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Top Attractions & Best Things to Do in Wuyi Mountain
No.1 Hiking to the Heavenly Tour Peak (天游峰)
Opening Time: 7:30 - 17:00
Highlights: Cloud's Lair (云窝), Tea Canyon (茶洞), Bird's Eye View Pavilion (一览亭), Prostrating-tiger Rock (伏虎岩), Lmmortals' Palm Peak (仙掌峰，又名”晒布岩”), Hidden Screen Peak (隐屏峰)
Recommend Visiting Time: 3 - 4 hours
Located in the south-central part of the Wuyishan Scenic Area, Heavenly Tour Peak is hailed as the "Number One Scenic Spot in Wuyishan (武夷第一胜境)". It is often said that "A visit to Wuyishan is incomplete without ascending Heavenly Tour Peak (不登天游等于白游)". Rising to an elevation of 410 meters, Tianyou Peak dominates the landscape, standing as a sentinel amidst a constellation of peaks. The Bird's Eye View Pavilion (一览亭), located at the waist of the mountain, is arguably the most scenic spot and offers panoramic views of the winding Nine Bend Stream and gently floating bamboo rafts.
Tips:
Make sure to climb along the cliff beside the stream, only then can you see the magnificent scenery.
After reaching the top of the mountain, you can choose different circular routes to return to the foot of the mountain.
No.2 Experience the Bamboo Rafting in Nine Bend Stream (九曲溪)
Opening Time: 6:30 - 18:00
Highlights: Relaxing raft ride, Jade Girl Peak (玉女峰), Twin Peaks (并蒂峰), Heavenly Tour Peak (天游峰), Great King Peak (大王峰), ship-shaped coffin (船棺), and cliffside carvings (摩崖石刻)
Recommend Visiting Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Winding around Wuyishan for approximately 10 kilometers, the Nine Bend Stream presents a picturesque journey reminiscent of a beautifully painted landscape, with each bend offering a unique scenic vista. Bamboo rafting is an excellent way to immerse yourself in this natural tableau. The journey begins at the Nine Bend Station and culminates near the Wuyi Palace. Spanning approximately 100 minutes, this bamboo rafting adventure allows you to appreciate the captivating beauty of Wuyishan in a truly unique and memorable way.
Tips:
There's no sunshade on the bamboo raft. If you need sun protection, it's recommended to bring an umbrella.
The boatmen who propel the bamboo rafts can provide explanations of the sights along the shore, but this service requires an additional fee.
Each tourist is required to wear a life jacket for safety. Moreover, the water in the Nine Bend Stream is shallow, ensuring a secure rafting experience.
No.3 Visit Wuyi Palace and Song Street at the Foot of the Great King Peak
Opening Time: 7:00 - 18:00
Highlights: Wuyi Palace (武夷宫), Song Street (宋街), Great King Peak (大王峰)
Recommend Visiting Time: 1 - 2 hours
The Great King Peak is the highest one in this area with an elevation of 530 meters, shaped like a black gauze cap or a standing pillar. At the foot of the peak, there are lots of cultural attractions. Among them, the most famous ones are Wuyi Palace and Song Street.
Once you conclude your bamboo rafting in Nine Bend Stream, you will come across the Wuyi Palace with a history of more than 1000 years. This palace was one of the top 6 famous Taoist temples in the Song dynasty and many buildings have been transformed into memorials for famous figures nowadays.
On the west of the Wuyi Palace stands the 300-meter-long Song Street with a strong Southern Song Dynasty (南宋) style. Visitors can buy various souvenirs here, such as Wuyi Rock Tea, snake products, bamboo crafts, and more.
Tips:
If time allows, you can visit the Zhi Zhi An, which is located on the way from Heavenly Tour Peak to Song Street.
No.4 Stroll Along the Trail of Tea to Explore Dahongpao Scenic Area and Water Curtain Cave
Opening Time: 7:00 - 19:00
Highlights: Dahongpao mother trees
Recommend Visiting Time: 1 - 2 hours
The Da Hong Pao Scenic Area is famous for housing six ancient Da Hong Pao mother trees, which are several centuries old. Visitors need to walk along the Trail of Tea (岩骨花香慢步道) for about 30 minutes to see these inconspicuous but priceless mother trees growing on the cliffs. On the north of Da Hong Pao stands the Yongle Buddhist Temple, which has an inextricable bond with Da Hong Pao. You can step into the temple to learn the history and story hidden behind the famous Tea.
At the end of the famous Trail of Tea, you will come across the Water Curtain Cave. It is the most massive cave among the 72 in Wuyishan accommodating up to a thousand people. In this area, you can appreciate a water curtain cascading from a hundred-meter-high cliff and several cultural relics.
Tips:
The trail of Tea stretches a length of 4.5 kilometers, you can walk along the whole trail for about 1 hour.
No.5 Explore the Tiger Roaring Cliff (虎啸岩) and Thin Strip of Sky (一线天)
Opening Time: 7:30 - 17:00
Highlights: Cliff, Thrilling trails
Recommend Visiting Time: 3 - 4 hours
Tiger Roaring Cliff (虎啸岩) and Thin Strip of Sky (一线天) are on the south of the Nine Bend Stream.
Tiger Roaring Cliff or Huxiao Yan (虎啸岩) is a magical place in Wuyi Mountain since you can hear the wind roaring sounds like a tiger when the gales pass through the giant cave on the mountain, which is very shocking.
Thin Strip of Sky, located at the southernmost part of the Wuyishan Scenic Area, is a narrow passage between two towering cliffs over 50 meters high. The narrowest point is just 0.3 meters wide, allowing only a sliver of sky to be seen.
Tips:
The essence of the Thin Strip of Sky lies on the right side, do not miss it.
The hiking trail of the Tiger Roaring Cliff is steep as it stretches straight along the cliff.
What to See Around Mount Wuyi
Impression Dahongpao - Majestic Performance
"Impression Dahongpao" (印象大红袍) is a remarkable outdoor performance held in a theater located approximately 600 meters east of the Nine Bend River rafting endpoint in Wuyishan. The performances are scheduled every evening from 19:00 to 23:00, with 2-4 shows each night. The regular ticket price is CN ¥ 208, while the VIP ticket price is CN ¥ 268.
This 70-minute performance is a part of the "Impression Series" created by famous Chinese director Zhang Yimou. It uses the majestic mountains and waters of Wuyishan as the stage, bringing a unique and immersive experience for the audience. The show combines local folklore, historical legends, and cultural elements to depict the discovery, production, and cultural significance of Dahongpao tea.
The unique feature of the performance is the 360-degree rotating audience seats, offering spectators a changing perspective of the stage and the surrounding scenic landscape.
Xiamei Village - Ancient and Original Towns
Xiamei Village (下梅村) is a historical village located 8 kilometers east of Wuyishan Mountain. It features a 300-meter-long canal, ancient streets, wells, and markets. During the Southern Song Dynasty, scholar Zhu Xi lectured there, influencing the local culture, architecture, and carving patterns.
The village maintains an authentic atmosphere, with residents preserving its living history. Its lack of commercialization preserves its original charm and traditional lifestyle, making it a unique destination for experiencing China's cultural heritage. A casual stroll around the village takes about an hour.
Longchuan Grand Canyon (Qinglong Waterfall) - Spectacular Landscape
The Qinglong Waterfall Scenic Area (青龙大瀑布) in Wuyishan is located one kilometer upstream of the Longchuan Grand Canyon rafting area. It will take you 40 minutes to get here from the starting point of bamboo rafting by bus. The waterfall is composed of three tiers of large waterfalls, totaling over 200 meters in length, with a drop of 120 meters and a widest point of over 40 meters.
As you approach the waterfall group, it's as if a roaring azure dragon is rushing down, cascading over the stone wall to form a multitude of waterfalls of varying sizes. Viewed from a distance, the waterfall seems like a sourceless water body reaching up to the sky, earning it the nickname of a "natural oxygen bar."
Baiyun Temple - Quaint Hiking Trails
Baiyun Temple (白云寺), located about a half-hour drive north of the Nine Bend River in Wuyishan, is uniquely integrated into the landscape. Skillfully built into the mountain rock, the temple appears to float among the mountains like a white cloud, hence its name.
Visitors to Baiyun Temple can enjoy the sunrise and the sea of clouds, which make for breathtaking views. However, the path up the mountain is quite narrow. Despite this, the ascent to the summit can be completed in approximately 30 minutes. This serene spot beautifully exemplifies the harmony between architectural structures and nature, offering a peaceful retreat for both locals and tourists.
Recommend Wuyishan Itineraries with Top Attractions
Mount Wuyi One day Tour
If you have just one day to experience the wonders of Wuyishan, you could start your morning with a serene bamboo rafting trip down the Nine Bend River (Jiuqu Xi). After your rafting adventure, you could explore the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Wuyishan area by visiting the Wuyi Palace. For lunch, head over to the charming Song Street. After refueling, spend your afternoon hiking at Tianyou Peak. Although the climb may be challenging, the panoramic views of the breathtaking Wuyishan landscape, tea plantations, and the winding river from the top are well worth the effort.
Mount Wuyi Two Days Tour
On day one, after visiting the Zhuxi Garden, start the 3-hour hiking tour in Heavenly Tour Peak. During the hiking, you can view the Cloud's Lair (云窝), Tea Canyon (茶洞), Bird's Eye View Pavilion (一览亭), and Lmmortals' Palm Peak (仙掌峰，又名”晒布岩”). Then turn to the south of the Nine Bend Stream to explore the Tiger Roaring Cliff (虎啸岩) and Thin Strip of Sky (一线天), looking at the Jade Girl Peak (玉女峰) from a distance.
On day two, start with a tranquil bamboo rafting excursion down the Nine Bend River. Following the rafting adventure, you could explore the Wuyi Palace and have lunch at Song Street. Later, stroll along the Trail of Tea, which starts at the Da Hong Pao Scenic Area and ends at the Water Curtain Cave. Finally, cap off the day with the 'Impression Dahongpao' performance.
Mount Wuyi Three Days Tour
If you plan to spend three days in Wuyi Mountain, in addition to the suggested two-day itinerary, you can dedicate one day to exploring interesting and unique attractions in the surrounding area, such as the enchanting Qinglong Waterfall, the tranquil Baiyun Temple, or the ancient Xiamei Village.
Tickets & Price for A Trip to Wuyi Mountain
The ticketing system for Mount Wuyi is categorized into three parts: Bamboo Raft Ticket, Scenic Spot Ticket, and Sightseeing Bus Ticket.
| Tickets | Price (CNY per person) |
|---|---|
| Bamboo Raft Ticket (竹筏漂流票) | 130 |
| Scenic Spot Ticket (景区门票) | 140 (peak season); 120 (off-season) |
| Sightseeing Bus Ticket (景区观光车票) | 70 (1 day); 85 (2 days); 95 (3 days) |
Useful Tips for Booking the Tickets:
When planning your visit to Mount Wuyi, it's recommended to allocate a minimum of two days for exploring. To make the most of your trip, we suggest purchasing the sightseeing bus tickets for a duration of 2 to 3 days.
Wuyishan Weather & Best Time to Visit Mount Wuyi
The best time to visit Wuyi Mountain is generally during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these periods, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Best Time for Hiking
The most favorable time for hiking in Wuyi Mountain is during the autumn months (September to November). The temperatures are cooler compared to the summer, and the autumn leaves create a beautiful, colorful backdrop for your hike.
Best Time for Rafting
Rafting on the Nine Bend River is a popular activity in Wuyi Mountain. The best time for this is usually from late spring to early summer (April to June) when the water level is just right for a safe yet exciting rafting experience.
Best Time for Tea
Wuyi Mountain is famous for its tea, especially the Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) tea. The best time to visit for tea enthusiasts is during the spring (April to June) when the tea leaves are plucked. Many tea plantations even offer tea picking and brewing experiences.
How to Get to Wuyishan, Train or Air?
Getting to Wuyishan by Train
Wuyishan has two main railway stations: Wuyishan North Station and Wuyishan Station.
Wuyishan North Station is a major station with high-speed trains connecting to various major cities like Beijing (8 hours), Shanghai (3 hours), Hangzhou (2.5 hours), Huangshan (1 hour), and Xiamen (3 hours). From the North Station, you can take a taxi or a local bus to the Wuyi Mountain scenic area in 40 minutes.
Wuyishan Station is mainly for traditional (slower) trains and is not recommended.
Getting to Wuyishan By Air
If you prefer to travel by air, the Wuyishan Airport (also known as Nanping Wuyishan Airport) serves the area. It's a smaller airport but has regular flights to and from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xiamen.
Once you've arrived at the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to reach the Wuyi Mountain scenic area. The journey from the airport to the scenic area should take around 15-20 minutes by car.
Where to Stay in Wuyishan Mountain
When visiting Wuyishan, you can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your preferences and needs. Here are three recommended areas:
1. Sangu Resort Area: Tranquil and Luxury
Highly recommended for those seeking tranquility and luxury. Located on the eastern edge of the Wuyishan Scenic Area, this area boasts high-end resorts with serene environments and beautiful views.
2. Wuyishan City Area: Budget-Friendly
Ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking more amenities, such as a variety of restaurants and shops. It's a short 15-20 minute drive from the scenic area, offering a balance of convenience and affordability.
3. Wuyishan Scenic Area: Expensive But Worthy
Perfect for nature lovers, accommodation within the scenic area provides easy access to main attractions and often, stunning mountain views. While slightly pricier, the location can enhance your experience, making it easier for early morning exploration.
What to Eat in Wuyi Mountain
Wuyishan, in Fujian province, is famed for its Min cuisine, a major Chinese culinary tradition. Here are some local specialties you must try when visiting:
Zixi Noodles (紫溪粉): Unique sweet potato noodles with a smooth, refreshing taste.
Guang Bing (光饼): A traditional Wuyishan pastry with a crispy exterior and sweet filling. A local breakfast favorite.
Smoked Goose (熏鹅): Prepared from locally-sourced goose, marinated, steamed, and roasted to tender perfection.
Qingming Guo (清明粿): A special dish for the Qingming Festival, made with glutinous rice, bean paste, and green grass juice for a distinct flavor.
Lean Meat Soup (瘦肉羹): A nutritious blend of pork lean meat, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms, offering a delicious taste.
Taro and Glutinous Rice Cake (芋头糕): A popular local snack of steamed cakes made from ground taro and glutinous rice, soft, slightly sweet, and satisfying.
Tips When Traveling to Mount Wuyi
Clothing: Pack clothes suitable for outdoor activities and changing weather, including comfortable walking shoes. A raincoat or umbrella could be useful due to unpredictable rain.
Plan Ahead: Wuyishan is vast and full of attractions. Plan your itinerary in advance to ensure you can visit your preferred spots.
Language Barrier: English might not be widely spoken by locals, so having a translation app or learning some basic Mandarin phrases can be helpful.
Transportation: Local transportation might be challenging to navigate for non-Mandarin speakers. Consider hiring a local guide or using a reliable taxi service.
Respect for Local Customs and Environment: As Wuyishan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, please respect local customs and the environment. Avoid littering and stay on marked paths.
Explore Fujian with Asia Odyssey Travel
Situated in China with a local team based in Fujian, Asia Odyssey Travel is committed to providing superior service and ensuring an authentic and unforgettable experience for those looking to explore Fujian. Our local team offers a variety of carefully curated tours, including classic Xiamen tours, Fujian Tulou tours, Quanzhou Cultural Tours, Xiapu Photograph tours, and Wuyi Mountain tours to cater to your preferences, guaranteeing an enjoyable holiday during your Fujian tour. Each tour is designed to showcase the unique cultural and natural beauty of Fujian, from the UNESCO World Heritage sites to the picturesque landscapes of Xiapu . Our professional travel consultants are always ready to assist you in customizing your Fujian tour at the most favorable local prices. Contact us now to start planning your dream Fujian trip with Asia Odyssey Travel!
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