Wugong Mountain Scenic Area is located in Luxi County, Pingxiang City, Jiangxi Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, national scenic area, and national geopark. Covering 970 square kilometers, its main peak Baihefeng stands at 1,918.3 meters - the highest in Jiangxi. Famous for "alpine meadows in clouds, ancient sacrificial rituals, mountain waterfalls, and peculiar peaks", it boasts 100,000 mu (6,667 hectares) of alpine meadows, 36 waterfalls, and 48 peaks over 1,000 meters, earning the reputation "grassland in clouds, paradise for outdoor activities".
History and Culture
With profound history, Wugong Mountain has been a sacred site for Taoism and Buddhism since the Han and Jin Dynasties. At its peak, over 100 temples existed; remaining sites include Baihe Temple and Gexian Altar. Historical figures like Ge Hong and Xu Xiake left their footprints here. Ming Dynasty geographer Xu Xiake praised it as "jade hairpins of towering peaks" in his travel notes. It's also an origin of Chinese folk heaven-worship culture, preserving unique ancient sacrificial traditions.
The mountain's religious culture flourishes, especially Taoism. Legend says Ge Hong practiced alchemy here during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Buddhism also thrived - Baihe Temple built in Tang Dynasty is among its oldest temples. The harmonious coexistence of both religions creates unique cultural landscapes.
Wugong Mountain is also a revolutionary base where leaders like Peng Dehuai conducted guerrilla warfare. Preserved Red Army caves and slogans serve as important patriotic education sites.
Main Attractions
Golden Summit
The 1,918.3-meter summit (Jiangxi's highest) features Baihe Temple built in Tang Dynasty, offering perfect sunrise and sea-of-clouds views. At dawn, clouds churn as the red sun emerges spectacularly; clear days reveal Hunan and Jiangxi landscapes. Ancient altars and Ge Hong's alchemy well remain here.
Alpine Meadows
The 100,000-mu meadows above 1,600 meters are southern China's largest. Spring-summer brings green carpets of wildflowers; autumn golden hues; winter snow covers. Strewn with peculiar rocks and pines, this "grassland in clouds" presents unique scenery.
Cloud-issuing Boundary
At 1,628 meters, this best cloud-viewing spot features ever-changing mists - sometimes like raging waves, other times light veils. Post-rain clearings often reveal spectacular "waterfall clouds". Pristine forests here maintain excellent ecology.
Red Valley Waterfalls
This 5km-long valley contains 36 waterfalls, the tallest plunging 120 meters. Typical Danxia landforms create striking red-rock/blue-water contrasts. Cool summers make it ideal for escaping heat.
Wugong Mountain Cableway
Asia's steepest cableway spans 2,888 meters with 1,347-meter elevation difference. The 20-minute ride overlooks magnificent landscapes, reaching Zhong'an Temple while saving hiking time and energy.
Cuisine
Pingxiang Smoked Pork
This traditional dish uses quality pork smoked with tea branches and rice husks. The firm, aromatic meat can be steamed, stir-fried, or stewed. Local farmhouses often serve it.
Wugong Mountain Bamboo Shoots
Grown above 800 meters, these tender shoots benefit from unique climate and soil. Enjoy them stir-fried, in salads or soups - a crisp spring delicacy.
Rice Tofu
This Pingxiang specialty, made from rice milk, has smooth texture for cold dishes, braising or soups. Street vendors near the scenic area sell it.
Nearby Cuisine
Pingxiang also offers Lotus Blood Duck, Spicy Fish, and Ai Rice Cakes. Visitors can explore these flavors after mountain tours.
Ticket Information
Admission: 70 yuan (discounts for students/seniors). Cableway: 65 yuan up/55 yuan down. Sightseeing bus: 30 yuan. Hours: 8:00-17:00 (peak season), 8:30-16:30 (off season).
Recommended Itinerary
Two-day suggestion: Day 1 - cableway up, visit Zhong'an Temple and Red Valley Waterfalls, overnight atop; Day 2 - sunrise at Golden Summit, explore meadows and Cloud-issuing Boundary before descending. One-day option: cableway round-trip focusing on summit and meadows.
Transportation
- Airplane: Nearest is Yichun Mingyueshan Airport (~80km away)
- High-speed rail: To Pingxiang North Station, then tourist shuttle (~1.5 hours)
- Self-driving: ~3 hours from Nanchang via Shanghai-Kunming Expressway
- Internal transport: Cableway and sightseeing buses connect main sites
Must-see Attractions
- Golden Summit: Jiangxi's highest at 1,918.3m for sunrise/clouds
- Alpine Meadows: Vast 100,000-mu grasslands with seasonal beauty
- Cloud-issuing Boundary: Best cloud views with waterfall cloud wonders
- Red Valley Waterfalls: 36 magnificent waterfalls
- Wugong Cableway: Among Asia's steepest with panoramic views
Travel Tips
- Best season: May-October (meadows prettiest June-August)
- Suggested duration: 2 days for in-depth exploration
- Bring jackets for cooler mountain temperatures
- Wear comfortable anti-slip hiking shoes
- Prepare sun protection - strong UV at high altitudes
- Combo tickets save money
Precautions
- Protect environment - no littering
- Follow rules - no entering restricted areas
- Pack rain gear for changeable mountain weather
- Secure personal belongings
- Check cableway operation in advance (weather-dependent)
- Walk carefully on rainy days