Nanqiao Bridge
An ancient bridge full of historic charm, now a popular photo spot thanks to its stunning “blue tears” phenomenon. Every night, blue lights shine on the lake,…
Nanqiao Bridge, Chengdu
Key facts
- Getting there
- Near the Dujiangyan scenic area (bus stop)
- Guidebook rating
- 3 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 340. Open in Google Maps
About Nanqiao Bridge
An ancient bridge full of historic charm, now a popular photo spot thanks to its stunning “blue tears” phenomenon. Every night, blue lights shine on the lake, turning its surface into what looks like blue tears, a deeply romantic sight.
Tips from the guidebook
- During the rainy season each year, rafting may be closed for a period due to geological hazards. Before you go, check the weather forecast or call ahead to confirm.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Nanqiao Bridge?
Near the Dujiangyan scenic area (bus stop)
Where is Nanqiao Bridge?
Nanqiao Bridge is in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, in the Southwest of China. Outside the main gate of the Dujiangyan scenic area
More places in Chengdu
Dujiangyan
A great ancient water conservancy project. Thanks to Dujiangyan, the thousands of miles of flat land on the Chengdu Plain and the reputation of the “Land of Abundance” were made possible. It is known as the brilliant pearl of ancient hydraulic engineering.
¥80 · 3–5 hours
Mount Qingcheng
“Cave Paradise and Blessed Land,” “Earthly Paradise” and “The Most Secluded Place Under Heaven” are all used to praise Mount Qingcheng, and few can resist its charm. Mount Qingcheng is one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China and is a famous Taoist mountain. It is divided into the Front Mountain and the Back Mountain. The Front Mountain boasts beautiful scenery and numerous cultural relics. The Back Mountain’s natural scenery is mysterious and enchanting, primitive and splendid, like a peach-blossom paradise removed from the world. Only by reaching the Back Mountain will you understand the meaning of “the most secluded place under heaven.” It seems the tranquility of the entire Chengdu Plain originates from here.
Front Mountain ¥80; Back Mountain ¥20 Jinli Cableway: ¥30 per person one way, ¥55 per person round trip Route: Feiquanfang → Shisuntang (by cableway) Baiyun Cableway: ¥35 per person one way, ¥60 per person round trip Route: Youyicun → Baiyun Temple (by cableway) Ferry: Cuiying Lake ferry ¥2 · 3–5 hours
Jiezi Ancient Town
Jiezi Ancient Town sits at the back of Qingcheng Mountain (青城后山), nestled between hills and water. Green ridges stretch along the horizon, and clear streams flow year-round, earning it the nickname 'Water Town of West Sichuan.' The guesthouse recommended on the variety show Day Day Up, Yuangui Inn (远归客栈), is located here. From Qingcheng Mountain, you can walk straight down from the back mountain to Jiezi Ancient Town.
Free · 3–5 hours
Sanxingdui Museum
The Sanxingdui site in Guanghan, near Chengdu, was discovered in 1931. The large number of artifacts unearthed there, including gold objects, bronzes, jade, pottery and ivory, bear distinctive hallmarks of Bashu culture. Some are simple and archaic, others mysterious and strange, and all carry a powerful artistic impact.
¥72 · 2–3 hours
Mount Siguniang, Wolong
The sunrises and sunsets here are breathtaking enough to move you to the core. Mount Siguniang belongs to the Qionglai Mountains, and its main peak, Yaomei Peak (幺妹峰), rises to 6,240 metres. The mountain is made up of four adjoining snowy peaks that stay blanketed in white all year round, looking like four beautiful maidens in white dresses among the mountains, which is how it got its name. Known for its steep, towering grandeur, Siguniang is often called 'the Alps of China.' Mount Siguniang consists of three valleys: Changping Gou (长坪沟), Shuangqiao Gou (双桥沟) and Haizi Gou (海子沟), with most of the main sights concentrated in Changping Gou. Wolong Nature Reserve, home of the giant panda, lies on both banks of the Pitiao Gou valley on the eastern slope of Mount Siguniang. Pitiao Gou, also called Wolong Gou, is a swift river that rushes down in a single long descent.
Shuangqiao Gou: ¥180; Haizi Gou: ¥60; Changping Gou: ¥70; Wolong Panda Base: ¥60; Giant Panda Museum: ¥20; Giant Panda Garden: ¥90 · Mount Siguniang: 2–3 days; Wolong Nature Reserve: 2–3 hours
Mount Emei Scenic Area
“Higher than the Five Great Mountains, most splendid under heaven.” Mount Emei is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains of China. Among the country's famous scenic mountains, it is arguably the tallest, its main peak, Wanfo Golden Summit (万佛金顶), rising to 3,099 metres above sea level. Baoguo Temple (报国寺) is the gateway to Mount Emei and the point every visitor passes, whether arriving by bus or on foot. From the summit, on a clear day, you can make out the silver peaks of the Gongga Snow Mountain hundreds of kilometres away. At the Duguang Terrace (睹光台) on Golden Summit, visitors can witness four spectacular natural phenomena: the magnificent sea of clouds, sunrise, the “Buddha's Light” (佛光) unique to Mount Emei, and the Sacred Lantern (圣灯). Halfway up the mountain are two highlights: Wannian Temple (万年寺) and Qingyin Pavilion (清音阁). Near Qingyin Pavilion, the “One Line Sky” (一线天) path is regularly visited by troops of monkeys. The traditional Ten Scenes of Mount Emei are: Golden Summit Auspicious Light, Elephant Pool Moonlit Night, Nine Elders' Immortal Abode, Snow over Daping, Dawn Rain at Hongchun, Autumn Wind at Baishui, Clear Music over the Twin Bridges, Verdant Peaks at Lingyan, Clear Clouds over Luo Peak, and Evening Bell at Shengji. Just from their names they sound beautiful, but due to natural weather conditions and environmental changes, only seven survive today, and it is very hard to see all of them in one visit. As a result, a set of New Ten Scenes has been proposed: Golden Buddha of Golden Summit, Ten Thousand Buddhas Paying Homage, Xiaoping Romance, Light through One Line Sky, Monkeys in the Secluded Valley, Clear Music Lake, First Mountain Pavilion, Wushu Town, Pearl Lake Embraced by Greenery, and Health and Beauty Lake.
Entrance ticket: ¥160 in peak season, ¥110 in off-season. Golden Summit cable car: peak season ¥65 up, ¥55 down; off-season ¥30 up, ¥20 down. Wannian cable car: peak season ¥65 up, ¥45 down; off-season ¥30 up, ¥20 down. Temple admission fees also apply: Baoguo Temple ¥8, Fuhu Temple ¥8, Wannian Temple ¥10. Skiing ¥120 per person per hour. · 1–3 days