Shiyan: A Chinese-style fairyland in the misty clouds

「🗺️Shiyan 3-Day Tour | Wudang Mountain and Taiji Lake・A Guide for All Ages」

Shiyan, a city blessed by the immortal Wudang Mountains, where the legend of Taiji Zhang Sanfeng flows, and the sea of clouds and ancient temples of Wudang Mountain complement each other beautifully. Bring the whole family here to experience the grandeur of "overlooking all mountains" at the Golden Summit, enjoy a slow life by Taiji Lake, and gain nourishment for both body and mind.

🗓️Itinerary Overview
D1: Arrive in Shiyan → Wudang Mountain (Nanyan → Zixiao Palace) → Wuyaling
D2: Wudang Mountain (Golden Summit → Taizi Slope → Xiaoyao Valley) → Taiji Lake
D3: Shiyan Museum → Huanglong Ancient Town → Return

⛰️Day 1: Seeking the Way in Wudang · Exploring Nanyan
📍Wudang Mountain (5A, ticket 164 RMB + scenic shuttle 100 RMB, free admission for seniors over 60 and children under 1.4 meters)
Highlights: Known as the "Number One Taoist Mountain," the "Dragon Head Incense" at Nanyan Palace hangs on a sheer cliff, thrilling and breathtaking; Zixiao Palace is the best-preserved palace on Wudang Mountain with bustling incense offerings. Seniors can take the shuttle directly to the attractions, and children can listen to the story of "Zhang Sanfeng creating Taiji," experiencing the Taoist concept of "unity of heaven and man."
🕙Opening Hours: 7:30-17:30, recommended to enter the mountain before 9 AM and take the shuttle first to Nanyan.
📸Photo Spots: Nanyan Dragon Head Incense (capture the cliff spectacle), Zixiao Palace Main Hall (capture ancient architecture and incense).
💡Tips: The shuttle is a must-buy as attractions are far apart; for seniors, consider taking the cable car up and down the Golden Summit (90 RMB up, 80 RMB down) to save energy; do not point at statues with your finger, respect Taoist etiquette.
🍖Recommended Dining: Taoist vegetarian restaurant at Wuyaling, Taiji tofu (light and tender), wild vegetable stir-fried mushrooms (fragrant), about 40 RMB per person; try Wudang Taoist tea (10 RMB/cup) to refresh and energize.
🏨Recommended Accommodation: Jianguo Hotel at Wuyaling, near Nanyan, with family rooms and breakfast (millet porridge and steamed buns suitable for seniors and children), priced 400-600 RMB/night, convenient for climbing the Golden Summit the next day.

🌄Day 2: Golden Summit Scenery · Lakeside Leisure
📍Wudang Mountain Golden Summit (ticket 27 RMB)
Highlights: The main peak of Wudang Mountain, the Golden Hall is made entirely of copper, shining brilliantly under the sun, often surrounded by a sea of clouds in the early morning, like entering a fairyland. Seniors can take the cable car to Zhuanyun Hall and then walk 300 steps to the summit; children enjoy counting the copper beasts on the Golden Hall, feeling the majesty of the "peak of Wudang."
🕙Opening Hours: Same as the scenic area, recommended to take the cable car at 6 AM to watch the sunrise and sea of clouds (around 5:30 AM in summer).
📸Photo Spots: Golden Summit viewing platform (capture sea of clouds and mountains), panoramic view of the Golden Hall (capture the copper masterpiece).
💡Tips: It’s windy at the summit, bring a light jacket even in summer; the stairs are steep, help seniors hold the handrail.

📍Taizi Slope and Xiaoyao Valley
Highlights: The "Nine-Bend Yellow River Wall" corridor at Taizi Slope is winding and ingeniously crafted; Xiaoyao Valley has babbling streams and a troop of macaques, children can feed the monkeys (bring your own fruit, be cautious), seniors can rest by the stream and enjoy the natural wild charm.
🕙Opening Hours: Same as the scenic area, recommended to visit after 1 PM to avoid the strong sun.
📸Photo Spots: Taizi Slope Nine-Bend Corridor (capture architectural beauty), Xiaoyao Valley monkey group (capture interaction between people and nature).

📍Taiji Lake (free admission, boat ride 60 RMB/person)
Highlights: An artificial lake at the foot of Wudang Mountain, the water is clear as a mirror reflecting distant mountains. You can take a boat to enjoy the lake view, seniors can stroll on the lakeside boardwalk, children love playing on the lakeside beach, feeling the tranquility of "Taiji generating the two forms."
🕙Opening Hours: All day, sunset views are stunning.
📸Photo Spots: Taiji Lake dam (capture lake and distant mountains), boat deck (capture lake light and mountain scenery).

🏯Day 3: Cultural Exploration · Ancient Town Flavors
📍Shiyan Museum (free, reservation required)
Highlights: Houses the "Yunxian Man" skull fossil (1 million years old), Wudang cultural relics exhibition, and a special dinosaur egg fossil area that fascinates children. Seniors can learn about Shiyan’s industrial development history and the city’s transformation.
🕙Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (closed Mondays), recommended to visit at 10 AM.
📸Photo Spots: Dinosaur skeleton model in the lobby (capture family photos), Wudang relic display cases (capture ancient temple models).
💡Tips: There is a children’s interactive area where kids can play archaeological simulation games for added fun.

📍Huanglong Ancient Town (free)
Highlights: A thousand-year-old town by the Han River, with well-preserved bluestone roads and stilted buildings. In the old teahouse, elders sing Yunyang Huagu opera. Seniors can sit and enjoy the opera with tea (10 RMB/cup), children can buy handmade maltose candy (5 RMB/portion), experiencing the lively atmosphere of the ancient town.
🕙Opening Hours: All day, the afternoon sunlight on the ancient street is beautiful.
🍖Recommended Dining: Farmhouse restaurant in the ancient town, Huanglong fish head hotpot (freshly killed, can be made clear soup), sweet potato steamed pork (soft and not greasy), about 50 RMB per person.

✨Shiyan Survival Guide
1️⃣Transportation: Taxi starting fare in Shiyan is 6 RMB; to Wudang Mountain take the tourist shuttle (2 RMB) or taxi (50 RMB); inside Wudang Mountain scenic area rely on shuttle buses that stop on demand; to Taiji Lake, use shared bikes (3 RMB/hour), short distance.
2️⃣Clothing: Spring wear light jacket + long sleeves (Wudang Mountain is 5°C cooler and windy); summer wear short sleeves + sun protection clothing (bring sun hat, strong UV); autumn wear knitwear + windbreaker (big temperature difference morning and night); winter wear down jacket + non-slip shoes (Wudang Mountain has snow, keep warm).
3️⃣Taboos: No loud noise, no hats, no slippers inside Wudang Taoist temples; do not feed macaques randomly to avoid scratches; do not touch wooden or stone carvings on old buildings in the ancient town.
4️⃣Food: Shiyan cuisine is sour and spicy, you can order "no spice" option; seniors and children should eat more Wudang vegetarian dishes and sweet potato products; Wudang Taoist tea can be taken away, good for refreshing and suitable for elders.

🛍️Must-Buy Souvenirs
①Wudang Taiji Sword model (50-100 RMB, metal, commemorative)
②Wudang Taoist tea (80 RMB/jin, fragrant and sweet aftertaste, suitable as a gift for elders)
③Yunyang Phoenix Lantern Dance cultural creation (40 RMB/set, handmade lantern pendants, kids love it)
④Fangxian small flower mushrooms (60 RMB/jin, dried goods, great for soup)

The beauty of Shiyan lies in the immortal charm of Wudang Mountain, the tranquility of Taiji Lake, and the simplicity of the ancient town. No matter who you come with, after hearing Taoist music and seeing the sea of clouds, you will fall in love with this calm "Tao follows nature" lifestyle. If you come to Shiyan, do you most want to take your parents to climb the Wudang Golden Summit or accompany your children to feed monkeys in Xiaoyao Valley?