Wudang Mountain
Spot Introduction
Wudang Mountain is a famous Taoist mountain, known for its Ming Dynasty architectural complex, which is considered the essence of ancient Chinese architectural art. This place is not only a Taoist holy land but also the birthplace of Wudang martial arts, integrating natural beauty with cultural landscapes.
Historically known as “Taihe Mountain”, Wudang Mountain is located in the northwest of Hubei Province, covering a total area of 312 square kilometers. As the leader of the four famous Taoist mountains in China, Wudang Mountain has been the ashram of Zhenwu Emperor, a Taoist deity, since the Tang Dynasty. During the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di “built the Forbidden City in the north and repaired Wudang in the south”. It took 12 years to complete 33 architectural complexes, including 9 palaces, 8 temples, 36 nunneries, and 72 grotto temples, forming a magnificent scene of “a nunnery every five miles and a palace every ten miles, with red walls and green tiles shining brightly”.
The ancient buildings of Wudang Mountain are skillfully laid out according to the terrain, perfectly integrating architecture with nature. Among them, buildings such as the Golden Hall, Zixiao Palace, and Nanyan Palace are considered models of ancient Chinese architecture. The Golden Hall is entirely made of copper and gilded, still shining brightly after 600 years. The Zixiao Palace is magnificent and is the most complete existing Ming Dynasty palace and temple complex. The Nanyan Palace, built on a cliff, features a dragon-head censer, which is a remarkable architectural wonder.
As the birthplace of Wudang martial arts, Wudang Mountain gave birth to the internal martial arts represented by Tai Chi, Xingyiquan, and Bagua. Zhang Sanfeng founded the Wudang sect here, making Wudang martial arts and Shaolin martial arts known as “Shaolin in the north and Wudang in the south”. Every year, a large number of martial arts enthusiasts come here to learn and pay homage.
The natural landscapes of Wudang Mountain are also breathtaking. The magnificent scenery of “72 peaks facing the main peak” is composed of 72 peaks, 36 cliffs, 24 streams, 11 caves, 3 ponds, and 9 springs. The main peak, Tianzhu Peak, with an elevation of 1612 meters, is known as the “pillar supporting the sky”.
Spot Introduction
The natural wonders such as sea of clouds, sunrise, and rime will leave you lingering.
Nowadays, Wudang Mountain is not only a world cultural heritage site but also a comprehensive tourist destination integrating Taoist culture, ancient architectural art, martial arts inheritance, and natural landscapes. It attracts millions of tourists every year for pilgrimage and sightseeing.
Must-visit Attractions
Jinding (Golden Summit)
- Golden Hall
- Bronze Hall
- Suggested visiting time: 120 minutes
Zixiao Palace
- Taoist temples
- Ancient building complex
- Suggested visiting time: 90 minutes
Taizipo
- Ming Dynasty architecture
- Taoist relics
- Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes
Nanyan Palace
- Cliff-side architecture
- Cliff path
- Suggested visiting time: 90 minutes
Visiting Suggestions
Best Touring Route
- Day 1: Taizipo - Zixiao Palace
- Day 2: Jinding (Golden Summit) - Nanyan Palace
- It is recommended to stay on the mountain
Visiting Schedule
- Watch the sea of clouds in the morning
- Visit the palaces in the afternoon
- Observe the starry sky in the evening
Practical Tips
- Keep warm and cold-proof
- Carry an oxygen tank
- Wear hiking boots
Transportation Guide
- Airplane: Shiyan Wudang Mountain Airport
- Train: Wudang Mountain Station
- Automobile: Wudang Mountain Tourist Line
- Ropeway: Jinding Ropeway, Yuxu Ropeway
Recommended Foods Around
- Wudang Vegetarian Meal
- Taoist Health Meal
- Wudang Preserved Ham
- Shiyan Noodles
Special Reminders
- Keep warm and cold-proof
- Wear non-slip footwear
- Carry an oxygen tank
- Bring dry food
- Check the weather
- Book accommodation ahead of time
- Respect the Taoist priests
- Stay safe.