Explore a Hidden Gem: A Detailed Guide to Wulei Mountain

Explore a Hidden Gem: A Detailed Guide to Wulei Mountain "Climb to the top and see all the mountains below." In the southern part of Cili County, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, there is a hidden gem full of charm - Wulei Mountain. It is not only a famous Taoist holy place, echoing Wudang Mountain in Hubei Province, but also enjoys the reputation of "Southern Wudang" and "the First Holy Place in Southern Chu". With its unique natural scenery and profound cultural heritage, it attracts many tourists to explore. If you are also longing for a different kind of trip, follow this guide and step into Wulei Mountain! I. Basic Information - Address: South of Cili County, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province - Ticket price: Full price ticket is CNY 80, one-way sightseeing bus is CNY 15. Retired military personnel can enjoy half-price discount. II. Transportation Guide It is strongly recommended to drive to the destination. After getting off the highway at Cili East, you can reach the destination in about half an hour. However, be prepared for the winding and long road up the mountain. Although the scenery along the way is beautiful, you need to be extra careful when driving. III. Highlights Wulei Mountain has a pleasant climate and beautiful scenery all year round. The vegetation here is lush and the air is fresh, and every breath is full of nature's gift. The Taoist temple is built along the mountain, and the clouds and mist often linger around it. From a distance, the building is hidden in the clouds, like a fairyland on earth, making people marvel at the perfect fusion of nature and human architecture. IV. Main Attractions 1. Golden Hall: The Golden Hall is the Golden Summit, with an ancient sedan chair top shape, covered with purple copper-colored glazed tiles, surrounded by cliffs on three sides, and the terrain is dangerous. In the hall, there is a statue of the True Martial Ancestor made of nine fire copper, weighing more than 2,000 pounds. The incense is flourishing here, and the bell is melodious. It is the place where Taoist rituals are held and the main hall for pilgrims. The Golden Hall has four wonders: first, it is located at a high place, and the Golden Hall shines brightly on sunny days, but strangely, other places higher than the Golden Hall cannot see the urban areas of Changde and Lixian; second, the area of the worship platform in the hall is not large, but even if there are many people crowded, they do not touch each other; third, on the eve of March 3 every year, there are often thunderstorms, but the next day is always sunny; fourth, there is a clear spring on the top of the mountain, and even in a long drought, the water source never dries up. When you climb to the Golden Hall, you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the urban areas of Changde and Lixian in the distance on a sunny day. 2. Jade Emperor Hall: It was first built in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, and later restored and rebuilt. The hall enshrines the Jade Emperor, with bell and drum towers on both sides. The architectural style is simple and elegant, solemn and majestic, making people feel the strong Taoist atmosphere as soon as they step in. 3. Huixian Bridge: This stone bridge was first built in the Tang Dynasty and is the only way to the main peak. It is said that those who have attained the Tao and become immortals must pass this bridge, so it is also called "Duxian Bridge". There is not only a romantic legend here, but also the most photogenic place in the scenic area, where you can take beautiful photos with just a click. 4. Five Dragons Holding the Saint: Standing on the Golden Summit and looking around, you will find five majestic and varied mountain ridges surrounding the Golden Summit like five giant dragons, which is the famous "Five Dragons Holding the Saint" landscape. After the rain, the clouds and mist shuttle between the mountain ridges, adding more mystery and magnificence. It is said that these five dragon-shaped mountain ridges are the incarnations of five evil dragons conquered by the ancestor of Wulei Mountain. V. Travel Route Planning Starting from the entrance of the scenic area, it is recommended to hike up the mountain, which takes about an hour to reach the top easily. Along the way, you can slowly enjoy the natural scenery and feel the tranquility and beauty of the mountains and forests. After reaching the top, visit the Golden Hall, Jade Emperor Hall, Huixian Bridge and other attractions in turn, and finally enjoy the magnificent view of "Five Dragons Holding the Saint" on the Golden Summit. When going down the mountain, it is not recommended to take the slide, which costs CNY 25 and has a short journey, only to the mountainside. You can choose to walk down the mountain, which takes about 20 minutes, and then take a shuttle bus for CNY 15 directly to the Taoist temple parking lot. VI. Travel Tips 1. The road on the mountain is rugged, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. At the same time, there are many insects on the mountain, so remember to take protective measures. 2. The temperature on the mountain is lower than that at the foot of the mountain, so carry a coat with you to prevent catching a cold. 3. It is not recommended to go on a rainy day, as the mountain road is slippery and there may be falling rocks on some sections. If you must visit on a rainy day, be sure to bring your own raincoat, as it is not safe to use an umbrella due to the strong wind on the top of the mountain. 4. The price of incense on the mountain is relatively expensive. If you need to burn incense, you might as well bring your own, which is more economical. 5. The signal in the scenic area may be unstable, so download offline maps in advance to avoid getting lost. The beautiful Wulei Mountain, with few people, is like a pearl waiting for you to discover its beauty. Pack your bags and embark on this journey to Wulei Mountain to experience its unique charm!