Adra Writes

Wuyishan (or Mount Wuyi) is located in Fujian Provence in Southeast China. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site as well as a place of great importance for biodiversity of the Chinese Subtropical Forest and the South Chinese Rainforest. It is also the cradle of Neo – Confucianism and has been a protected area for more than 12 centuries. It is also home to over 72 caves to explore. To say that anyone in China should visit is a gross understatement.

I had the privilege of visiting in January of 2019. While the peak season to visit is from June to October, the area has a warm climate year round and I wanted to explore during my Winter break. I’m so glad I did, because it was very warm and comfortable and there were few people visiting.

What to do in Mount Wuyi?

Hiking. Hiking. Hiking. Drinking fresh tea. More Hiking.

I spent a short time in Wuyi, so it wasn’t possible to explore all the scenic spots and hiking trails, however, I did my best.

DaHongPao Scenic Tea Area

The very day I arrived, I was so excited to be away from the city and looking at tea fields that I set off walking. It was so serene to find myself here at this moment, in this place, and on this planet. I was so overtaken by the beauty of my surroundings and the trees, mountains, and people in the fields.

Of course, I was looking for a trail area that my hotel caretakers informed me of before leaving. I eventually found the sign “DaHongPao” boasting the area to have the best tea from Mount Wuyi!

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I made the little hike up the side of the tea fields, through some rocks, until I found the tea house and shrine on the top. After settiling down, I sat drinking tea, chatting with some fellow tourists, and enjoying the view and nice weather. 

Later in the week, I came back to this area with my hotel caretaker for a sunrise viewing at 5 a.m. Apparently there was a door in the back of the tea house where the trail continued up the mountain until you had to use ropes to ensure your safety. Arriving to the top, we found a little picnic table and a couple tent platforms where some people were backpacking. Unfortunately, the sun never came out, but watching the clouds and fog roll through the valleys and around the mountains was worth it all.

Take a Bamboo Boat Ride down the Nine Bend River

This was such an experience my friends. During my second day, I, and a few other tourists, made our way down the river to experience the neck bending views of these mountains from such a unique perspective.

Along the river, ancient caves and burial sites are visible on the sides of the rock faces. I had a fun time imagining how people were able to lift bodies of their beloved to such heights with their elaborate pully systems.

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My favorite part, aside from the views, were watching how the men used bamboo poles to navigate and travel down the river. They were quite comical in their ways and I was amazed at the strength and skill they used to provide such an amazing experience. I later had the opportunity to eat dinner with about 10 of these pole masters and man do they know how to drink!

Hike Tianyou Peak (Heavenly Tour Peak)

On my third day, I visited the main event of the area: Tianyou peak. It provided the opposite perspective of the bamboo raft. I found myself looking out over the Nine Bend River and in awe of how I was just floating down the same water the day before. It was as heavenly as the name suggests.

Also at the top of this peak one will find the beautiful Tianyou Pavilion surrounded by vendors selling red ribbons to tie onto the beautiful trees. You make a prayer with your ribbon so it can blow in the wind and hopefully manifest itself.

Visit YunWo Scenic Area

This majestic area is located by the river and next to an immense rock cliff with interesting rivets going up and down the sides. Here I found many vendors selling little snacks and fried chicken. There were families having picnics and children running around. The atmosphere was so pleasant and peaceful.

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Visit YiXianTian (Ling Rock or A Thread of Sky)

This little excursion tested my claustrophobia. A massive crack formed in the middle of rocks in the side of mountain allows people of a small size to slide through. The narrow crack is widest at 1 meter and smallest at .3 meters (1 foot). I had no knowledge of this before going in with my backpack of course. But I made it through! Thankfully, there were lights along the ground to illuminate my way to the normal sized world.

Visit Water Curtain Cave

My last day in Wuyi, I visited the famous Water Curtain Cave. Here, one can stand below towering peaks and rock faces to watch water flow off the side.

I found myself walking all along the little streams and rock crevices surrounding the area. Once I actually arrived at the water curtain I found myself standing in a great open area at the foot of the peak. Here, a man orchestrated a symphony of pigeons with only some bird seed. I was such a strange experience.

At the very bottom of the peak, there is a little building. Inside you will find relics and statues from the native peoples of a past life. It was an interesting place to wander around.

That’s a Wrap!!!

Wuyishan was a great place to visit. The locals where especially kind and warm. I found myself having lots of dinners with a large group of strangers every night. I only wish I spent more time to explore the park area and hike some other notable peaks.

If you are interesting in how to travel to Wuyishan by plane, train or bus visit China Highlights or China Travel Guide for more information.

Interested in other hiking experiences in China? Check out My First Experience Solo Hiking in China blog for more China travel inspiration.