Dancing with Moonlit Shadows, How Can This Be on Earth? – A Winter Journey to Wudang's Golden Summit

Every time I visit Wudang Mountain, I leave with some regrets. The first time I only went to the Golden Summit; the second time I didn’t even see the Golden Summit—it was truly hard to let go. Having heard that it had snowed on Wudang Mountain and coincidentally encountering a rare clear day, I secretly rejoiced and set off on my third journey to Wudang Mountain.

Day 1: Wudang Mountain Gate – Qiongtai – Golden Summit – Chaotian Palace – Nanyan – Taizipo

Reference travelogue: https://you.ctrip.com/travels/wudangshan146/3976102.html

I took a bus directly to Qiongtai, then transferred to the cable car to go to the Golden Summit. The cloudless blue sky and the gradually brightening snow cover instantly dispelled the gloom in my heart.

After getting off the cable car, I couldn’t contain my excitement and rushed straight to the Taihe Palace on the Golden Summit. The snow on the mountaintop had not yet melted; snowflakes filled the sky, falling on tree branches and rooftops—what a silver-adorned, enchanting crystalline world!

Walking from the cable car to the Grand Viewing Platform, I arrived at the entrance of Taihe Palace. The full name of Taihe Palace is 'Dayue Taihe Palace' (Great Mountain Taihe Palace). It is located on the summit of Tianzhu Peak, the main peak of Wudang, and was a royal Taoist temple built by order of Ming Chengzu (the Yongle Emperor). The halls and pavilions cling to the mountain and rocks, ingeniously laid out, surrounded by layered peaks that seem to pay homage. Yellow palaces, red towers, vermilion walls, and green tiles make it look like a heavenly palace.

Passing through Taihe Palace, I went through the South Heaven Gate and arrived at Lingguan Hall. From a corner of Lingguan Hall, one can get a panoramic view of the entire Taihe Palace. Continuing along the city wall, climbing the steps, I passed the East Heaven Gate and saw snowflakes congealing on branches like pear blossoms. Turning westward, I climbed a very steep staircase and soon reached the Golden Summit.

The Golden Hall of Wudang sits facing east, oriented toward the East Heaven Gate. Inside the hall is enshrined the main deity of Wudang Mountain, Emperor Zhenwu, also known as Xuanwu Emperor. The entire Golden Summit resembles a giant turtle, and together with the surrounding Purple Forbidden City, it forms a naturally created Grand Xuanwu.

I lingered on the Golden Summit for a long time, looking at the ever-burning lamp enshrined in the hall, finding the legendary gold brick left during construction in the southwest corner, and touching the ancient fossils that have slept for hundreds of millions of years on the Sumeru throne. Meanwhile, the bustling pilgrims' figures seemed somewhat blurred.

Passing the Parents Hall behind the Golden Hall, I slowly descended along the steps, weaving through jade-like trees and gem-like branches. After reaching the West Heaven Gate, the road turned eastward along the city wall and finally returned to the starting point, the South Heaven Gate. I descended the mountain via another winding path, ending the tour of the Golden Summit.

The sun was rising higher, and the snow on the mountaintop had begun to melt; the snow on the branches was falling with a rustling sound. Since it was still early, I decided to descend on foot. Following the route I took the first time down, heading toward Nanyan, passing Chaotian Palace, Langmei Immortal Shrine... stopping now and then, searching for memories of the past along the way.

After about two hours, I arrived at the Crow Ridge Parking Lot. I walked again to Nanyan Palace to experience the most beautiful scenery among Wudang's 36 crags; entered Tianyi Zhenqing Palace to find the mountain-guarding peachwood sword I had missed last time; bowed before the Dragon Head Incense, wishing for blessings from the heavenly officials and that all taboos be lifted.

Returning to a familiar place, the scenery remains but people change—it always stirs the heart.

From Nanyan, I returned to the parking lot and continued by bus to Taizipo. Once again, I walked through the Nine-Bend Yellow River Wall, appreciating the ingenuity of Wudang's architecture in adapting to the terrain; entered the Five-Cloud Tower to find the legendary One Pillar Twelve Beams, marveling at the ancient craftsmen's uncanny workmanship.

Leaving Taizipo, the sky was growing dark. I had originally wanted to visit the Grinding Needle Well, but with a moment of hesitation, I missed the stop. The driver didn't stop and sped directly down the mountain.

Having visited Wudang Mountain three times, I still ended up with a small regret. But what does it matter? I don't seek perfection in everything, only to have a clear conscience—and the essence and spirit of Wudang Mountain have already been deeply engraved in my mind.

The unparalleled Taoist heritage, the unique Wudang martial arts, the magnificent palace architecture, and the breathtaking natural scenery—this is the essence and spirit of Wudang Mountain.

Travelogue Directory: 1. Origin 2. Route 3. Itinerary 4. Conclusion

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