noodles (都江堰渣渣面), traditional Sichuan cured pork (老腊肉), and Bingfen jelly dessert (冰粉).

Travel Tips and Important Notes

1. Mount Yulei mainly consists of stone-step mountain paths, so visitors should wear comfortable and non-slip shoes suitable for climbing.
2. Some sections have steep slopes. Elderly travelers and children should assess their physical condition and may use the escalator to reduce climbing difficulty.
3. The mountain forest has dense vegetation. Visitors must strictly follow fire prevention regulations and avoid using open flames.
4. The mountain area often experiences rain and mist, so carrying rain gear is recommended.
5. Historical structures, painted sculptures, and city wall remains are protected cultural relics. Do not carve, touch, or damage them.