Mount Wuyi, Fujian – Jade-Green Landscape Surrounded by Waters

Mount Wuyi is deeply intertwined with the ancient Min-Yue culture, dating back over 4,000 years. It served as a cradle for the unique “Gu Min” culture, which evolved into the subsequent “Min-Yue” culture, lasting for over 2,000 years. This cultural legacy is evident in various archaeological finds, including:

• Hanging Coffins: Dating back over 3,750 years, these coffins are among the earliest discovered in China and abroad. Found in cliffside caves in eastern Mount Wuyi, they represent the earliest known cotton fabric remnants in China, offering invaluable insights into ancient burial practices and textile technology.
• Hongqiao Plank: Also found in the same area as the hanging coffins, these planks are significant cultural artifacts that provide evidence of early structural engineering and craftsmanship.

The Han Dynasty City Ruins of Mount Wuyi were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in December 1999, recognizing their outstanding universal value. Spanning 48 hectares, these ruins are a testament to the Han Dynasty’s urban planning and architectural prowess. Excavations have unearthed a wealth of artifacts such as daily-use pottery, architectural materials, inscribed roof tiles, iron tools, and bronze artifacts. These findings illustrate the advanced technological achievements and cultural sophistication of Han Dynasty society, making the site pivotal for understanding the history of the Min-Yue people and the economic and cultural development of southern China.

Ehu Academy, located in Yanshan County, Jiangxi Province, just north of Mount Wuyi, is a historic cultural landmark. Covering about 8,000 square meters, this academy was a renowned center for Confucian learning during the Southern Song Dynasty. It is most famous for the Ehu Meeting, where two prominent Confucian scholars, Zhu Xi and Lu Jiuyuan, debated key philosophical ideas that shaped Chinese Confucianism.

Established in 1087 AD and initially named Wenzong Academy, it was later renamed Ehu Academy. The academy became known as “the best academy in the world” during the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong era. To honor the Ehu Meeting, a memorial hall called the “Four Sages Temple” was constructed behind the academy.

Today, Ehu Academy retains much of its original architecture and offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of Confucian thought. The academy hosts exhibitions on the Ehu Meeting and the poet Xin Qiji, preserving its legacy as a center of cultural and intellectual significance.

Wuyi Palace, also known as Huixian Temple, Chongyou Temple, or Wannian Palace, is a historic and spiritual landmark situated at the southern base of the majestic Dawen Peak in Mount Wuyi Scenic Area. Overlooking the entrance to the Nine-Bend Stream, the palace has served as a significant site for emperors to worship the deity of Mount Wuyi throughout Chinese history.

Originally constructed during the Tang Dynasty’s Tianbao period (742–755 AD), Wuyi Palace is the oldest palace in Mount Wuyi. Initially built on a small island in the river and called Tianbao Hall, it was relocated to its current site in 944 AD during the Southern Tang period and renamed Huixian Temple. The temple was later refurbished and renamed Chongyou Temple by various emperors who valued its spiritual significance.

In 1328 AD, the temple was elevated to Wannian Palace and continued to be a center of religious and cultural activities. Despite suffering from fires and wars, the palace was restored multiple times over the centuries. Between 2006 and 2008, with support from tourism and cultural departments, the main hall was meticulously restored, and two ancient osmanthus trees, dating back to the Song Dynasty, were preserved in the courtyard.

Huanggang Mountain, the highest peak in southeastern China, stands at 2,160.8 meters above sea level and is often referred to as the “Roof of East China” and the “Pillar of Wuyi.” This peak is not only the highest summit in the Wuyi Mountain range but also a symbol of the natural splendor of the region.

Huanggang Mountain is renowned for its diverse vegetation zones, which transition smoothly from the base to the summit. Starting from the lowlands, visitors will encounter bamboo forests, transitioning to evergreen broadleaf forests, then to mixed broadleaf forests and coniferous forests, and finally reaching the alpine scrublands and meadows at the peak. This vertical vegetation gradient is a living showcase of the ecological diversity in the region, earning Huanggang Mountain the title of “Nature’s Masterpiece.”

Tianyou Peak, rising to an elevation of 408 meters with a prominence of 215 meters, is one of the most iconic features of Mount Wuyi. This rock ridge extends from north to south, connecting to Xianyou Rock in the east and Xianzhang Peak in the west. The peak is characterized by its sheer cliffs and stunning vertical rock faces that seem to pierce the sky.

From the top of Tianyou Peak, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The summit features a cascading spring known as Huoma Spring, with a drop of approximately 120 meters along the cliff face. The lush greenery of the evergreen broadleaf forest and ancient trees adds to the peak’s allure. Tianyou Peak is also home to numerous ancient stone inscriptions, including the notable “第一山 (First Mountain)” inscription by General Xu Qingchao of the Qing Dynasty, proclaiming Tianyou Peak as the “most magnificent place in Wuyi.”

Nine-Bend Stream (Jiuqu Stream) is a pristine river that originates from the lush forests of the Wuyi Mountain Nature Reserve and stretches 62.8 kilometers through the scenic area. This stream is famous for its serpentine course, which winds dramatically through the landscape due to natural rock formations and fault lines. Over its 9.5-kilometer stretch within the scenic area, the river meanders with a total curvature of 1.9, creating a series of beautiful bends and twists that enhance its picturesque quality.

The clear waters of the Nine-Bend River are of exceptional quality, meeting the national Class I standard for surface water. The river’s tranquil waters reflect the surrounding verdant forests and dramatic cliffs, making it a perfect spot for serene boat rides and nature photography.

The Dahongpao Scenic Area is situated in the heart of the Mount Wuyi Scenic Area, centered around the famous Jiu Long Ke (Nine Dragon Cave). This deep, narrow gorge is shaped by the east-west tectonic faults that have created a dramatic landscape of towering peaks and rugged rock formations. The gorge features nine steep, craggy peaks that rise in a striking display of natural geological beauty, with their unique, layered rock formations adding to the area’s charm.

At the base of this gorge, you’ll find the historic Dahongpao Tea Trees, growing on the sheer cliffs of the northern side. The tea plants are famed for their ancient lineage, with the current trees being over 340 years old. The site includes two traditional tea gardens arranged in a scenic, bonsai-like layout. The Dahongpao tea is one of the most prestigious oolong teas in China, and the leaves from these original trees were famously preserved in the National Museum of China in 2007. Today, visitors can admire the historic tea trees and learn about the ancient tea culture that has been integral to the region for centuries.

Shuilian Cave (Water Curtain Cave) is one of the renowned “Seventy-Two Caves of Wuyi Mountain,” located to the north of Zhangtang Stream. This picturesque spot is known for its dramatic natural features and serene environment.

The entrance to Shuilian Cave is marked by a small, cascading waterfall. As you ascend the stone steps, you’ll reach the main cave entrance, which is a grand, sloping arch surrounded by steep, verdant cliffs. Inside the cave, the cool, shaded environment offers a refreshing retreat from the heat of the outside world.

The highlight of Shuilian Cave is the impressive display of waterfalls that cascade down from over 100 meters of sloping rock faces. These waterfalls create a scene reminiscent of two flowing dragons, their misty sprays resembling delicate pearls suspended in mid-air. The sight of the water curtain cascading down and the sound of the rushing water create a tranquil and almost magical atmosphere for visitors.