Listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994 Location: Danjiangkou City, Hubei Province, central China Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall

The palaces and temples of the ancient building complex in the Wudang Mountains exemplify the architectural and artistic achievements of China’s secular and religious buildings of the Yuan (1279-1368), Ming (13681644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Towering mountains and deep valleys are partnered with nearby woods, rocks and streams, presenting a harmonious picturesque fusion of man-made architecture and nature.

Buildings constructed on the Wudang Mountains are of Taoist origin which can be traced back to as early as the seventh century. Taoist architecture in the Wudang Mountains rapidly increased in development during the Zhenguan Period of the Tang Dynasty (627649) when many Taoist temples were built. Unfortunately many were damaged in the wars during the late Yuan Dynasty. Taoist architecture reached its apogee during the Ming Dynasty when Emperor Zhu Di, who aligned his imperial regime with Taoism, launched a major building campaign and completed nine palaces, nine monasteries, 36 nunneries and 72 temples.

Most of current surviving buildings and architectural sites, which are 53 and nine respectively, were constructed during the Ming Dynasty. All of them have been included in the property boundaries surrounded by extensive buffer zones with signs and enhanced safety control. In terms of maintenance and repair, the principle of respecting the authenticity is strictly adhered to, so that the original condition of the buildings including layout, specification, style and materials are all well preserved.

Taoist temples in the Wudang Mountains also preserved 1,486 different statues, 409 inscriptions, 682 religious tools and objects, as well as a large collection of books and religious texts. The essence of Wudang Taoist music and Wudang martial arts are also kept alive.