Taizipo of Wudang Mountain
The Taizipo Scenic Area (太子坡) is located in the Wudang Mountain (武当山) region of Shiyan City, Hubei Province, China. The site is named after the story of Prince of Jingle Kingdom (净乐国太子), who at the age of 15, received enlightenment from his master, Ziqi Yuanjun (紫气元君), and came to Wudang Mountain to begin his spiritual cultivation. He initially resided in this area, and the site is hence called “Taizipo” (Prince’s Slope). According to legend, the prince once became discouraged and decided to leave his monastic life. However, as he passed by the Needle Grinding Well (磨针井), his master, Ziqi Yuanjun, appeared as an old woman to guide him back to the mountain, where he resumed his cultivation, thus the area also being referred to as “Fuzhen Guan” (复真观), meaning the “Place of True Cultivation.”
Spanning 16,000 square meters, Taizipo features key sites such as Huilong Guan (回龙观), Needle Grinding Well (磨针井), Laojun Hall (老君堂), and Baxian Guan (八仙观), among others.
Overview and Layout
In 1412, during the Ming Dynasty’s Yongle era, Emperor Zhu Di (明成祖朱棣) ordered the construction of the Xuanwu Hall (玄帝殿), mountain gates, and surrounding structures at Taizipo. The architectural group of Taizipo was carefully designed to mirror the story of the prince’s spiritual journey. Ancient architects cleverly utilized the mountainous terrain to create the “Nine-Bend Yellow River Wall” (九曲黄河墙), which is known for its undulating shape resembling waves. The structure is a marvel of ancient engineering.
Upon passing through the second mountain gate, visitors are greeted with a vast courtyard. Walking through this area, one encounters overlapping courtyards and tranquil spaces. The path leads to the “Wuyun Tower” (五云楼) built against a rock, the “Huangjing Hall” (皇经堂), the “Cangjing Pavilion” (藏经阁), and ultimately, the “Taizi Hall” (太子殿), which sits atop a high platform. The overall layout of Taizipo is harmonious, with varying heights and a sense of mysticism that creates a deeply spiritual experience. From the highest point of Fuzhen Guan, visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and during sunset, the “Taihe Silhouette” (太和剪影) of Wudang Mountain can be seen.
Taizipo is designated as a National AAAA Tourist Scenic Area (国家AAAAA级旅游景区).
Location and Climate
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Location: Shiyan City, Hubei Province, China
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Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate
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Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Ticket Price: Free entry
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Area: 16,000 square meters
Famous Attractions
Taizipo is home to many fascinating sites, including the Needle Grinding Well Pavilion (磨针井), ancient marine fossils such as the “Right Angle Stone” (直角石), murals depicting the “True Martial Cultivation” (真武修真), the majestic “Tianchi Waterfall” (天池瀑布), “Dripping Tears Pool” (滴泪池), and the “One Pillar, Twelve Beams” in the Wuyun Tower. The area also features the famous “Nine-Bend Yellow River Wall,” the “Eighteen Pan Path” (上下十八盘故道), and the “Strange Rocks” (怪石) in Jiudu Gorge (九渡涧), as well as the treacherous Yuxu Rock (玉虚岩).
Key Sites
Nine-Bend Yellow River Wall
Upon entering the Fuzhen Guan’s mountain gate, visitors will see the Nine-Bend Yellow River Wall (九曲黄河墙), a 71-meter-long red wall that undulates in a wave-like formation. This cleverly designed wall serves both an aesthetic and symbolic purpose, reflecting the fluidity and power of the Yellow River in Taoist philosophy. The curved wall, with a height of 2.5 meters and a thickness of 1.5 meters, is topped with green glazed tiles, giving it the appearance of two dragons flying in a graceful spiral.
The Nine-Bend Yellow River Wall embodies Taoist thought and is considered a manifestation of the “Nine Meritorious Deeds” in Taoism. It is also a symbolic test of devotion for those who visit, representing the challenges one must face on the spiritual path.
Fuzhen Guan Main Hall
The Fuzhen Guan Main Hall (复真观大殿), also known as the “Ancestor Hall” (祖师殿), is the central and most imposing structure within the complex. Situated on a high platform, the hall serves as the climax of the entire architectural ensemble. The grandeur and solemnity of the hall inspire reverence and awe.
The hall was initially built in 1412, expanded during the Jiajing era (嘉靖), and was severely damaged during the late Ming period. It was later rebuilt in 1686 during the Qing Dynasty (清康熙年间). While the hall maintains elements of the imperial architecture of the Ming Dynasty, the Qing renovations introduced many folk architectural features.
Inside the hall, visitors will find a statue of the True Martial God (真武神), accompanied by the golden boy (金童) and jade girl (玉女). The hall is home to Wudang Mountain’s largest painted wooden sculpture group, which has stood for over 600 years and remains as vibrant as ever.
Wuyun Tower
Wuyun Tower (五云楼), also known as the Five Cloud Tower, is a 15.8-meter-high wooden structure and the tallest of its kind on Wudang Mountain. Built without disturbing the natural terrain, the tower seamlessly blends into the landscape, showcasing both architectural ingenuity and practical utility.
The tower’s most notable feature is the “One Pillar, Twelve Beams” (一柱十二梁), where twelve beams are intricately set into a single central pillar. This remarkable feat of engineering exemplifies the perfect integration of mechanics and aesthetics, making it a masterpiece of ancient wooden architecture and a major highlight of the Fuzhen Guan.
Taizipo remains a spiritual and architectural gem in Wudang Mountain, drawing visitors who seek to explore its mystical history and breathtaking scenery.
