Exploring Palaces and Trails on Wudang Mountain Before Christmas

Year-end vacation started. After two days, I got bored and really didn't know where to go. At noon, I suddenly thought of visiting Wudang Mountain. Off-season round-trip flight tickets were 820 RMB. To protect my knees, I had to check in two trekking poles, and spent another 200 RMB to buy 20kg of luggage. I packed in two hours, left home at 2 pm, and caught the 5 pm flight — a spontaneous trip.

Arrived at Shiyan Airport at 8 pm, took the airport bus for 15 RMB to the assembly hotel near the mountain gate. It was a nice standard room, only 138 RMB per night. The scenic area offered free admission. I spent 100+20 RMB on two days of shuttle bus rides. On the first day, I enjoyed the most classic spots: Prince Slope, Purple Cloud Palace, South Rock Palace plus Flying Rise Cliff and Langmei Shrine. On the second day, I visited Little Wudang, Yellow Dragon Cave, and climbed the unforgettable First Heavenly Gate, Second Heavenly Gate, and Third Heavenly Gate along the Ming Dynasty Spirit Path, then entered the Gold Summit's Purple Forbidden City. Truly, 'the mountains are majestic, the palaces magnificent, and the paths arduous.' It was worth the two-day trip.

I have come to love Wudang Mountain — not for Taoism, but for its palaces and paths, for its mountains and rocks. I look forward to returning next year when the mountains are covered with red azaleas.

Encountered a fire drill by chance.

A dog in the Nine-Bend Wall.

The spirit path before the Second Heavenly Gate.