Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains

More Picture

The Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains is located in Danjiangkou City (丹江口市), Hubei Province (湖北省). The construction of this complex began during the Tang Dynasty (唐朝), specifically in the Zhenguan Period (贞观年间, 627-649), and reached its peak during the Ming Dynasty (明朝). Successive emperors established Wudang Mountain (武当山) as a royal family temple, and the most significant expansion occurred during the reign of Emperor Yongle (永乐皇帝) of the Ming Dynasty, who spent 12 years constructing an impressive array of buildings.

The complex consists of 33 structures, including nine palaces (宫), eight monasteries (观), 36 temples (庵堂), 72 rock temples (岩庙), 39 bridges (桥), and 12 pavilions (亭). These buildings were laid out to reflect the Daoist (道教) story of Zhenwu (真武) attaining immortality and were constructed following imperial architectural standards. The result is a breathtaking architectural vision often described as the “immortal mountain” aesthetic, stretching 140 kilometers and symbolizing the Daoist philosophy of “harmony between heaven and humanity” (天人合一).

The complex is often referred to as a “museum of ancient Chinese architecture” (中国古代建筑成就的博物馆) and the “Forbidden City hanging on a cliff” (挂在悬崖峭壁上的故宫).

Historical Significance

Wudang Mountain is the foremost of the Four Great Daoist Mountains (四大道教名山) in China and a major spiritual site in Daoist culture. It has been a center for religious activities since the Spring and Autumn Period (春秋时期, 770–476 BCE) and the Han Dynasty (汉朝, 206 BCE–220 CE), with Daoists and hermits gathering here from as early as the Qin (秦朝) and Han (汉朝) Dynasties.

The complex was expanded during various periods, with important construction phases during the Tang Dynasty (唐朝), the Song Dynasty (宋朝), and the Yuan Dynasty (元朝). The Ming Dynasty saw the largest expansion, particularly under Emperor Yongle, who led the construction of the magnificent 33-building complex, which took over 12 years to complete.

Key Features:

• Palaces and Monasteries: Nine palaces (宫) and eight monasteries (观) were built as part of the grand construction project to honor Daoist teachings.

• Temples and Shrines: The complex includes 36 temples (庵堂) and 72 rock temples (岩庙), each dedicated to various Daoist deities and myths.

• Bridges and Pavilions: The 39 bridges (桥) and 12 pavilions (亭) that dot the area provide picturesque views and enhance the complex’s spiritual atmosphere.

Architectural Features

The Wudang Mountain Ancient Building Complex consists of 53 ancient buildings (古建筑), covering an area of 27,000 square meters. The buildings are spread over a distance of 140 kilometers, with five temples (庵堂) and monasteries (宫) located every kilometer. These structures reflect Daoist mythology, with each one symbolizing a different aspect of Daoist philosophy.

The site is divided into three distinct climate zones, each corresponding to different elevations:

• Upper Zone: From Chaotian Palace (朝天宫) to the Golden Summit (金顶), at altitudes ranging from 1200 to 1612 meters. The average temperature here ranges between 7.7°C and 10.0°C, with a frost-free period of 163 to 194 days.

• Middle Zone: From Zixiao Palace (紫霄宫) to Chaotian Palace (朝天宫), at altitudes of 750 to 1200 meters. The average annual temperature ranges from 10.0°C to 12.0°C, with a frost-free period of 194 to 222 days and annual rainfall of 995 to 1106 millimeters.

• Lower Zone: Below 750 meters, around Taizi Slope (太子坡) and the town of Wudang Mountain (武当山集镇). The average temperature here is between 12.8°C and 16.0°C, with a frost-free period of 222 to 254 days and rainfall ranging from 843 to 995 millimeters.

The climate is influenced by the surrounding geographical features, such as the Qinling Mountains (秦岭) and the Funiu Mountains (伏牛山), which act as natural barriers to cold air from the north, allowing the region to enjoy mild temperatures year-round.

Preservation and Restoration

Over time, much of the original architecture was damaged or destroyed due to warfare, natural disasters, or neglect. However, restoration efforts have been underway since the mid-20th century, especially after the creation of the Danjiangkou Reservoir (丹江口水库) between 1958 and 1968, which submerged many of the ancient buildings. Fortunately, most of the stone components have been preserved and are currently housed in Danjiangkou City.

The Chinese government has allocated significant funds for the restoration and reconstruction of the site, including over 200 buildings and 30,000 square meters of space. To date, 129 buildings, including temples and pavilions, have been restored to their former grandeur. These structures, with 1,182 rooms and a total area of 43,332 square meters, still convey the magnificence of the original complex.

Location and Climate

• Location: The Wudang Mountain Ancient Building Complex is located in Shiyan City (十堰市), Hubei Province (湖北省), China. The geographical coordinates are 110°56′15″-111°15′23″ E and 32°22′30″-32°35′06″ N. The total area of the protected heritage site is 15,000 hectares, with an additional 800-hectare buffer zone.

• Climate: The complex lies in a subtropical monsoon climate zone (北亚热带季风气候区) with mild temperatures throughout the year. The varying elevations create distinct climatic layers, contributing to its diverse ecosystem.

Layout and Scale

The Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains is a marvel of Chinese architecture, meticulously planned with a clear hierarchy. Its construction emphasizes harmony with nature, considering factors like surrounding landscapes, the shape of the mountains, and the flow of water. The site’s vast scale, high level of architectural design, precision in structure, and exquisite decoration make it a rare example in Daoist architecture in China.

Layout Design

The overall layout of the Wudang Mountain Ancient Building Complex is based on the Daoist myth of Zhenwu (真武) from the “Zhenwu Jing” (真武经), which emphasizes Zhenwu’s journey to immortality. According to the myth, Zhenwu was born in the kingdom of Jingle (净乐国), which led to the creation of Jingle Palace (净乐宫) outside Junzhou City (均州城). Several key locations such as Wulong (五龙), Zixiao (紫霄), and Nanyan (南岩) were important sites for Zhenwu’s cultivation.

Other important places, such as Yuxu Palace (玉虚宫), were named in honor of Zhenwu’s title of “Yuxu Shixiang” (玉虚师相). Numerous temples and shrines, including Yuanhe Temple (元和观), Huilong Temple (回龙观), and Tai Zi Slope (太子坡), all reflect aspects of Zhenwu’s story.

The architectural design is aligned with a central axis, radiating outward from the Golden Hall (金殿) at Tianzhu Peak (天柱峰), which serves as the core of the complex. The buildings extend over a vast area, with the northernmost building located 80 kilometers from the site near the Xiangshui River (响水河), and the southernmost 25 kilometers near the You Sheng Guan Temple (佑圣观). The westernmost point reaches the Bailang Heilang Temple (白浪黑龙庙) at 50 kilometers, while the easternmost is Jieshan Temple (界山寺) at 35 kilometers.

Each building is meticulously aligned and designed according to imperial standards, combining grandeur with harmony. The layout reflects the Daoist philosophy of unity between heaven and nature, and each structure is integrated seamlessly with the environment, showcasing both architectural beauty and spiritual significance.

Design and Symbolism

The design of the Wudang Mountain Ancient Building Complex takes full advantage of the site’s natural terrain. The palaces and temples are strategically placed between peaks, ridges, slopes, rocks, and ravines, creating a balanced distribution that reflects the ancient principles of Chinese architecture. This thoughtful design ensures the buildings blend perfectly with the environment.

The construction process involved experts in Feng Shui (风水), such as the famous geomancer Wang Min (王敏) and master Yin Yang scholar Chen Yupeng (陈羽鹏), who traveled throughout the mountains to identify optimal locations based on geomantic principles. This careful consideration of the environment allowed for the creation of a space that not only has aesthetic beauty but also fosters a sense of tranquility and spiritual harmony.

The most notable aspect of the complex is its treatment of Tianzhu Peak (天柱峰). At an elevation of 1,612 meters, this peak is regarded as the “father mountain” (祖山) of the entire Wudang range. The buildings surrounding this peak, including the Golden Hall (金殿), have been carefully positioned to “gather energy and store wind” (藏风聚气), ensuring that the site is protected from harsh winds while maintaining a harmonious climate suitable for plant life and spiritual activities.

Architectural Style

The Wudang Mountain Ancient Building Complex is renowned for its use of traditional Chinese architectural principles and its symbolic connection to Daoism. The structures follow a rigorous set of aesthetic guidelines that emphasize balance, rhythm, and unity. The use of symbolic elements, such as the placement of buildings, colors, and materials, is deeply connected to the philosophical and spiritual ideas of Daoism.

The architecture at Wudang Mountain (武当山) is not only aesthetically pleasing but also imbued with symbolic meaning. The design incorporates elements that represent “royalty” (庄严), “majesty” (威武), “mysticism” (玄妙), and “divinity” (神奇), reflecting the spiritual and imperial significance of the site. The royal palace-like temples, including the Jingle Palace (净乐宫), were constructed to embody imperial authority, which is central to the relationship between political power and religious practice in ancient China.

The Imperial Touch

From Jingle Palace (净乐宫) to Tianzhu Peak (天柱峰), 33 large architectural complexes were constructed under the royal decree, with a hierarchical layout in accordance with the Daoist philosophy of divine authority. The Golden Hall (金殿) at Tianzhu Peak is said to be the place where Zhenwu (真武) commands the world, and it follows the highest architectural standards of the time, including double eaves and intricately detailed wooden beams.

The palaces and temples, such as the famous Yuan He Hall (元和殿), feature single eaves with intricate wooden brackets and colorfully painted beams and ceilings. These structures not only have a strong visual impact but also express the profound spiritual connection between heaven and earth.

Symbolism and Feng Shui

The Wudang Mountain Ancient Building Complex is designed in strict accordance with ancient Chinese Feng Shui principles. The alignment, spacing, and volume of each structure were carefully planned to harmonize with the surrounding natural elements. The complex’s design emphasizes the theme of “Five Li for a Temple, Ten Li for a Palace” (五里一庵十里宫), creating a spiritual paradise where architecture and nature coexist in perfect harmony.

The royal temples and palaces at Wudang Mountain are not merely architectural feats but are also rich in symbolic meaning. Each structure embodies not just the philosophy of Daoism but also the cultural and imperial significance of the time. The Feng Shui experts’ use of curves, arcs, and contrasts in color added an extra layer of aesthetic and emotional depth, allowing the buildings to evoke a sense of divine beauty and tranquility.

Cultural Relics and Architectural Heritage

The Wudang Mountain Ancient Building Complex is home to over 200 buildings, including four main palaces — Taihe Palace (太和宫), Nanyan Palace (南岩宫), Zixiao Palace (紫霄宫), and Yuzhen Palace (遇真宫), as well as the ruins of Yuxu Palace (玉虚宫) and Yulong Palace (玉龙宫). The complex houses a total of 129 ancient buildings, covering an area of 50,000 square meters, and occupies over a million square meters of land. Some of the most famous buildings include the Golden Hall (金殿), Taihe Palace (太和宫), Nanyan Palace (南岩宫), Zixiao Palace (紫霄宫), Fuzhen Temple (复真观), and Xuanyue Gate (玄岳门), with key sites such as the Golden Hall (金殿), Nanyan Palace (南岩宫), Zixiao Palace (紫霄宫), Xuanyue Gate (玄岳门), and the ruins of Yuxu Palace (玉虚宫) being designated as national cultural heritage sites.

Taihe Palace (太和宫)

Also known as the Golden Hall (金殿) or “Golden Peak” (金顶), Taihe Palace is located on the southern side of Tianzhu Peak (天柱峰), covering an area of 80,000 square meters with over 20 buildings, and a construction area of more than 1,600 square meters. The key structure is the Golden Hall, a copper-cast palace modeled after traditional wooden architecture, built on a stone platform at the summit of Tianzhu Peak. The hall’s roof features a unique double-eave design with intricately crafted brackets and supports. The interior is decorated with a “chessboard” ceiling, featuring elegant cloud patterns. The golden altar enshrines a statue of Zhenwu (真武), the Daoist deity, with two attendants, Jin Tong (金童) and Yu Nv (玉女), holding sacred scrolls. The entire structure is a masterpiece of Chinese metallurgy and architectural design.

Ancient Bronze Hall (古铜殿)

Located on Xiaolian Peak (小莲峰), the Ancient Bronze Hall was cast in the Yuan Dynasty (1307) and is a remarkable example of early Chinese bronze-cast construction. Standing 3 meters high, with a length of 2.8 meters and depth of 2.4 meters, this hall represents one of the earliest instances of copper-cast wooden architecture in China, showcasing both advanced metalworking and architectural skills.

Zixiao Palace (紫霄宫)

The Zixiao Palace, initially constructed during the Song Dynasty (1119-1125), underwent multiple renovations and expansions during the Yuan (early 1300s) and Ming Dynasties (1412). The palace’s most prominent structure is the Zixiao Great Hall (紫霄大殿), the only surviving double-eave wooden structure of its kind in Wudang Mountain. The palace embodies the peak of Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, showcasing the harmonious integration of architecture with the surrounding natural environment.

Nanyan Palace (南岩宫)

The Nanyan Palace was first established during the Yuan Dynasty (1285-1310) and expanded in the Ming Dynasty (1412). It is situated under the Du Yang Cliff (独阳岩), known for its dramatic cliffside scenery. The palace consists of 21 buildings with a total construction area of 3,505 square meters, and covers a land area of 90,000 square meters. The main building, the Tianyi Zhenqing Palace (天乙真庆宫), is a magnificent stone hall carved entirely from blue stone, and the architecture blends harmoniously with the mountain’s natural beauty.

Qiongtai Zhongguan (琼台中观)

Originally built during the Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368) and later expanded during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Qiongtai Zhongguan, also known as Qiongtai Palace (琼台宫), consists of several temples and over 24 Daoist monasteries. The main building, a stone hall from the Yuan Dynasty, represents a fusion of historical craftsmanship and architectural techniques.

Wulong Palace (五龙宫)

Wulong Palace (五龙宫) is the first Daoist temple established on Wudang Mountain, dating back to the Tang Dynasty (627-649). Over the centuries, the palace underwent several expansions, notably during the Ming Dynasty (1412). It was originally built as Wulong Temple (五龙祠), later becoming Wulong Lingying Palace (五龙灵应宫) under the Yuan Dynasty (1286). The architecture of Wulong Palace combines elements of royal and religious design, emphasizing both spiritual significance and imperial grandeur.

Fuzhen Temple (复真观)

Fuzhen Temple, also known as Tai Zi Slope (太子坡), was first constructed in 1412 during the Ming Dynasty under the order of Emperor Yongle (永乐). The temple complex includes a wide array of buildings, with a focus on the central Fuzhen Temple Great Hall (复真观大殿), where the statue of Zhenwu (真武) is enshrined. The temple’s design blends traditional architectural principles with natural elements, creating a serene environment for worship and contemplation.

Liuyi Hall (两仪殿)

Liuyi Hall, located in Nanyan (南岩), was designed to reflect the Daoist principle of filial piety and loyalty. The hall is dedicated to the parents of Zhenwu, symbolizing the importance of respecting one’s parents in Daoist teachings. The hall houses statues of Zhenwu’s divine parents, embodying the Confucian values of filial piety that are central to Daoist beliefs.

Xuanyue Gate (玄岳门)

The Xuanyue Gate, constructed during the Ming Dynasty in 1552, serves as the main entrance to Wudang Mountain and marks the first major architectural feature encountered by visitors. This massive stone gate is a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty stone carving, featuring intricate designs of cranes and immortals, and is an excellent example of Southern Chinese stone archway architecture. In 1988, it was declared a national cultural heritage site by the Chinese government.