Nanyan Temple(South Cliff Temple)in Mount Wudang

Why is Nanyan Temple So Special?

As a famous Taoist temple, Nanyan Temple in Wudang Mountain is listed as a national cultural relic. Nanyan means that Nanya is probably one of the most beautiful cliffs in Wudang Mountain. South Cliff is also called Duyang Rock in China, which means Guyang Cliff.

Where is Nanyan Temple

In the northwest of Hubei province of Tourism Special Economic Zone in Shiyan City.

History of Nanyan Temple

ccording to relevant historical records, the temple was built in the Yuan Dynasty and was destroyed at the end of the Yuan Dynasty. The reconstruction of Ming Dynasty is the most perfect combination of Wudang Mountain’s humanistic landscape and natural landscape.

Main Attractions of Nanyan Temple

There are more than 640 palaces. Nanyan means that Nanya is probably one of the most beautiful cliffs in Wudang Mountain. South Cliff is also called Duyang Rock in China, which means Guyang Cliff. This is a holy place for Taoist people to go to heaven. The ancient people like to use a word “morning bell and night light” to describe this place, in order to express the exquisite architectural style of this place. This temple honors dozens of gold-plated bronze statues of Taoist gods, including primitive gods and northern gods. There are also 500 gold-plated iron statues of officials on the cliff, each about 30cm high. Their proportion is very balanced, surprisingly like life.

The South Cliff Palace is situated below the Duyang Cliff. It has the Tianyi Zhenqing Hall, the Two Bearings Hall, the Eight Diagrams Pavilion, the South Heaven Gate and the Flying Cliff. Built in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Tianyi Zhenqing Hall is the most renowned. All the beams, pillars, doors and windows were carved from stone. This stone palace is a masterpiece of Chinese stone carving.

Best Time to Travel Golden Palace

The best time to pay a visit is in March to May & September to November.

Wuhan has a monsoon (humid) climate in the northern subtropics, which is characterized by abundant rainfall, sufficient heat, the same season of rain and heat, the same season of light and heat, the same season of winter and Leng Xia heat, and distinct seasons. In spring, there is a temple fair on the 3rd of March in the Chinese lunar calendar, which is a good opportunity to experience the local culture. In autumn, Wudang International Tourism Festival is the best time to learn Wudang traditional culture.

How to Get There

  • By train: from Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Qingdao, Wuhan or some other cities by train, get off at Wudang mountain station. Change to No.202 or 203 intercity bus and go directly to the scenic spot.
  • Take a bus:

1. Starting from Shiyan: No.202 intercity bus can take tourists from Shiyan Railway Station to the mountain in 70 minutes.
2. From Xi ‘an: There are three direct tour buses to the scenic spot every day. It takes about 4 hours for a coach to leave Xi ‘an coach station opposite Xi ‘an railway station. the fare is CNY 111.5 yuan. The other two long-distance buses depart from coach station at Sanfu bay at 8:00 and 13:00 respectively, which takes about 4.5 hours and costs CNY 159 yuan. They all reached coach station 400 meters (440 yards) west of the entrance to Wudang mountain.
3. Starting from Wuhan: There is a through bus at Jinjiadun bus station, which starts at 13:40 every day. It takes about 6 hours and costs 179 yuan per person

  • Flying: Tourists can fly from Xi ‘an, Tianjin, Kunming, Wuhan and Hangzhou to Wudang Mountain Airport. Then take a taxi to reach the mountain at a cost of 60-80 yuan RMB.

Useful Travel Tips

Ticket Price Entrance ticket: CNY 130; valid for 3 days
Sigtseeing bus fee: CNY 100
Golden Palace: CNY 27
Grand Purple Cloud Palace: CNY 15
Note:
1. Visitors need to pay extra CNY 5 for insurance.
2. Visitors can take the sightseeing bus unlimitedly with a valid ticket.
Cable Car Feb. 1 – Oct. 31: Up: CNY 90; Down: CNY 80 
Nov. 1 – Next Jan. 31: Up: CNY 70; Down: CNY 60 
Opening Hours 08:00 – 17:00

Nearby Attractions

Edited by Doreen/张洋