Wudang Mountain Scenic Area

Historical Overview

Wudang’s Taoist roots trace back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), but its golden age began under Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty (1403–1424), who ordered the construction of 33 palaces, 72 temples, and 36 nunneries to honor the True Martial God (Zhenwu). Over 130,000 workers toiled for 12 years, crafting structures that fused Taoist cosmology with mountain terrain. The site survived wars, fires, and cultural revolutions, with restorations in the 1980s reviving its glory. Today, it hosts annual Taoist rituals and martial arts Festivals, attracting pilgrims and practitioners worldwide.

Structural Layout

The scenic area is divided into five zones:

Golden Summit Zone:Home to the Golden Hall, Purple Heaven Palace (Zixiao Gong), and Signaling the Moon Platform (Yuehuatai).

Nanyan Rock Zone:Features the Prince Slope Palace (Nanyan Gong) and Five Dragon Palace (Wulong Gong), carved into cliffs.

Xuanyue Gate Zone:The entrance gateway with Taiji Lake and Sword Valley (Jianxia).

Laojun Rock Zone:Known for the Old君阁 (Laojunge) and Flying Rock Temple (Feishi Gong).

Taihe Palace Zone:The administrative hub with Taihe Palace (Taihe Gong) and Golden Tortoise Mountain (Jinguishan).

Major Attractions

Golden Hall (Zijin Dian):A 16-ton gilded copper temple on the Tianzhu Peak, forged in 1416 using 20 tons of copper and gold.

Purple Heaven Palace (Zixiao Gong):The largest Taoist complex, with a 72-meter-long Dragon Wall and 1,500 carved wooden beams.

Prince Slope Palace (Nanyan Gong):A cliff-side temple accessible via 35-meter-high stone steps, offering panoramic views.

Flying Rock Temple (Feishi Gong):A 1,000-year-old temple suspended between two boulders, linked by a wooden bridge.

Sword Valley (Jianxia):A narrow gorge where Taoist hermits once practiced swordplay and meditation.

Tai Chi Lake:A serene lake surrounded by pines, ideal for morning tai chi sessions.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Route (5–6 Hours):

Xuanyue Gate → Tai Chi Lake → Purple Heaven Palace → Golden Hall (cable car up/walk down) → Prince Slope Palace → Sword Valley.

Highlights: Iconic temples, cable car ride, and cliff-top vistas.

Extended Route (Full Day):

Classic Route + Flying Rock Temple (trek 2 hours) → Laojun Rock → Five Dragon Palace → Night Meditation at Taihe Palace.

Highlights: Off-the-beaten-path temples, trekking, and Taoist rituals.

Martial Arts Route (2 Days):

Day 1: Classic Route + Wudang Martial Arts School (beginner tai chi class).

Day 2: Dawn Summit Hike to watch sunrise at Golden Hall → Sword Demonstration by local masters → Herbal Medicine Workshop.

Highlights: Cultural immersion and physical engagement.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via the official Wudang Mountain website or Ctrip (up to 7 days in advance).

On-Site: Tickets available at Xuanyue Gate; e-tickets scanned via QR code.

Prices:

Adults: ¥235 (includes entrance + cable car one-way).

Students/Seniors: ¥117.5.

Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.

Optional Add-Ons:Round-trip cable car: ¥170.

Martial arts class: ¥200/hour.

Transportation

High-Speed Train:From Wuhan (2 hours) or Xian (3 hours) to Shiyan East Station, then a 1.5-hour taxi to Wudang.

Bus:Long-distance buses from major cities to Wudang Bus Station, then a 30-minute shuttle to Xuanyue Gate.

Taxi:Direct to Xuanyue Gate (address: No. 316 Provincial Road, Danjiangkou City).

Plane:Fly to Shiyan Wudangshan Airport, then a 40-minute taxi ride.

Best Time & Tips

Peak Seasons:spring (April–May) for blossoms and mild weather.

autumn (September–November) for clear skies and foliage.

Avoid summer (July–August) heat and monsoons.

Avoid Crowds: Visit on weekdays or early mornings (7:30 AM opening).

Essentials:

Wear sturdy hiking shoes (many stairs and uneven paths).

Bring a light jacket (temperatures drop 10°C at summits).

Photography allowed (no flash in temples).

Prohibited: Smoking in non-designated zones, littering, and touching relics.