Wudang Mountain Scenic Area is a must-see! As a renowned Taoist holy site and a World Cultural Heritage site in China, it boasts not only a profound cultural heritage but also stunning natural scenery and breathtaking ancient architecture. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a martial arts fan, or a nature photographer, you'll find what you're looking for here.
#### **1. Deep Taoist Culture and Historical Heritage**
**Taoist Holy Site**: Wudang Mountain is the place where the Taoist deity Zhenwu ascended to heaven. It has been a center of Taoist practice since the Tang Dynasty. The temples, shrines, and even the plants and trees here are imbued with the philosophy of "Taoism follows nature."
**Emperor Yongle "Built the Forbidden City in the North and Renovated Wudang in the South"**: Ming Chengzu Zhu Di invested heavily in the renovation of Wudang Mountain, bestowing upon it the prestigious status of "Imperial Family Temple." The entire complex, constructed in strict accordance with Taoist principles and imperial regulations, is magnificent and imposing.
#### **2. Miraculous Ancient Architecture**
The ancient buildings of Wudang Mountain are the core of a World Cultural Heritage site. They are skillfully integrated into the terrain and nature, and are a model of ancient Chinese architecture.
**Golden Hall**: Located atop Tianzhu Peak, the highest peak of Wudang Mountain, this is the largest existing gilded bronze hall in China. Its golden brilliance in the sun is a magnificent sight. The statue of Zhenwu Emperor, tables, and offerings within the hall are all cast in bronze, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Standing before the Golden Hall, enveloped in mist, creates a fairyland-like experience, making it a perfect spot for watching the sunrise.
**Purple Cloud Palace**: One of the best-preserved palaces in Wudang Mountain, it boasts a majestic and meticulously laid-out layout. Home to the Wudang Taoist Association, it offers a rich religious atmosphere. It was also used as a filming location for the film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."
**Nanyan Palace**: Regarded as "the most beautiful of the Thirty-Six Rocks of Wudang Mountain." The most famous feature is the "Dragon Head Stone" (also known as the Dragon Head Incense), which juts out of the cliff. Pilgrims used to walk three steps on the dragon's back to burn incense, a thrilling experience. Not only can you appreciate the steepness of the building, but you can also enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.
**Prince Slope**: The "Nine-Curve Yellow River Wall," with its one pillar and twelve beams, and the "Prince's Study Hall" are perfect spots for capturing iconic photos. The winding, undulating red walls and green tiles here are truly photogenic.
#### **3. The Profound and Extensive Wudang Martial Arts**
* **Where is Tai Chi's Origin?**: While there are many theories about the origins of Tai Chi, Wudang martial arts, as a representative of internal martial arts, is as renowned as Shaolin martial arts and is world-renowned. Within the scenic area, you can often see martial artists practicing boxing and swordplay, and the mountains in the early morning are a perfect place to practice Tai Chi.
**Watch a Martial Arts Performance**: At Zixiao Palace and other locations, there are scheduled Wudang martial arts performances, allowing you to experience the blend of strength and flexibility of Wudang Kung Fu up close.
#### **4. Magnificent Natural Scenery**
**"Seventy-Two Peaks Facing the Summit"**: Climb to the Golden Summit and overlook the surrounding peaks, which gravitate towards the main peak, Tianzhu Peak, like stars surrounding the moon. This unique natural landscape is endowed with the divine symbol of "Ten Thousand Mountains Paying Homage" in Taoism. **Sea of Clouds**: After rain, magnificent seas of clouds often appear on Wudang Mountain, with temples and palaces shrouded in mist.