Wudang Mountains

Background

The name Wudang refers both to the whole range south of the Han River, spanning several county-level areas of Shiyan, and to the core peaks around Wudangshan Subdistrict in Danjiangkou, where the Taoist temples and World Heritage buildings are concentrated. Wudang is a famous Taoist mountain, closely tied to the worship of Zhenwu (the Perfected Warrior, Xuantian Shangdi). Taoist buildings here date back to before the Sui and Tang dynasties, were extended in the Song and Yuan, and were built on a large, organized scale in the Ming under the Yongle Emperor; in 1994 the “Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains” was inscribed as World Cultural Heritage. At its Ming height there were a great many palaces and temples, and 53 historic buildings are said to survive today. Wudang martial arts (Wudang boxing, usually taken to include tai chi, xingyi and bagua) are linked to the Taoist tradition of inner alchemy, and at the first national martial arts examination in 1928 they were already grouped alongside the Shaolin styles.

Local customs

• You can climb along the old pilgrims' path, or take scenic-area transport to Qiongtai and then climb to the Golden Summit, visiting Zixiao Palace, Nanyan Palace, Taizi Slope and the Golden Hall (Taihe Palace)
• watch Taoist rituals and martial arts demonstrations at the temples (depending on the day's schedule)
• and enjoy the mountain mists and the view of “seventy-two peaks paying homage to the Golden Summit”.

Travel tips

• The scenic area is large and its sights are spread out, with internal transport connections, so allow more than a full day for a complete visit. Mountain weather changes quickly: check the forecast and bring rain gear and a warm layer
• in peak season the Golden Summit cableway can have long queues, so leave spare time and energy. To get there, travel via Shiyan by high-speed rail, long-distance bus or car to the Wudang Mountain Scenic Area visitor center, then switch to scenic-area transport
• you can climb the Golden Summit section on foot or take the cableway and then walk up a steep flight of stone steps. Routes, schedules, admission and cableway fees follow the scenic area's official announcements.
• Spring and autumn are mild and best for climbing
• summer is often foggy
• in winter there may be snow and ice, so take extra care on slippery steps, and note that the cableway may stop in bad weather.