Golden Palace

Introducing Golden Palace

The Wudang Mountain Golden Hall was announced as the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units by the State Council on March 4, 1961.

Wudang Mountain, also known as Taihe Mountain, is located in Danjiangkou City, Hubei Province. It is one of China's famous mountains, covering an area of ​​more than 400 kilometers and having 72 peaks. The main peak, Tianzhu Peak, has an altitude of 1,612 meters.

There are twenty-four caves, three pools, nine springs, ten ponds, nine wells, ten stones, nine platforms and other scenic spots in the mountain. It is also a famous Taoist resort. There are many palaces, pavilions and halls in the mountain. It is known as "a temple every five miles and a palace every ten miles". It is one of the famous tourist attractions in China.

Climate and best time to travel

annual

Tickets

Included in the Wudang Mountain ticket.

Golden Summit: 27 yuan (price adjustment on March 15, 2013)

Attraction opening hours

08:00-17:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Golden Palace

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Golden Palace, also known as the Golden Hall (金殿 or Jinding), is the highest temple on Mount Wudang in Shiyan, Hubei Province. Built during the Ming Dynasty (1416 AD) under Emperor Yongle, it is constructed entirely from gilded bronze and symbolizes the peak of Taoist craftsmanship. It was dedicated to Zhenwu, the Taoist deity of the north, and represents the unity of imperial power and Taoist beliefs. The Golden Palace is part of the Wudang Mountains UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most sacred Taoist sites in China.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

• Location: Near the summit of Tianzhu Peak, Mount Wudang, in Shiyan City, Hubei Province.
• From Shiyan City: Take a bus or taxi to Wudang Mountain Scenic Area (about 40 km away).
• Inside the Scenic Area: Take the internal sightseeing bus to Qiongtai Cableway Station, ride the cable car up to the mountaintop area, then hike about 30–40 minutes to reach the Golden Palace.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• Opening Hours: Usually 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (varies by season).
• Best Time: Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–October) offer the clearest skies and comfortable weather.
• Morning visits provide the best light for photos and less crowding.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

• The Golden Palace is included in the general Wudang Mountain Scenic Area ticket (around ¥243, including transport).
• Tickets can be bought online via major travel apps (Trip.com, WeChat Mini Programs) or at the scenic area ticket office.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Advance booking is not mandatory, but during holidays or peak tourist seasons (e.g., National Day week), booking a day or two in advance is recommended to avoid queues.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Plan about 2–3 hours for the Golden Palace section itself, and around 5–6 hours total if you include hiking, cable car, and other temples nearby.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The Golden Hall itself — a bronze structure shining under the sun, surrounded by clouds.
• Taihe Palace (Palace of Harmony) — an ancient Taoist complex below the Golden Palace.
• Statue of Zhenwu — intricately cast and worshiped by pilgrims.
• Mountain-top terraces — for panoramic views over the Wudang range.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours in Chinese are available at the entrance or via scenic area staff. Some online platforms offer English-language audio guides for Mount Wudang as a whole, accessible via mobile apps.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The terrace in front of the Golden Palace for sunrise and cloud-sea views.
• Paths leading to the summit for wide-angle shots of the bronze temple and surrounding peaks.
• The cableway exit platform for scenic panorama shots of Wudang Mountain.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Take scenic bus → cable car to Qiongtai → hike to Taihe Palace → continue up to the Golden Palace.
• Spend time at the summit for photos and temple visits, then descend along the same route.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

No night visits or light shows are available, as the mountain area closes before dusk for safety reasons.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

• Weekends and Chinese holidays can be crowded.
• Visit early morning or on weekdays for a quieter experience.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• Public toilets and rest stops along the mountain path.
• Small snack shops and tea stalls near Qiongtai Station and Taihe Palace.
• Limited facilities near the summit, so bring water and light snacks.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

• The cable car reduces hiking distance, making it manageable for most visitors.
• The final climb involves stairs and uneven stone paths; moderate fitness is required.
• Elderly visitors should take rests and use trekking poles if needed.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted. Cash is useful for small vendors or remote stalls.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Small local eateries near the mountain base and at Qiongtai serve noodles, tofu dishes, and simple Hubei-style meals.
• Wudangshan Town has more varied options, including vegetarian Taoist cuisine.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

• Vegetarian options are common around Wudang Mountain due to Taoist traditions.
• Halal restaurants can be found in Shiyan City but are limited near the mountain itself.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Wudangshan International Hotel (near scenic area entrance).
• Wudangshan Taihe Resort Hotel — mid-range with mountain views.
• Guesthouses in Wudangshan Town for budget travelers.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Prince Slope (Fuzhen Guan) — ancient Taoist temple complex.
• Nanyan Palace — built on cliffs with spectacular scenery.
• Zixiao Palace — a UNESCO-listed structure with Taoist relics.
• Wudang Museum — for learning about the area’s Taoist culture and architecture.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

• Taoist amulets and charms.
• Bronze figurines and miniature temple models.
• Herbal teas and local medicinal products from Wudang.
• Martial arts attire and wooden swords symbolizing Wudang Kung Fu.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Return by scenic bus to Wudangshan Town, then take a long-distance bus or high-speed train from Wudangshan Railway Station to Shiyan, Xiangyang, or Wuhan.
• Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available from the mountain entrance.