Wudang Mountain Scenic Area is located in Danjiangkou City, Shiyan, Hubei Province. As a renowned Taoist sacred site, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and national 5A-level tourist attraction, it covers 312 square kilometers with its main peak, Tianzhu Peak, reaching 1,612 meters above sea level. Known as the "Number One Immortal Mountain under Heaven", Wudang Mountain is famous worldwide for its magnificent ancient architecture, profound Taoist culture, exquisite Wudang martial arts, and beautiful natural scenery.
History and Culture
Wudang Mountain's Taoist history dates back to the Eastern Han Dynasty over 2,000 years ago. During the Ming Yongle period (1412), Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di ordered the construction of Taoist architectural complexes, completing 33 sites including 9 palaces, 8 temples, 36 nunneries, and 72 cliff temples in 12 years, creating the grand spectacle of "a nunnery every five li, a palace every ten li, with red walls and green tiles shining brightly".
As the birthplace of Wudang martial arts, Zhang Sanfeng created the internal boxing style emphasizing softness overcoming hardness and stillness controlling movement here. Alongside Shaolin martial arts, Wudang martial arts represent China's two major martial arts schools, listed as national intangible cultural heritage in 2006.
In 1994, Wudang Mountain's ancient architecture was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a "museum of ancient Chinese architectural achievements".
Main Attractions
Golden Hall
Perched atop Tianzhu Peak and built in 1416 (Ming Dynasty), this is Wudang's most famous structure. The entire gilded bronze hall weighs 90 tons, gleaming golden in sunlight. It houses a 10-ton bronze statue of Zhenwu Emperor with exquisite craftsmanship.
Purple Cloud Palace
One of Wudang's best-preserved palaces, initially built during Northern Song Xuanhe period and expanded in Ming Dynasty. With 182 remaining structures, its grand scale and rigorous layout make it Wudang's Taoist activity center.
South Cliff Palace
A Taoist complex built on sheer cliffs, renowned as a "hanging temple". Main structures include Tianyi Zhenqing Palace and Liangyi Hall, with the external Dragon Head Incense Burner being a famous wonder.
Prince Slope
Also called Fuzhen Temple, it's one of Wudang's best-preserved temples. Architectural marvels like its Nine-Bend Yellow River Wall and Twelve Beams on One Pillar represent ancient construction miracles.
Carefree Valley
Wudang's natural scenery highlight featuring deep gorges, babbling streams, and ancient trees. The valley has Wudang martial arts performance areas for visitors.
Qiongtai Temple
One of Wudang's eight major temples, built in Yuan Dynasty as the cableway starting point. Its Yuan-era Sanqing Hall is important for studying Yuan architecture.
Cuisine
Wudang Taoist Vegetarian Cuisine
Characteristic vegetarian dishes mimicking meat in form and taste using bean products, mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables. Nutritious with unique flavors.
Danjiangkou Culter
A premium fish from Danjiangkou Reservoir with tender, delicious meat. Traditional preparations include steamed and braised styles.
Wudang Frozen Tofu
Local specialty bean product made through special freezing process, with firm texture suitable for stewing, stir-frying, or hot pot.
Recommended Nearby Cuisine
Other northwestern Hubei specialties worth trying include Shiyan Three-Delight Soup, Yunyang Sour Noodle Soup, and Zhuxi Steamed Pot, available at nearby restaurants or in downtown Shiyan.
Ticket Information
Admission is 230 yuan per person (including scenic shuttle bus), with Golden Summit cableway round-trip at 150 yuan. Seniors over 60 and students with valid IDs enjoy half-price discounts, while children under 1.2 meters enter free. Real-name ticketing requires ID cards.
Opening Hours
Open year-round from 7:30-17:30 during peak season (March 1-November 30) and 8:00-17:00 during off-season (December 1-end of February). Ticket sales stop one hour before closing at each attraction.
Recommended Itinerary
Suggested two-day itinerary:
Day 1: Visitor Center → Prince Slope → Carefree Valley → Purple Cloud Palace → South Cliff Palace (overnight)
Day 2: South Cliff Palace → Golden Summit → Qiongtai Temple → Return
Time-limited visitors can opt for one-day tours using cableways.
Transportation
- By car: From downtown Shiyan, take Fuyin Expressway to Wudangshan exit, about 40 km
- By high-speed rail: Take high-speed rail to Wudangshan West Station, then transfer by shuttle (about 20 minutes)
- By air: The nearest airport is Shiyan Wudangshan Airport, about 30 km from the scenic area
Must-See Attractions
- Golden Hall: Wudang's iconic architecture, experience the "World's First Golden Hall"
- Purple Cloud Palace: Core site to understand Wudang Taoist culture
- South Cliff Palace: Experience the thrill and wonder of "hanging temple"
- Carefree Valley: Enjoy Wudang martial arts performances amid natural beauty
Travel Tips
- Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather
- Wear comfortable anti-slip hiking shoes for some steep paths
- The large area warrants 2 days for thorough exploration
- Watch Wudang martial arts performances to experience Taoist culture
- Respect Taoist etiquette; maintain quiet solemnity
Precautions
- Mountain weather changes frequently; check forecasts
- Exercise caution on some precipitous paths
- Avoid loud noises in Taoist sites
- Protect cultural relics; no touching or carving
- Secure personal belongings in crowded areas