Planning a trip to Mount Wudang (Wudang Mountain) in China requires careful preparation. Here you will find a step-by-step guide to help you plan your visit
Wudang Mountain, also known as Mount Wudang or Wudangshan, is a mountain range located in the northwest of Hubei province, central China. It is renowned for its rich cultural and historical significance, as well as its stunning natural landscapes.
1. Why you should visit Mount Wudang?
Cultural and Historical Significance: Mount Wudang is considered one of the most important spiritual centers of Taoism in China. It has been a place of pilgrimage for Taoist practitioners for centuries. The mountain is associated with the development of Wudang martial arts and is regarded as the birthplace of Tai Chi, one of the most famous martial arts in the world.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Mount Wudang was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. It is recognized for its exceptional cultural value as a center of ancient Chinese Taoist practices and the extraordinary architecture of its temples and palaces.
Sacred Taoist Temples and Palaces: Mount Wudang is adorned with numerous grand Taoist temples, palaces, and other religious structures. The most famous temple is the Golden Summit (Jinding), which features the Golden Hall (Jinyang Palace) and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Other notable sites include the Purple Cloud Palace, Zixiao Palace, and Yuzhengong Palace.
Martial Arts and Wudang Kung Fu: Mount Wudang is renowned for its association with martial arts and Wudang Kung Fu. It is considered a cradle of Chinese martial arts culture. Visitors can witness demonstrations, learn martial arts techniques, and explore Wudang Martial Arts Academy.
Scenic Beauty: Mount Wudang is known for its picturesque landscapes, lush forests, and serene natural surroundings. It is characterized by numerous peaks, gorges, waterfalls, and ancient trees. The mountain offers breathtaking scenery and is particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
2. Best Time to Visit Mount Wudang
The best time to visit Mount Wudang is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons.
In spring, Wudang weather is mild, and the mountain is covered in lush greenery. The cherry blossoms and other flowers are in bloom, creating a stunning and picturesque atmosphere. This is a great time for hiking and exploring the mountain’s trails and temples.
Autumn is another favorable time to visit Mount Wudang. The temperatures are cooler, and the mountain is adorned with vibrant autumn foliage, displaying shades of red, orange, and yellow. The scenic beauty is enhanced, and the crowds are generally thinner compared to the peak summer season.
Avoid visiting Mount Wudang during the hot and humid summer months (July to August) as the temperatures can be uncomfortably high, making outdoor activities challenging. Winters (December to February) can be quite cold, and the mountain may experience snowfall, impacting hiking conditions.
It’s worth noting that Mount Wudang is a popular tourist destination, especially during Chinese holidays and weekends. To avoid larger crowds, it is advisable to plan your visit on weekdays or during non-peak hours.
Before visiting Mount Wudang, check the weather forecast and plan your trip to Wudang Mountain accordingly. Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress in layers, and bring essentials such as sunscreen, a hat, and drinking water. Proper planning will ensure a more enjoyable and memorable experience exploring the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of Mount Wudang.
3. How to get to Wudang Mountain
Wudang Mountain Scenic Area is located between Danjiangkou City (丹江口）and Shiyan City （十堰）in Hubei Province. It is situated about 40 kilometers from both downtown Shiyan （十堰）and downtown Danjiangkou （丹江口）.
There are several train stations around Wudang Mountain: Wudangshan Railway Station （武当山火车站）, Wudangshan West Railway Station （武当山火车西站）, Shiyan Railway Station （十堰火车站）, and Danjiangkou Railway Station (丹江口车站）. Additionally, there are three major bus stations: Wudangshan Passenger Transfer Center (武当山客运换乘中心), Shiyan Bus Station (十堰汽车站), and Danjiangkou Passenger Station (江口客运站). The airport in the vicinity is Shiyan Wudangshan Airport (十堰武当山机场).
While planning your trip to Wudang Mountain from other places, you are generally recommended to first arrive in Shiyan (十堰). From there, you can take a bus to the Wudang Mountain Scenic Area. If there is a direct train to Wudangshan Station or Wudangshan West Station, it will be more convenient, as both stations have buses to the scenic area. Upon arriving at the Wudang Mountain Scenic Area, you can take the sightseeing bus within the area to reach various attractions.
Train to Mount Wudang
Wudangshan West Station (Recommended): This high-speed rail station is about 13 kilometers from Wudang Mountain Scenic Area. After arriving at Wudangshan West Station by high-speed train, you can take bus 301 to the scenic area entrance. The bus ride takes about 40 minutes.
Wudangshan Station (Recommended): This station is about 15 kilometers from Wudang Mountain Scenic Area. After arriving at Wudangshan Station by train, you can take bus 202 to the scenic area entrance. The bus ride takes about 40 minutes.
Shiyan Station: Located in Shiyan City, this station is about 30 kilometers from Wudang Mountain Scenic Area. After arriving at Shiyan Station by high-speed train, you can take bus 202 to the scenic area. The bus ride takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Danjiangkou Station: If you arrive at Danjiangkou Station by train, you need to first go to Danjiangkou Passenger Station. From there, you can take a bus to Wudang Mountain. This route is more complicated.
Flights to Wudang Mountains
If you plan your trip to Wudang Mountain by flight, the nearest major airport to Mount Wudang is Shiyan Wudangshan Airport (WDS). After arriving at Shiyan Wudangshan Airport, you can take the airport bus line 2. The total distance is about 28.6 kilometers.
Get off at the Wudangshan Shanmen Station ( Entrance Gate to Wudang Mountain). The journey takes about 59 minutes and costs 10 yuan.
Bus to Wudangshan
Wudangshan Passenger Transfer Center: This center is only 3 kilometers from the entrance of Wudang Mountain Scenic Area. Provincial tourists can easily reach it by bus. After arriving at the transfer center, you can take bus 206 to the scenic area.
Shiyan Passenger South Station: From here, you can take bus 202 to Wudang Mountain Scenic Area. The bus ride takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Danjiangkou Passenger Station: You can buy a bus ticket at the station for a bus heading to Wudang Mountain Scenic Area. Then, take the bus to the scenic area.
Once you arrive at the entrance of Mount Wudang, you will need to purchase an admission ticket to access the scenic area. To explore the mountain, you can hike the various paths and trails or take a cable car to reach the higher peaks. It is advisable to plan your visit in advance, especially if you are interested in visiting specific temples or landmarks on the mountain.
Additionally, it may be helpful to have the address and contact information of your accommodation or a local guide to assist you in navigating the transportation options and finding your way around Mount Wudang.
4. Wudang Mountain Accommodation Guide
Wudang Mountain Scenic Area offers a variety of accommodation options. You can choose to stay at the mountaintop, halfway up, or at the foot of the mountain. Select the best location based on your needs and activities.
Mountaintop Accommodation
The mountaintop is perfect for watching the sunrise but has fewer options and higher prices. Most accommodations are near Jinding, including Jinding VIP Lodge (金顶贵宾楼) and Jinding Tianyun Lodge (金顶天云楼). You can book these places in advance through travel apps.
For example, Jinding VIP Lodge (金顶贵宾楼) is the closest to Jinding, with the highest price and best environment. It’s about a 5-minute walk to the sunrise viewing platform from here.
Halfway Up Accommodation
Accommodations halfway up the mountain are mainly near several sightseeing bus stops, such as Taizipo 太子坡, Nanyan (Wuyaling) 南岩（乌鸦岭） , Qixingshu 七星树, and Qiongtai 琼台. These places usually feature local houses converted into guesthouses, offering convenient transportation.
For instance, there are many accommodations near Nanyan (Wuyaling) and Qixingshu. They are ideal for sunrise watchers. It takes about 2-3 hours to walk from these locations to Jinding （金顶）.
Foot of the Mountain Accommodation
The foot of the mountain has numerous accommodation options at relatively low prices. This is perfect for those wanting to experience local life or those on a budget. There are also many restaurants and shops here for dining and shopping.
Additionally, the Wudang Mountain Scenic Area offers various homestays and hotels, such as Dayue Hostel, Manzhu Manor, and Funing Residence. These homestays usually provide comprehensive services, including dining, lodging, and entertainment. They have elegant environments and complete facilities, making them a great choice to experience Wudang Mountain culture.
In summary, when choosing accommodation at Wudang Mountain, you can select a location based on your needs and preferences, considering sunrise plans. You can also consider booking a homestay or hotel in the scenic area to enjoy a richer travel experience.
5. Entrance Tickets
Purchase your entrance tickets to Mount Wudang at the ticket office in Wudangshan Town. Prices may vary depending on the season and whether you want access to specific attractions.
Wudang Mountain Scenic Spot Entrance Fees and Cable Car
RMB 235 yuan ( 130 yuan ticket +100 yuan transportation inside the spot +5 yuan insurance )
Jinding ( Golden Hall ): 27 yuan
Purple Xiao Hall: 15 yuan scenic spot
Cable Car : 90 yuan up and 80 yuan down( Two -way: 170 114 yuan)
6. Wudangshan Tour Itineraries
As shown in the scenic map below, Wudang Mountain’s routes are simple. You can go left up and right down, or right up and left down.
The right side has more attractions, while the left side has none but offers a cable car to the top. A one-day trip is tight but enough for key attractions. To see the sunrise, stay on the mountain near Qiongtai, Nanyan, or Jinding. Below are itineraries based on duration.
One-Day Trip Itinerary
Route 1:
- Wudang Mountain Visitor Center → take sightseeing bus (about 1 hour) → reach Qiongtai → take cable car (about 20 minutes) → reach Jinding (tour Jinding for about 1 hour) → cable car → Qiongtai → sightseeing bus back to Visitor Center (about 1 hour).
- This is the easiest and fastest route, taking about 4 hours.
Route 2:
- Wudang Mountain Visitor Center → take sightseeing bus (about 1 hour) → reach Qiongtai → take cable car (about 20 minutes) → reach Jinding (tour Jinding for about 1 hour) → Qing Shendao (or Ming Shendao, about 1.5-2 hours) → Chaotian Palace → walk to Nanyan (about 1 hour) → tour Nanyan Palace (about 1.5 hours) → sightseeing bus to Xiaoyaogu (tour for about 1 hour) → sightseeing bus to Taizipo (tour for about 1 hour) → sightseeing bus back to Visitor Center (about 20 minutes).
- This is a full tour route, taking about 10 hours. You might need to skip some spots depending on your time.
Route 3:
- Wudang Mountain Visitor Center → take sightseeing bus (about 20 minutes) → reach Taizipo (tour for about 1 hour) → take sightseeing bus (about 20 minutes) → reach Nanyan (tour Nanyan Palace, round trip about 1.5-2 hours) → walk to Chaotian Gate (about 1 hour) → Qing Shendao (or Ming Shendao, about 1.5-2 hours) → reach Jinding (tour for about 1 hour) → cable car → Qiongtai (tour Qiongtai Palace if time permits) → sightseeing bus back to Visitor Center (tour for about 1 hour) → sightseeing bus to Taizipo (tour for about 1 hour) → sightseeing bus back to Visitor Center (about 20 minutes).
Two-Day Trip Itinerary
Day 1:
- Wudang Mountain Visitor Center → take sightseeing bus (about 1 hour) → reach Qiongtai → tour Qiongtai Palace (about 1 hour) → overnight stay at Qiongtai.
- (Alternatively, visit Taizipo and Xiaoyaogu first, then take a sightseeing bus from Taizipo to Qiongtai)
Day 2:
- 2 hours before sunrise, go from Qiongtai to Jinding → watch the sunrise → tour Jinding Taihe Palace (about 1 hour) → Qing Shendao or Ming Shendao (about 2 hours) → reach Chaotian Palace → walk to Nanyan (about 1 hour) → tour Nanyan Palace (about 1.5-2 hours) → sightseeing bus to visit Lingxiao Palace, Xiaoyaogu, and Taizipo in order → sightseeing bus back to Visitor Center.
7. Wudang Mountain Dining Guide
Wudang Mountain boasts beautiful scenery, rich cultural heritage, and delightful cuisine. So in the process of planning your trip to Wudang Mountain, do try to have time for tasting local specialties while exploring Wudang Mountain, a unique experience. Here are some recommended restaurants in the scenic area:
Wudang Taoist Vegetarian Restaurant
Located in Zixiao Palace, this vegetarian restaurant is renowned for its light and healthy dishes. The restaurant focuses on fresh ingredients and exquisite cooking techniques.
The food is colorful, aromatic, and flavorful, aligning with Taoist health principles while satisfying visitors’ palates. Dining here offers a deep immersion into the Taoist cultural atmosphere.
Zixiao Palace Flavor Restaurant
Also situated within Zixiao Palace, this restaurant offers dishes with local flavors, blending Hubei and Sichuan cuisines. The elegant environment and traditional decor enhance the dining experience, allowing guests to appreciate traditional architectural art while enjoying their meals.
Wudang Mountain Hotel Chinese Restaurant
Located in the scenic area, this restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, including delicate dim sum and authentic Hubei cuisine. The excellent service makes it a great place for visitors to relax and dine.
Wudang Taiji Restaurant
Famous for its unique Taiji culture theme, this restaurant features decor with Taiji patterns, exuding philosophical and cultural charm. The dishes are not only delicious but also creatively presented, reflecting the harmony of yin and yang in Taiji.
Farmhouses at the Foot of Wudang Mountain
Though not in the core scenic area, the farmhouses at the foot of Wudang Mountain are a good choice. These establishments offer authentic farmhouse dishes with ingredients often home-grown or raised, ensuring freshness and no pollution. Visitors can savor genuine country chicken, wild vegetables, and more, experiencing the tranquility and nature of rural life.
Dining in Wudang Mountain scenic area allows you to taste delicious food and experience local culture and customs. However, the prices in the scenic area’s restaurants can be high, so choose according to your budget and taste. During peak tourist seasons, restaurants might be crowded, so it’s advisable to book in advance or avoid peak dining times. Respecting local dietary habits and cultural traditions is also important.
8. Pack Accordingly
While planning your trip to Wudang Mountain, please check the weather before your visit and pack appropriate clothing.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring a daypack with essentials like water, snacks, a hat, and sunscreen. Also, consider bringing warm layers, as temperatures can vary at higher elevations.
9. Wudang Guided Tours
If you prefer planning your trip to Wudang Mountain by taking part in the organized tour, this is also a good choice. This way, you can have a knowledgeable guide to explain the history and significance of the sites, as well as provide logistical support during your visit.
Remember that Mount Wudang is not just a tourist attraction but also a spiritual place, so be respectful of the local culture and environment during your visit. Enjoy your journey to this culturally rich and naturally beautiful destination.
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