Wudang Mountains in Shiyan, Hubei

Wudang Mountains in Shiyan, Hubei

Type:World Cultural Heritage, Famous Mountain

Chinese Name: 武当山

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 Day

Open Hours: 07:00-17:30 (Monday Friday, January 1-december 31) 06:30-17:30 (Saturday Sunday, January 1-december 31)

Admission Fee: 243RMB

Address: Wudang Mountain, Danjiangkou City, Shiyan City, Hubei Province(湖北省十堰市丹江口市武当山特区永乐路14号)

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The Wudang Mountains, located in Shiyan City (十堰市), Hubei Province (湖北省), China, are a renowned Daoist sacred site. The mountains, also known by other names such as Taihe Mountain (太和山), Xieluo Mountain (谢罗山), and Xiang Shang Mountain (参上山), have historically been referred to as “Taiyue” (太岳), “Xuanyue” (玄岳), and “Dayue” (大岳). Wudang is famous for its deep spiritual significance in Daoism, and the martial arts developed there, known as Wudang Kung Fu (武当武术), are one of the most important schools of Chinese martial arts.

Wudang Mountain is often referred to as the “Crown of the Five Sacred Mountains” (五岳之冠), a title that underscores its historical importance. It is the birthplace of Wudang Kung Fu, which was established by the legendary Daoist Zhang Sanfeng (张三丰) during the late Yuan Dynasty and early Ming Dynasty.

The mountain is home to numerous ancient architectural wonders, and the scenic area includes 53 ancient buildings with a total construction area of 27,000 square meters. It is also home to 9 archaeological sites, covering over 200,000 square meters, and houses over 5,000 cultural relics.

In December 1994, Wudang Mountain was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2006, it was designated a National Key Cultural Heritage Site. It has been recognized by international travelers and in 2007, it was named one of “Europe’s Favorite Chinese Destinations” along with other famous landmarks such as the Great Wall (长城), Lijiang (丽江), and Zhouzhuang (周庄). From 2010 to 2013, Wudang Mountain earned multiple honors, including being designated a National AAAAA Tourist Scenic Area and a National Forest Park.

Key Details

English Name: Wudang Mountains
Chinese Name: 武当山
Location: Northwestern Hubei Province, China
Main Peak: Tianzhu Peak (天柱峰) at 1,612 meters
Total Area: 312 square kilometers
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Ticket Price: 164 RMB (as of April 20, 2022)
Famous Attractions: Golden Summit (金顶), Nanyan Palace (南岩宫), Zixiao Palace (紫霄宫), Taizi Slope (太子坡)
Recommended Visit Duration: 2-3 days
Best Time to Visit: All year round

Historical Background

The name “Wudang” (武当) first appeared in historical records in the “Han Book” (《汉书》). In 202 BC, during the reign of Emperor Gaozu of Han (汉高祖), Wudang County was established here.

During the Tang Dynasty (唐代) (627-649), Emperor Taizong (唐太宗) ordered General Yao Jian (姚简) to ascend the mountain to pray for rain, and it was said that the prayer was answered. In 896-897, Wudang Mountain was ranked ninth among the “Seventy-Two Blessed Lands” (七十二福地) during the Tang Dynasty.

From the Tang Dynasty onward, Wudang Mountain enjoyed imperial attention, with successive emperors bestowing the title of “Wudang” (武当), which elevated the mountain’s status.

In 1285, during the Yuan Dynasty (元代), Zhang Liushun (张留孙), a Daoist master, reported on Wudang Mountain to Kublai Khan, who became a strong supporter of Daoism. In 1304, Emperor Chengzong of Yuan (元成宗) officially recognized it as “Wudang Blessed Land” (武当福地).

During the Ming Dynasty (明代), in 1412, Emperor Yongle (永乐) sent over 300,000 craftsmen, soldiers, and workers to repair and expand Wudang Mountain. This project culminated in the construction of 33 buildings, including nine palaces (宫), eight temples (观), 36 pavilions (庵堂), 72 rock temples (岩庙), 39 bridges (桥), and 12 pavilions (亭). This monumental effort is famously known as “Building the Forbidden City in the North, and Wudang Mountain in the South” (北建故宫，南修武当).

In 1552, during the reign of Emperor Jiajing (嘉靖), the mountain was officially named “Zhishi Xuanyue” (治世玄岳), which meant “The Supreme Sacred Mountain for the Ruling Dynasty”. Wudang Mountain became the “Royal Family’s Imperial Temple” (皇室家庙) and the most revered Daoist mountain in China.

Conservation Efforts

Wudang Mountain’s ancient buildings are in need of careful preservation due to their age. Since 1956, the Hubei Province government has designated the entire mountain area as a key cultural heritage site. Major efforts to protect and restore these sites include the 1982 listing of Zixiao Palace (紫霄宫) and 1988 designation of the “Zhishi Xuanyue” Stone Archway (治世玄岳) as key national cultural relics. In 1994, the Wudang Mountain Ancient Building Complex was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The preservation and conservation efforts have continued with substantial investment. In 2007, Wudang Mountain was included in the “Top Ten Most Popular Chinese Destinations for Europeans,” further solidifying its status as a major cultural site.

Notable Developments

1956: The entire Wudang Mountain Ancient Building Complex was listed as a key cultural heritage site.
1982: Zixiao Palace was officially listed as a national key cultural heritage site.
1994: The Wudang Mountain Ancient Building Complex was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
2007: Wudang Mountain was designated as a “National Key Religious Activity Site.”
2012: Several restoration projects were initiated, including the repair of the Taiji Slope and the development of the Five Dragon Palace scenic area.

Where is Wudang Mountains

Wudang Mountain, longitude: 111.004, latitude: 32.400, is located in Wudang Mountain Tourism Economic Zone, Danjiangkou, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, and is one of the famous Taoist holy places in China. The scenic area covers an area of 312 square kilometers. To the East is Xiangyang, a historical city, to the west is Shiyan City, to the south is Shennongjia forest area, to the north is Danjiangkou reservoir, a large-scale artificial freshwater lake.

Major Scenic Spots

Wudang Mountain (武当山) is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including seventy-two peaks, thirty-six cliffs, twenty-four ravines, eleven caves, three pools, nine springs, ten ponds, and nine wells. Key highlights of the scenic area include dangerous paths such as the “Eighteen Paths Up and Down” and famous views like “Seventy-two Peaks Facing the Main Summit” and “Golden Temple Reflection” (金殿叠影).

Taihe Palace (太和宫)

Located on the southern side of Tianzhu Peak (天柱峰), Taihe Palace covers an area of 80,000 square meters, with over 20 ancient buildings and a construction area of more than 1,600 square meters. The palace is perched on a solitary peak surrounded by steep mountains, with buildings ingeniously designed to blend with the landscape. Taihe Palace is considered the highest point of Wudang Mountain and is the ultimate destination for both Daoist practitioners and pilgrims. Built in 1412 during the Ming Dynasty under the orders of Emperor Zhu Di (朱棣), it was later revered as the “Great Yue Taihe Mountain” (大岳太和山), and the palace atop the peak was named the “Great Yue Taihe Palace” (大岳太和宫).

Golden Temple (金殿)

The Golden Temple sits atop Xiaolian Peak (小莲峰), in front of Tianzhu Peak. Cast in 1307 during the Yuan Dynasty (元代), it stands 3 meters tall, 2.8 meters wide, and 2.4 meters deep. The temple is a masterpiece of bronze casting with wooden structural elements, making it the oldest surviving copper-cast wooden structure in China. The roof is designed in a mountain-style, with all components cast separately and assembled using mortise and tenon joints. An inscription on the temple’s skirt reads, “This hall was cast in 1307 at the Mei Ting Workshop in Wuchang.”

Purple Cloud Palace (紫霄宫)

Built during the Song Dynasty (1119–1125), the Purple Cloud Palace was rebuilt in the Yuan Dynasty (元代) and renamed “Purple Cloud Yuan Sheng Palace” (紫霄元圣宫). During the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhu Di expanded it in 1412, renaming it the “Tai Xuan Zi Xiao Palace” (太玄紫霄宫). It was further expanded in 1552 to 806 rooms. The palace retains much of its original architecture and is now the headquarters of the Wudang Mountain Daoist Association. The total building area is 8,553 square meters, with the complex covering 74,000 square meters. In 1982, it was designated as a national key cultural heritage site.

Jing Le Palace (净乐宫)

Jing Le Palace, located at the peak of Wudang Mountain, was originally built in 1413 during the Ming Dynasty. However, it was submerged when the Danjiangkou Reservoir (丹江口水库) was constructed in 1958. The artifacts, including stone plaques and tortoise-back monuments, were relocated to Danjiangkou. In 2002, a restoration project was initiated, and the first phase of the project was completed after over two years of construction, successfully reviving the grandeur of the palace.

Xuan Yue Gate (玄岳门)

The Xuan Yue Gate, also known as the “Zhi Shi Xuan Yue” (治世玄岳) stone arch, is located 4,000 meters east of Wudang Mountain Town. The gate, a stone structure with three halls and five floors, was built in 1552 during the Ming Dynasty. It serves as the first gate to enter Wudang Mountain and marks the beginning of the spiritual journey up the mountain.

Jade Void Palace (玉虚宫)

Jade Void Palace, also known as Xuantian Yu Xu Palace (玄天玉虚宫), was built in 1413 during the Ming Dynasty. The palace originally housed 2,200 rooms, with additional renovations in 1552. It is the largest unit in the Wudang Mountain Ancient Building Complex. However, the palace was largely destroyed during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) in 1745. Some portions of the palace and its surrounding ruins remain, including the massive “Tortoise Back Monument” (龟驮碑).

Mo Zhen Well (磨针井)

Also known as the Chunyang Palace (纯阳宫), Mo Zhen Well is located 12 kilometers south of Laoying Village. Originally constructed in the Ming Dynasty, the well and the palace were rebuilt in 1852 during the Qing Dynasty. The complex includes over 50 rooms and spans an area of 1,700 square meters.

Prince Slope (太子坡)

Also known as Fuzhen Guan (复真观), Prince Slope is a larger unit within the Wudang architectural complex. It was originally built in 1412 and renovated in 1683 during the Qing Dynasty. The site features 20 buildings and covers an area of 60,000 square meters, with a total building area of 3,505 square meters.

South Cliff (南岩)

Known as the “Sacred Realm” (圣境) where Daoist deity Zhenwu ascended to immortality, South Cliff is the most beautiful of the thirty-six cliffs in Wudang Mountain. The South Cliff Palace (南岩宫) was first built in 1285 during the Yuan Dynasty and expanded in 1412. Located beneath Duyang Cliff (独阳岩), the palace is famous for its stunning rock formations and dramatic architecture, perched on the cliffs like wings reaching toward the sky.

Qiong Tai Guan (琼台观)

Located approximately 10 kilometers southeast of Tianzhu Peak, Qiong Tai Guan has been a significant Daoist site since the Yuan Dynasty. The site, once known as Qiong Tai Palace (琼台宫), was expanded during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Although it was destroyed during the Taiping Rebellion (1856), part of the complex has since been restored. This site is now the starting point for the Wudang Mountain cable car and serves as a major hub for visitors.

Yin Xian Cliff (隐仙岩)

Located above Zhuguan and to the north of Wulong Palace (五龙宫), Yin Xian Cliff is one of the largest caves among the thirty-six cliffs. The cave is 15 meters long and 1.5 meters deep. The rock formations here are made of green shale and quartzite, showing intricate folding patterns that date back approximately 210 million years. The cave is believed to have formed due to the collapse of weakly layered rocks.

Da Ming Peak (大明峰)

Situated 14 kilometers from Tianzhu Peak, Da Ming Peak is also known as Wuzhu Peak (武柱峰) or Zhu Tou Rock (柱头岩). It features a natural stone statue of Zhenwu (真武), measuring 80 meters high and 40 meters wide. The statue is made from natural stone and resembles the Zhenwu deity statue found at the Golden Summit of Wudang Mountain.

How to Get There

Travel with China Dragon Tours(Top Recommended)

If you want to get rid of hustle of public transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private tour package which covers sightseeing dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to Wudang Mountains with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on sightseeing.

Independent Travel

① aviation: Wudang Mountain airport , Wudang Mountain scenic spot special line bus line 2, direct to Wudang Mountain scenic spot at high speed, one-way about 40 minutes, the ticket price is proposed to be 15 yuan / person.

② Railway: the Wu Yu railway passes through Wudang Mountain. You only need to take the train to Wudang Mountain station to get off.

③ expressway: Fuyin Expressway crosses the foot of Wudang Mountain.

④ bus: there are 202 buses from Shiyan railway station to Wudang Mountain Special Zone, the fare is 4 yuan / person; there are 203 buses from Wudang Mountain railway station to Wudang Mountain Special Zone, the fare is 2 yuan / person.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Daoism and the Wudang Mountains

The Wudang Mountains hold an important place in the history of Daoism, and its rich cultural heritage has been shaped over centuries. From the Spring and Autumn Period to the end of the Han Dynasty, many esteemed officials and scholars, including the famous alchemist and Daoist, Ma Mingsheng (马明生), and the legendary Daoist Yin Changsheng (阴长生), practiced meditation and alchemy here. During the turbulent periods of the late Han Dynasty and the Northern and Southern Dynasties, hundreds of scholars and officials sought refuge in the Wudang Mountains to cultivate Daoism, marking the early foundation of Wudang as a key center for Daoist practice.

Wudang Daoism in the Tang Dynasty

In the Tang Dynasty, Daoism was supported and revered by the Li family, who claimed descent from Laozi, the founder of Daoism. During the reign of Emperor Taizong (唐太宗), the first temple, the Five Dragon Temple (五龙祠), was established on the Wudang Mountains after a prayer for rain was answered. Many other famous Daoist figures, such as Sun Simiao (孙思邈) and Lü Dongbin (吕洞宾), also retreated to the Wudang Mountains during this period. By the end of the Tang Dynasty, Wudang was recognized as one of the “72 Blessed Places” in Daoism, elevating its status within the religious world.

Development in the Song and Yuan Dynasties

During the Song Dynasty, Emperor Zhenzong (宋真宗) officially elevated the status of the Wudang Mountain Daoist deity, Zhenwu (真武), to the title of “Zhenwu Lingying Zhenjun” (真武灵应真君). The construction of temples and statues to honor Zhenwu began in earnest. Throughout the Yuan Dynasty, Wudang became an important religious site for the imperial court, and many pilgrims and common folk visited to seek blessings.

Wudang Daoism in the Ming Dynasty

The Ming Dynasty marked the peak of Wudang Daoism. Emperors such as Zhu Yuanzhang (明太祖) and Zhu Di (明成祖) supported the Daoist practices at Wudang Mountain, with Zhu Di commissioning the construction of 33 temples, including the famous Nine Palaces and Nine Temples (九宫九观) in the early 15th century. Emperor Zhu Di’s devotion to Zhenwu was a cornerstone of his rule, believing that the deity had granted him power. The Ming Dynasty saw the Wudang Mountains become the most important Daoist site in China, with thousands of Daoists, military officials, and artisans working and living here.

By the 16th century, Wudang Mountain was not only a religious center but also a key site for political and cultural rituals. During the reign of Emperor Jiajing (嘉靖), large-scale reconstructions were undertaken, further solidifying Wudang’s reputation as the “First Daoist Mountain” (天下第一仙山).

Decline During the Qing Dynasty and Republic of China

However, during the Qing Dynasty, Daoism gradually lost imperial favor in favor of Buddhism, leading to a decline in the prominence of Wudang Daoism. The situation worsened during the Republic of China period, when the Wudang Mountains fell into a period of neglect and decay.

Revival After the Founding of the People’s Republic of China

Following the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the government adopted a policy of “freedom of religious belief,” leading to the revival of Daoist practices on the Wudang Mountains. In recent years, the Wudang Daoist Association has been established, and religious activities have been rejuvenated. Numerous restoration projects were undertaken to preserve important temples such as Zixiao Palace (紫霄宫) and Tahe Palace (太和宫). Additionally, the Daoist cultural exchange program has expanded globally, with Wudang Daoism and Wudang martial arts gaining recognition in countries such as Italy, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Taiwan.

Zhenwu (真武) – The Main Deity of Wudang Daoism

Zhenwu, also known as Xuanwu (玄武), is the central deity of Wudang Daoism. In the Song Dynasty, Emperor Zhenzong (宋真宗) renamed Xuanwu to Zhenwu in honor of his ancestor, Zhao Xuanlang (赵玄朗). Zhenwu is believed to be the 82nd incarnation of Laozi (老子), and it is said that Zhenwu spent 42 years of meditation and cultivation on Wudang Mountain before ascending to the heavens and becoming a god. The Emperor of Heaven, Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝), bestowed upon him the title of “Xuantian Shangdi” (玄天上帝), and Zhenwu became the protector of the north in Daoist cosmology.

Wudang School of Daoism

The Wudang School (武当派) is one of the major branches of Daoism, emphasizing the practice of internal alchemy (内丹修炼), meditation, and martial arts. It was founded by Zhang Sanfeng (张三丰) in the Ming Dynasty, who integrated the teachings of Daoism with martial arts. The primary characteristics of the Wudang School are the worship of Zhenwu, the practice of Wudang Tai Chi (武当太极), and the emphasis on the unity of the Three Teachings (三教合一) – Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. The Wudang School is also known for its practice of “internal cultivation” (性命双修), focusing on the spiritual and physical integration of body and mind.

Wudang Mountain Architecture

The architecture of Wudang Mountain dates back to the Qin and Han Dynasties. Many Daoist practitioners and hermits lived in simple dwellings here. During the Tang Dynasty, the Five Dragon Temple (五龙祠) was established by Emperor Taizong (唐太宗), and during the Song Dynasty, the Zixiao Palace (紫霄宫) was built. The Yuan Dynasty saw the completion of 9 Palaces and 8 Temples (9宫8观), while the Ming Dynasty saw the construction of 33 buildings, including palaces, temples, and halls, along a 160-mile stretch. The Wudang architectural style is grand and majestic, blending Daoist philosophy with imperial architecture.

Royal Architecture and the Unity with Nature

The overall layout of the Wudang Mountain architectural complex is carefully designed to reflect Daoist principles, with a focus on harmony between architecture and nature. The temples and palaces are spread across the mountain, with each building positioned to complement the natural landscape, embodying the Daoist concept of “unity between heaven and man” (天人合一). The use of high-quality materials imported from other provinces, such as Shaanxi (陕西) and Sichuan (四川), contributed to the grandeur of the structures.

The architecture of Wudang Mountain is regarded as a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture, with its large-scale, meticulous construction, and harmony with nature. It has been described as “the museum of ancient Chinese architectural achievements” and is often compared to the Forbidden City (故宫) in Beijing, hanging on the cliffs of the mountain.

Restoration and Modern Day

After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Wudang Mountain’s ancient architecture underwent a series of restoration projects. The government has invested heavily in preserving the historical sites, ensuring the integrity of the mountain’s cultural heritage. In 1994, Wudang Mountain was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of its recognition as a unique example of religious and cultural architecture.

Today, Wudang Mountain continues to attract pilgrims, scholars, and tourists from around the world, standing as a symbol of the enduring legacy of Daoism and Chinese architectural genius.

Useful Travel Tips

Admission Ticket

Entrance ticket: 140 yuan (excluding Jinding and Zixiao) + sightseeing bus (free ride) 100 yuan + insurance 3 yuan = 243 yuan. Another 27 yuan for Jinding and another 15 yuan for Zixiao palace. Cableway up: 90 yuan in peak season and 70 yuan in off season. Cableway down: 80 yuan in peak season and 60 yuan in off season.

Natural climate

The best travel time is spring and autumn.

Wudang Mountain belongs to subtropical monsoon climate, with obvious vertical climate and temperature decreasing with altitude. The annual average temperature is 8.5 ℃ at an altitude of 1200-1600 meters, 12 ℃ at an altitude of 750-1200 meters, and 15.9 ℃ below an altitude of 750 meters.

Delicious Food

Wudang Mountain is mainly composed of Hubei and Sichuan cuisines, all of which belong to one of the seven major cuisines in China. Wudang Mountain’s unique Taoist cuisine is also unique. It takes the essence of the two vegetarian cuisines of Buddhism and Taoism, pays attention to the natural color, tastes fresh and mellow, and can be tasted in Zixiao palace and Taihe palace.

● After entering the Taoist temple, don’t point the statue with your fingers, no matter how amazing its shape is; don’t turn your back to the statue; don’t step on the doorsill or make a loud noise when entering the temple.