Wudang Mountains: Taiji, Temples and the Taoist Peak

The Mountain of Internal Art

Wudang, in north-western Hubei, is one of China's great Taoist mountains and the birthplace of the internal martial arts associated with taiji: slow, rooted, and built on breath and balance rather than force. The mountain is also an architectural achievement — a chain of temple complexes climbing a forested ridge, with the Golden Hall at the summit — and it is far quieter than its reputation suggests.

The Temples, Up the Ridge

The main scenic route climbs through several temple groups: the Purple Cloud complex at the foot, the South Cliff temple built into the rock face, and finally the Golden Hall on the peak, cast in bronze and gilded. Walking between them takes a full day; a cable car shortens the upper section, and the combination of forest, cliff and temple roof is the reason to come.

Taiji and the Martial Tradition

Wudang's martial tradition is internal: taiji, xingyi and bagua, practised for health and self-cultivation as much as combat. Schools in the area teach short courses for visitors, from a single morning's introduction to multi-week stays, and watching an early-morning class in a temple courtyard is a better introduction to the practice than any demonstration.

Practical Notes

Spring and autumn are the best seasons; summer is wet and winter is cold, with occasional snow that makes the temples photogenic but the paths slippery. The mountain is reached from Shiyan by bus or taxi, and the rail network connects Shiyan with Wuhan and Xi'an. Two days is right: one for the temple route, one for a class or a quieter valley.

Frequently Asked Questions