Wudang Mountain is located in Shiyan City, Hubei Province, covering an area of 312 square kilometers. It is not only the famous sacred land of Taoism and the National Scenic Spot but also the National “4A” Special Class Scenic Spot. In I1994, the ancient architectural complex of Mt. Wudang was listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO .
Wudang Mountain is world-famous for its unique and varied mountainous scenery. It boasts 72 vertical peaks, 36 rocky cliffs, 24 streams , 11caves and 10 peculiar stones and 9 terraces. Its main peak, Sky Pillar Peak is 1,612 meters high above the sea level, creates a striking view of "One Pole Supporting the Sky." Clustered around it are numerous smaller ones, composing a fantastic picture of 72 peaks paying homage to the main one. It has a good reputation of “the No 1 Immortal’s Mountain in China”.
The ancient architectural complex of Mt. Wudang is grand and magnificent. From the Tang Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, the palaces and temples amounted to more than 500 and the rooms of the halls amounted to more than 20,000. The architectures in Mt. Wudang reached its climax in the Ming Dynasty; the Emperor served it as his royal temple andhad established 9 palaces, 9 temples and other 33 architectural complexes. The 129 well preserved architectures still contain their original grandness. Besides these, there are over 7,400 pieces of valuable historic relics, which are respected as the Treasure House of Taoism Cultural Relics. Mt. Wudang is also well-known for its deep-rooted tradition of Kungfu (martial arts). As an old saying goes: "Shaolin Kungfu is the best in the north, while Wudang Kungfu is the best in the south." It had developed a complete theoretical system and unique style centering on the theory of attack and self-defense of ancient Kungfu and some principles of the classic Book of Changes supplemented by the internal and external works of Taoism.
The key principles are the changes of Yin and Yang, the circular movements of Eight Trigrams and the cycle of conquest and creation in the life of the Five Elements. It emphasizes the full display of the internal temperament, mental attitude and potential of the human being. The practice of martial art stresses not only the strength, speed, suppleness but also the health and intelligence. So it is a beneficial way to keep safe and healthy. With the solemn and elegant qualities, the deep and strong religious color, the Wudang Taoist music is very attractive and enjoys the same important reputation as the Wudang Martial Art. Besides these, the Mt. Wudang is rich in ancient fairy tales, ethnic songs and folk customs.
|
