Wudang Ancient Complex
Why the
Wudang Ancient Building
Complex and Scenic Area
are specialThis extensive Wudang complex of remarkable palaces, temples, pagodas and nunneries is constructed on the slopes, cliffs and peaks of the verdant Wudang mountain scenic area.
Wudang tips and insights
How to pronounce
Wudang: woo-dah'ng
Holy mountain
Wudang mountain has long been linked with Taoism and is the holiest of China's Taoist mountains.
When to come
Spring and fall are the two best seasons for exploring the Wudang building complex and scenic area.
Kung Fu
The Wudang version of Kung Fu martial arts has been known and respected throughout China for centuries. It is now world famous, thanks to the global exposure of the above mentioned movie.
Photogenic
That natural setting is so photogenic that it was chosen for background scenes for the internationally acclaimed movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".
Size
The Wudang scenic area covers roughly 300 square kilometers (about 125 square miles).
Construction
The earliest construction of the Wudang complex dates back to the 7th century Tang Dynasty, but most of the existing structures were built during the Ming Dynasty (14th to 17th centuries).
It took the Ming Dynasty a decade and hundreds of thousands of workers and soldiers to upgrade the Wudang complex.
Sadly, in 2003, a fire severely damaged Yuzhengong Palace (one of Wudang's major sites) and some other structures. Restoration plans are underway.
Getting there
Wudang is an easy side trip if your cruise of the Yangtze River gorges begins or ends in or near Wuhan city.
Location
The Wudang Ancient Building Complex and scenic area lie in northwestern Hubei province.
