Some climb for faith, others for the views. This Chinese sacred mountain draws them all

Wudang, a mountain sacred to Taoism in central China, draws both worshippers and tourists alike. Liu Haiyan, a pilgrim, clutched a banknote in her hands while praying to the mountain's protector, Zhenwu, for favorable weather and prosperity for her country. The Taoist buildings at Wudang date back to the 7th century and expanded over centuries through China's various dynasties.

Tourists visit Wudang in their thousands, with 14 million visits recorded in 2025. The mountain's peaks hold spiritual significance, with water linked to the summit and fire to the lower slopes. The Golden Hall, perched at 1,610 meters above sea level, symbolizes the nourishment of Heaven and Earth and affords a sense of spiritual purification.

Taoist priests and monks maintain the religious sites, connecting Wudang's spiritual life with the communities that call the mountain home. For Cai Hongping, Wudang's temples were a source of happiness and joy during her childhood, with Taoist priests giving her dates, peanuts, and fruit. The mountain's history flourished during the Ming dynasty, when Emperor Zhu Di commissioned the construction of the Taoist complex to align his regime with Taoism.