Wuyi Mountain, or Wuyi shan in Chinese, is a mountain range located in the north of Fujian province, 200 km from Fuzhou, the provincial capital.

Wuyi Mountain offers one of the most spectacular and well-preserved landscapes in the province. The Wuyi shan has earned the nickname "the most beautiful mountain range in southeastern Chine".

History

Wuyi Mountain is an important historical and cultural site in the province. Archaeological discoveries have proven that the Wuyi Mountain site was inhabited 4,000 years ago.

Since the Qing and Han dynasties, Wuyi Mountain has been revered as sacred ground. Buddhist and Taoist structures were then built into the hillsides.

In 1988, Wuyi Mountain was designated a "World Biosphere Protection Zone". In 1999, the site was inscribed on UNESCO's Natural World Heritage List.

The Wuyi Shan

Wuyi Mountain covers an area of just over 60 km², though the entire site extends across 99,975 hectares. Approximately 25,000 people reside within the Wuyi Shan Natural Reserve in small villages scattered across the mountain flanks.

A region of rivers, waterfalls, mountains and protected forests, Wuyi Mountain is a highly sought-after destination for hiking enthusiasts. The area is also the birthplace of Da Hong Pao tea, considered among Chine's finest. The tea plantations cascading down the mountainsides create a stunning tableau and offer a wonderfully pleasant walk.

Wuyi Mountain is crisscrossed by waterways and canyons. The Nine Bends River that winds through the mountains creates a unique and poetic landscape.

The lush vegetation shelters numerous protected animal species. Fishing and forestry exploitation are strictly prohibited to preserve the site's authentic fauna and flora.

Hiking Wuyi Mountain

Beyond its majestic scenery, luxuriant forests and red sandstone peaks, Wuyi Mountain also holds archaeological remains still preserved that will enrich your visit.

Numerous hiking trails crisscross the mountain for kilometres, connecting major sites.

Nine Bends River

The serene beauty of the Nine Bends River gorges with their numerous temples and monasteries can be fully appreciated during a bamboo raft journey provided on-site.

This excursion ranks among the most beloved attractions at the Wuyi Shan site. The voyage will reveal the natural and authentic aspects of the mountains over more than an hour. With each bend, a unique landscape unfolds before you, featuring towering cliffs draped in dense vegetation.

Wuyi Palace

The Wuyi Palace site at the foot of Dawang Mountain dates back to the Tang Dynasty (742–755). Upon arrival, you'll discover remnants of the past and monuments honouring Zhuxi, a great Chinese thinker and literary figure.

The Wuyi Mountains Museum and several temples on-site will immerse you in the region's history.

Tianyou Peak

One trail leads to the Great Emperor Peak and Tianyou Peak (Celestial Journey Peak). This particular peak is especially breathtaking at dawn when clouds embrace the mountain, leaving only its summit piercing through the mist. From its top, you can admire the stunning panorama of mountain ranges and rivers while enjoying tea at one of the tea houses set up there.

The path is relatively well-maintained but quite crowded on weekends.

Water Curtain Grotto

At the park's northern edge, the Water Curtain Grotto cuts through a cliff face to reveal several cavities. Waterfalls cascade across imposing rocks. The site's humidity encourages the growth of numerous flowers and plants.

In winter, the cascades form misty curtains, enveloping the grotto in an ethereal atmosphere.

Getting There

By Air

Flights connect Wuyi Mountain to Beijing, Shanghai, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.

By Train

Direct trains link Wuyi Mountain to Quanzhou and Xiamen.

By Bus

Frequent buses serve the picturesque site from Xiamen, Fuzhou and Shaowu.

The long-distance bus station is served daily by buses from Fuzhou, Wenzhou, Nanpin and Shangrao.

Public buses and minivans shuttle between Wuyishan and the tourist sector.

Admission Fees

Fares vary depending on the number of days you wish to spend on-site. Tickets grant access to five main tourist sites (Tianyou Peak, Wuyi Palace, Dahongpao Grotto, Yulinting Peak, Roaring Tiger Peak).

1-day ticket: 210 RMB

2-day ticket: 235 RMB

3-day ticket: 255 RMB

Bamboo raft journey on the Nine Bends River: 130 RMB