Discover Qingcheng Mountain & Dujiangyan Local Eats: 5 Hidden Restaurants to Replenish Energy After Hiking
After hiking Qingcheng Mountain, your legs might be tired, but your stomach can still enjoy the best local flavors! These 5 hidden restaurants at the mountain base and in Dujiangyan are beloved by locals as “energy recharge stations.” From ginkgo stewed chicken to spicy rabbit head, every dish is full of authentic taste and surprisingly affordable. Perfect for a full-day food tour along Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan.
1. Zhang Rice Wine & Glutinous Rice Cakes (Tai’an Ancient Town, Qingcheng Mountain Back Mountain)
A must-visit local classic, this decades-old shop specializes in glutinous rice cakes and rice wine soup. Their signature brown sugar glutinous rice cakes are hand-pounded, coated with homemade soybean powder and sesame, and drizzled with thick brown sugar syrup—soft, sweet, and delightfully chewy. The fermented rice wine with egg flower soup is warming and refreshing, perfect after a long hike. Average price: ¥10 per person. The shop is located right at the entrance of Tai’an Ancient Town, just a short walk from the back mountain exit. Peak times can be busy, so visit during off-peak hours.
2. Qingcheng Jia (Qingcheng Mountain Front Mountain)
Nestled beside the mountains and river, this serene restaurant offers glass rooms with stunning mountain views. Signature dishes include:
Ginkgo Stewed Chicken: Slow-cooked with local free-range chicken and ginkgo nuts for 3 hours, flavorful but not oily, tender and nourishing.
Aromatic Fish with Herb Bean Paste: Freshwater fish cooked with local herbs, fragrant and spicy.
Smoked Bacon Fried Rice: Locally smoked bacon adds a rich flavor to perfectly cooked rice, replenishing energy after hiking.
Average price: ¥80 per person. Great for families or groups. Reservations recommended; self-driving access is convenient.
3. You Rabbit Head (West Street, Dujiangyan)
A local favorite for over 30 years, offering signature rabbit head in two flavors: five-spice and spicy-sichuan pepper. The five-spice rabbit head is rich and savory with a hint of peanut sauce, while the spicy version is flavorful and numbing without overwhelming saltiness. Pair with braised chicken feet and a cold beer for the perfect combo. Average price: ¥35 per person. The shop is near Dujiangyan scenic area, ideal for a quick stop after sightseeing. Vacuum packaging available for souvenirs.
4. Li’s Pig Blood Hotpot (Next to You Rabbit Head)
This hidden gem is famous among locals for its authentic blood hotpot dishes. Highlights:
Fresh Pig Blood Hotpot: Smooth and flavorful, perfect with rice.
Stir-fried Liver & Kidney: Clean, tender, and savory.
Twice-Cooked Pork: Rich, slightly spicy, and pairs perfectly with rice.
Average price: ¥40 per person. Small shop, great for an authentic local experience.
5. Lao Smoked Bacon Village (Qingcheng Front Gate)
Specializing in local smoked bacon dishes. Bacon is smoked over pine wood for a flavorful, slightly chewy texture without greasiness. Must-try:
Smoked Bacon Fried Rice: Rice grains coated with bacon aroma, served with sauerkraut soup to balance flavors.
Wild Vegetable Scrambled Eggs: Freshly picked Qingcheng mountain vegetables, nutritious and fragrant.
Average price: ¥50 per person. Located at the scenic area entrance, convenient for self-driving visitors. Bacon can be vacuum-packed to take home.
Suggested Route: Qingcheng Mountain Back Mountain → Zhang Rice Wine → Qingcheng Jia → Dujiangyan Scenic Area → You Rabbit Head → Li’s Pig Blood Hotpot → Lao Smoked Bacon Village. One-day tour perfect for hiking and local cuisine. Driving is convenient, with beautiful scenery along the way. Smoked bacon and rabbit head can be vacuum-packed for 3–5 days, ideal as souvenirs for friends and family.
Whether you are a foodie or a cultural traveler, this Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan food tour combines breathtaking scenery with authentic Sichuan flavors, making your weekend trip unforgettable. Book your guided tour with Chengdu Travel Agency to explore hidden local cuisine, traditional dishes, scenic hiking trails, and unique cultural experiences in Sichuan.
