Wuyi Mountain Scenic Area is located in Wuyishan City, Nanping, Fujian Province. As a national 5A-level tourist attraction and UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site covering 999.75 square kilometers, it features four distinctive characteristics: Danxia landform, Nine-bend Stream, Wuyi rock tea, and Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucianism culture. Known as "Green Waters and Red Mountains" and "The Most Spectacular Scenery in Southeast China", it's a famous landscape cultural tourism destination.
History and Culture
With over 4,000 years of history, Wuyi Mountain is one of the birthplaces of ancient Yue culture. During the Western Han Dynasty, Emperor Wu sent envoys to worship Lord Wuyi here. In the Southern Song Dynasty, philosopher Zhu Xi established academies here, teaching and writing for 50 years, making Wuyi Mountain the cradle of Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucianism.
Wuyi Mountain is also one of the origins of Chinese tea culture. The production technique of Wuyi rock tea (Da Hong Pao) is listed as national intangible cultural heritage. Since the Tang Dynasty, Wuyi tea has been a royal tribute and exported overseas via the Maritime Silk Road.
As one of Taoism's 36 sacred grotto-heavens, Wuyi Mountain has a long Taoist tradition, preserving sites like Wuyi Palace and Taoyuan Cave, embodying the philosophy of "harmony between man and nature".
Main Attractions
Nine-bend Stream
The soul of Wuyi Mountain, this 9.5km stream winds through nine bends around mountains. Bamboo rafting here is the most characteristic activity, offering views of Danxia wonders like Dawang Peak and Yunü Peak, creating the poetic scene of "boating on emerald water, people traveling in paintings".
Tianyou Peak
At 408.8 meters, Tianyou Peak is the scenic area's center. The summit provides panoramic views of Nine-bend Stream and Danxia landform. Xu Xiake praised it as "able to enjoy all nine bends without approaching the stream, this peak deserves to be first". The observation deck and teahouse atop are perfect for sunrise and sea of clouds.
Da Hong Pao Scenic Area
Famous for the mother trees of "Da Hong Pao" (the king of Wuyi rock tea), this area preserves six 360-year-old mother trees. The Tea Culture Museum and Jiulongke Tea Garden allow visitors to learn about Wuyi rock tea production and taste authentic Da Hong Pao.
Wuyi Palace
Built in the Tang Dynasty as Wuyi Mountain's oldest Taoist temple, it became a nationally renowned Taoist center after Song Dynasty expansion. The current Qing Dynasty structures include Sanqing Hall and Jade Emperor Pavilion, set among ancient trees in tranquil surroundings.
Thread of Sky
Wuyi Mountain's most peculiar canyon landscape stretches 200 meters with the narrowest point just 30cm wide, revealing only a thread of sky. The cool, quiet canyon features dozens of historical cliff carvings with high aesthetic value.
Featured Activities
Nine-bend Stream Bamboo Rafting
This classic 1.5-hour rafting trip on traditional bamboo rafts with boatmen's commentary offers comprehensive appreciation of Wuyi's landscape beauty.
Wuyi Tea Culture Experience
Visitors can participate in tea picking, processing, and tasting to understand Wuyi rock tea's unique production techniques and profound Chinese tea culture.
Zhu Xi Culture Study Tour
This program includes visits to Zhu Xi Memorial Hall and Ziyang Academy to learn Neo-Confucianism and experience traditional Chinese culture.
Local Cuisine and Specialties
Wuyi Rock Tea
One of China's top ten teas, especially famous for Da Hong Pao with unique "rock bone floral aroma", it's a must-buy specialty.
Langu Smoked Goose
A traditional dish made with local geese smoked using Wuyi's unique techniques, featuring tender meat and rich smoky aroma.
Wengong Dish
A Wuyi specialty allegedly created by Zhu Xi, this layered dish of pork belly, lotus seeds, and red dates symbolizes "rising step by step".
Ticket Information
Separate tickets apply: main scenic area 140 yuan/person; bamboo rafting 130 yuan/person. Open 7:30-17:00, recommended visiting time 2-3 days. A 3-day combo ticket (including main area and rafting) costs 365 yuan/person.
Recommended Tour Route
Two-day itinerary: Day 1: Bamboo rafting → Wuyi Palace → Song Street → Impression Da Hong Pao show; Day 2: Tianyou Peak → Thread of Sky → Da Hong Pao area → Water Curtain Cave. This route fully experiences Wuyi's nature and culture.
Transportation Guide
- High-speed rail: To Wuyishan North Station, about 15km from scenic area
- Flight: Wuyishan Airport has flights to/from major domestic cities
- Self-driving: From Nanping via Ningshang Expressway, about 1.5 hours
Must-See Attractions
- Nine-bend Stream bamboo rafting - Best way to appreciate Wuyi landscape
- Tianyou Peak - Perfect vantage point for panoramic views
- Da Hong Pao area - Core zone to understand Wuyi rock tea culture
Travel Tips
- Best seasons are spring and autumn; sun protection needed in summer
- Book rafting in advance, preferably in morning for best light
- Wear comfortable sports shoes as some sites require hiking
- Allow time for tea tasting to experience tea culture
- Watch "Impression Da Hong Pao" night show
Precautions
- Protect environment - no smoking in scenic area
- Follow boatmen's instructions during rafting for safety
- Respect tea ceremony etiquette - keep quiet during tasting
- Be extra careful on slippery mountain paths in rain
- Purchase tea only from licensed stores with receipts