Epic Hikes of the World ( PDFDrive )

WŬDĀNG SHĀN
The apocryphal birthplace of t’ai chi, Wŭdāng Shān, in Húběi province, is one of
China’s Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism. It too is dotted with temples that add
cultural and historical clout to your hike, and there are martial arts schools on its
slopes where you can learn how to cultivate your qi (energy). The hike from the
12th-century Purple Cloud Temple (1916ft, 584m) to Heavenly Pillar Peak (5289ft,
1612m) takes at least three hours. En route you’ll pass numerous atmospheric
temples, including the enchanting red-walled Chaotian Temple with huge
tombstones guarding its entrance. Near the summit is the magnificent Forbidden
City, with stone walls 8ft (2.4m) thick hugging the mountainside. Just below it is
Good Luck Hall (c 1307), thought to be the oldest solid bronze shrine in China.
Start/End // Purple Cloud Temple, a shuttle-bus ride from the entrance to the mountain
Distance // 6 miles (10km) round trip; 3373ft (1028m) climb
© M.A.Cynthia | Shutterstock
Húběi’s Purple Cloud Temple, built c1100