【Hubei】Wudang Mountains

Wudang Mountains, a Taoist sacred site and birthplace of martial arts, lies in Danjiangkou, Shiyan. Its Ming Dynasty buildings—like the Purple Cloud Palace and Golden Hall—are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visitors can practice Tai Chi, attend Taoist music performances, or hike 72 peaks. The summit, Tianzhu Peak (1,612 meters), offers misty sunrise views. Local specialties include Wudang tangerines and frozen tofu.

• Culture & Heritage: Taoist sacred site built by Ming Emperor Yongle over 12 years. Purple Cloud Palace preserves 29 Ming buildings; the Golden Hall is China’s largest gilded bronze shrine with a "wind-defying pearl"

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• Must-Do:

  • Sunrise at Golden Summit: Hike 2hrs from 3 AM or take cable car to Qiongtai (last 30-min climb).

  • Tai Chi at Purple Cloud Palace: Free morning class at 7:30 by Taoist masters

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  • Nanyan Palace: Walk the cliffside path to "Dragon Head Incense Burner", a Yuan Dynasty stone marvel

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• Experiences: Stay at Prince Slope guesthouse (¥200/night), taste vegetarian cuisine. Summer night show: VR temple exploration + drone light show

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• Routes:

  • 1-Day: Prince Slope → Purple Cloud Palace → Nanyan Palace → cable car down.

  • 2-Day: D1 Prince Slope + Nanyan; D2 Golden Summit sunrise → Qiongtai → Tai Chi

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• Transport: Shuttle bus from Shiyan Station (1hr); parking ¥50/day.

• Ticket: ¥140 (includes shuttle), cable car ¥80; hours 7:00 AM-6:30 PM

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