2026 Spring Festival travel guide: Wudang Mountain

Wudang Mountain (武当山) is located in Danjiangkou, Shiyan, Central China’s Hubei province. It is one of the country’s most revered Taoist sacred sites and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, acclaimed as “an unparalleled wonder through the ages, the world’s foremost Taoist mountain”.

From Feb 16-23, Wudang Mountain is hosting a series of events and activities themed around sightseeing, pilgrimage, and cultural experience. Festival highlights include New Year prayer ceremonies, intangible cultural heritage and folk performances, and signature experiences such as welcoming the New Year at sunrise and striking the bell at the Golden Summit (金顶). A two-to-three-day stay is recommended to fully experience the festive atmosphere and spiritual charm of this legendary Taoist mountain.

Spring Festival highlights at Wudang Mountain
A strong festive atmosphere: Taoist music fills the air, incense burns steadily, and visitors can take part in prayer rituals to wish for peace and good fortune in the year ahead.
Rich cultural experiences: Enjoy special performances rarely seen at other times, including Wudang martial arts showcases, shadow puppetry, paper-cutting, and other forms of intangible cultural heritage.
Striking winter scenery: After snowfall, Wudang Mountain is cloaked in silver. The snow-covered Golden Summit feels almost otherworldly — perfect for capturing stunning winter landscapes.

Plan your visit
Admission: 164 yuan ($23.63)/person (Tickets are valid for three days. For re-entry, visitors only need to pay an additional 20 yuan for the shuttle bus ticket.)
Scenic shuttle bus: 90 yuan/person (mandatory). The shuttle runs from the main entrance to major attractions including Qiongtai (琼台), Nanyan (南岩), and Taizi Slope (太子坡). Due to the complex mountain roads, private vehicles are not allowed to enter the core sightseeing area. Cable car tickets:
Qiongtai–Golden Summit Cableway
Adults: 80 yuan/person (one way); 150 yuan/person (round trip) (optional: Saves time and energy)
Children: 40 yuan/person (one way) ; 75 yuan/person (round trip)
(Children under 6 ride free; those aged 6–14 must purchase a child ticket)

Getting there

• Self-driving: Take the Fuyin Expressway (福银高速) and set your navigation destination to Wudang Mountain Scenic Area Parking Lot (武当山景区停车场). After exiting the expressway, drive about 2.1 kilometers to reach the scenic area.
•  High-speed rail: Wudangshan West Railway Station (武当山西站) is about 12 km from the scenic area, with a travel time of approximately 25-30 minutes. Visitors can take Bus No 301 or a taxi directly to Wudang Mountain.
• Shiyan Railway Station: The South Square is about 36 km from the scenic area, with a travel time of around 1 hour. Visitors can take Intercity Bus No 202 or a taxi directly to Wudang Mountain.
• Wudangshan Airport: About 25 km from the scenic area, roughly a 35-minute drive. Visitors can take the direct shuttle bus to the scenic area or a taxi to Wudang Mountain.

Recommended touring routes
1. One-Day Route for Praying for Blessings (Ideal for visitors with limited time)
Visitor Center → Take the scenic shuttle bus to Nanyan (about 50 minutes) → Hike to the Golden Summit → Take the cable car down to Qiongtai → Return by shuttle bus to the Visitor Center
2. Two-Day Route for culture exploration (For a deeper, festive experience)
Day 1:
Visitor Center → Take the scenic shuttle bus to Taizi Slope (about 20 minutes) → Zixiao Palace (紫霄宫) → Xiaoyao Valley (逍遥谷) → Nanyan Palace (南岩宫) to offer the Dragon Head Incense to the Taoist deities → Hike to the Qixing Tree (七星树) area or Wuyaling (乌鸦岭) for overnight accommodation
Day 2:
Early-morning hike to the Golden Summit (about 2.5-3 hours) to watch the sunrise → Visit the Golden Summit and Taihe Palace (太和宫) → Take the cable car down to Qiongtai → Return to the Visitor Center

Best time for photography

• Golden Summit at sunrise (6:30 am-7:30 am): Capture the spectacular “Golden Summit bathed in sunlight” along with seas of clouds and the “Buddha’s halo” (reflection of the sun ray against the gilded rooftops of the grand hall at Golden Summit), conveying grandeur and symbolizing a thriving and prosperous New Year.
• Zixiao Palace during ritual ceremonies (morning): Freeze solemn moments of Taoist priests conducting rituals amid drifting incense smoke, creating a rich and immersive atmosphere.
• Nanyan Palace in the afternoon: Use side lighting to photograph cliffside temples, where architectural lines and light-and-shadow interplay beautifully.
• Guesthouses at night under lanterns: When red lanterns light up the mountain inns, capture warm, festive portraits full of Spring Festival charm.

Must-visit activities & photo spots

• Purple-Gold City at the Golden Summit: Capture Taihe Palace and the gilded rooftops against a backdrop of rolling mountains, creating a commanding, ruler of all under heaven visual.
• In front of the main hall of Zixiao Palace: Shoot wide views of ritual ceremonies or focus on the palace’s layered, upturned eaves to highlight its symmetrical architectural beauty.
• Dragon Head Incense offering at Nanyan Palace: Use a telephoto lens to photograph the stone dragon incense burner jutting out over sheer cliffs — dramatic, daring, and truly one of a kind.
• Intangible cultural heritage performances: Freeze dynamic moments of Wudang martial arts and folk dances, rich in color and brimming with festive New Year spirit.

What to wear
1. Winter at Wudang Mountain can be cold, especially near the summit, so warm, fitted layers are essential. Wear thermal innerwear with a windproof down jacket or outdoor shell, preferably in solid colors like red or black for better photos. Hats and gloves are recommended.
2. For a cultural touch, try Hanfu or Taoist-inspired outfits, which look great against the ancient architecture. A scarf works for both warmth and photos, and non-slip hiking shoes are a must in case of snow or ice.

Dining guide

• Inside the scenic area: Restaurants near major sites serve simple meals, including Taoist vegetarian dishes.
• At the foot of the mountain/in town: Head to Wudangshan Town or downtown Shiyan for authentic Hubei cuisine and fresh Danjiangkou fish, with more choices and better value.

Tips
1. Stay warm and safe: Temperatures at the summit often drop below freezing. Dress warmly and walk carefully, as paths may be icy or snow-covered. Ice cleats are recommended, and take your time on the trails.
2. Travel smart: The busiest period is the first to third day of the Lunar New Year, when queues for cable cars and shuttle buses can be long. If possible, visit from the fourth day onward for a more relaxed experience.
3. Respect local customs: Observe proper etiquette at Taoist temples—avoid pointing at statues or speaking loudly. Always ask permission before photographing priests or religious rituals.