Yuxu Palace ruins
The "Jade Empty" admired by the famous Ming Dynasty writer Wang Shizhen in his quote "Jade Empty is like the palace of Qin's Afang" refers to here. In Taoism, Jade Empty refers to the residence of the Jade Emperor. During the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty, the Jade Empty Palace was once the largest temple in the Wudang Mountain Imperial Temple. Unfortunately, it has been almost completely destroyed by two major fires and floods. In 2007, the main hall of the Jade Empty Palace was repaired using the method of "repairing the old as it was", and it was completed in 2012. Although the remaining site cannot show the complete picture of the past, it can still glimpse its once majestic and sacred appearance.
Mozhenjing Village
The grinding needle well, also known as the Pure Yang Palace, got its name because the Wudang Taoist believes that it is the first place to receive pure yang energy when the sun rises. The main building of the grinding needle well is the Lao Mum Ting, inside of which is a statue of the Purple Primordial Lord grinding a needle with an iron pestle. The statue is simple and vivid, showing the beautiful legend of grinding a needle with an iron pestle, spreading the profound meaning that persistence leads to success and influencing generations after generations.
Taizipo village
To go to Taizipo Scenic Area, you need to pass through a quaint decorated arch bridge called Fuzhen Bridge. Going up the steps from Fuzhen Bridge, you'll see the gate of Taizipo Mountain. Taizipo, also known as Fuzhen Guan, is an unusual form in the history of Chinese architecture. It is built on a steep slope of 60 degrees on Lion Rock and is praised by contemporary architects as a classic example of utilizing steep slopes for construction. Ancient architects ingeniously built the winding Yellow River Wall, which resembles rolling waves and stretches across the mountain, making it quite spectacular. The main building of Taizipo is naturally the Fuzhen Guan Hall, which was built in the 10th year of the Ming Yongle reign and underwent reconstruction during the same period. It embodies the grandeur jointly created by architectural masters of both the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Xiaoyao Valley
The Xiaoyao Valley is a tourist destination where natural landscapes and animal ecology are integrated. The valley is home to a variety of animals, including the macaques lurking in the jungle and the black swans floating among the lotus leaves, all showing joy. Xiaoyao Valley is surrounded by green mountains and clear waters, with beautiful scenery. It was previously used as a filming location for Zhang Jizhong's new adaptation of the novel "Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Saber."
Purple Cloud Palace
The Purple Heaven Palace is located below the Zhanqi Peak in the northeast of Tianzhu Peak. It is called "Purple Heaven Blessing Land" by Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty because the surrounding mountains naturally form a treasure chair of two dragons playing with a pearl. The most impressive part of the Purple Heaven Palace is the Purple Heaven Hall. It is the only preserved double-eave Xie-style wooden structure temple in Wudang Mountain. It houses statues of Zhenwu God, civil and military immortals, and other deities. The beauty of Ming and Qing architecture is fully displayed in it.
Nanyan Palace has lush green woods and steep peaks. On a clear day, the magnificent mountain scenery can be seen, while in the rainy season, clouds and mist fill the mountains, creating a fairyland-like atmosphere. The best viewing platform on Nanyan Palace offers a panoramic view of the palace, with picturesque pavilions and beautiful scenery. The Nanyan Stone Hall stands on a steep cliff, showcasing its impressive and magnificent architectural skills. Outside the stone hall, there are carved dragon pillars on the precipice, with a dragon-shaped incense burner on top, known as the "Number One Incense in the World - Dragon Head Incense". Seeing it with your own eyes will leave you in awe.
Golden peak
Leaving Nanyan Palace, walk along the ancient sacred path to Jinding. Climbing to the top of Tianzhu Peak, I finally saw the whole view of Jinding. Jinding is the symbol and essence of Wudang Mountain, with a well-structured and magnificent appearance. Looking at Wudang Mountain in the distance, a devout and respectful heart arises, truly worthy of the reputation of "Fairyland". I heard that during the summer thunderstorm season, there is a spectacle of lightning striking the Golden Hall on Wudang Mountain. I hope to have the opportunity to witness it next time.
