Wuyi Mountain is located in northwest Fujian Province, a famous scenic tourist area and summer resort in China. In 1999, it was listed by UNESCO as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site, one of only 4 Dual World Heritage Sites in China. Wuyi is famous for its typical Danxia (red rock) landform. 'Three-three clear waters like jade, six-six strange peaks green into sky' is the best depiction of Wuyi's scenery. The Nine-Bend River winds through, and bamboo raft drifting is a must-experience. Wuyi is the cradle of Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucianism. Zhu Xi founded Wuyi Academy here and taught for over 40 years. Wuyi Rock Tea (Da Hong Pao) is one of China's top ten famous teas. The mother trees of Da Hong Pao have only 6 plants, annual yield only about 1 jin (0.5kg), truly the 'King of Teas'.
Nine-Bend River is about 9.5km long, flowing through Wuyi Mountain's core scenic area. Taking a bamboo raft downstream, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of 36 peaks on both banks. Whole journey about 1.5-2 hours, a must-experience in Wuyi. The raftman will explain legends of attractions along the way.
408m above sea level, it's Wuyi Mountain's number one scenic spot, with the saying 'not reaching Tianyou means you've wasted your trip'. Climbing to the peak top, you can take in all of Wuyi's mountains and waters, with the Nine-Bend River winding like a jade belt. The peak has ancient sites like Tianyou Temple and Miaogao Terrace.
Located in Jiulongke Valley, there are 6 mother trees of Da Hong Pao over 360 years old, annual yield only about 1 jin (0.5kg), truly priceless. In 2005, 20g of mother tree Da Hong Pao was auctioned for ¥208,000. The scenic area now has Jiulong Tea Expo Garden to learn about Wuyi Rock Tea making craft.
Located at the southern end of Wuyi Mountain peak group, it's a unique natural landscape. Two huge rocks squeeze together, leaving a crack only over 1 foot wide and over 100m high. Looking up at the cliff top, you can see sky light like a line, hence the name One-Line-Sky. The narrowest part is only 30cm, difficult for larger people to pass.
Located on the bank of the Fifth Bend of Nine-Bend River, it's the academy founded by Zhu Xi in 1183. He taught here for over 40 years, cultivating numerous Neo-Confucian talents. The restored Wuyi Academy maintains Song dynasty architectural style, an important place to learn about Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucianism.
Characteristic Wuyi dish, uses local free-range goose, smoked with tea leaves, rice etc. Golden color, tender meat, rich tea aroma. Langu Smoked Goose is the most authentic brand.
Wuyi Mountain is rich in bamboo shoots. Dried bamboo shoot braised with pork is a local traditional home-style dish. Crispy and tender dried shoots, absorbing pork fat to become even more delicious, authentic Wuyi Mountain flavor.
Traditional Wuyi snack, outer skin made with glutinous rice flour and qingming herb, filled with bamboo shoot dices, minced meat, mushrooms etc. and steamed. Jade green color, fragrant aroma, seasonal delicacy in spring.
Using Wuyi Rock Tea (Da Hong Pao) in cooking, including tea-fragrance pork ribs, tea-fragrance chicken, tea-fragrance shrimp etc. Tea aroma perfectly blends with ingredients, unique Wuyi Mountain culinary experience.
Wuyi Mountain scenic area ticket includes attractions, bamboo raft drifting requires separate ticket, recommend advance purchase on official website
March-May and September-November are best travel seasons, avoid summer vacation and rainy season
Da Hong Pao is famous but prices vary drastically, recommend purchasing at formal tea shops after tasting
Bamboo raft drifting tickets hard to get in peak season, recommend booking 1-2 days in advance
Wuyi Mountain is humid year-round, rainy season (June-July) prepare for moisture, bring rain gear