Super Practical Wuyishan Travel Guide!

### 🏞 Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions (Including Hidden Gems)
1. Nine-Bend Stream Bamboo Rafting
- Why Go: The soul of Wuyishan, where crimson cliffs and emerald waters form a moving landscape, passing wonders like Jade Maiden Peak and Hanging Coffin relics.
- Best Time: 7:00 AM slot (misty fairyland) or 3:30 PM (avoid midday sun).
- Pro Tips:
- Bring ¥20 cash for rafters to share fun legends (e.g., the love story of the "King and Jade Maiden");
- Capture Jade Maiden Peak at the fifth bend—morning mist makes it resemble a maiden with hairpins.

2. Tianyou Peak
- Why Go: Climb 848 steps for panoramic views of Nine-Bend Stream; post-rain mornings often reveal seas of clouds swallowing peaks.
- Route Tip: Ascend via the steep front slope (near Sunlight Rock) and descend the gentler back slope. Cloud Sea Viewing Pavilion halfway offers the best photo spot.

3. Rock Bone Flower Fragrance Trail
- Why Go: A 3km flagstone path linking Mother Da Hong Pao Tea Trees to Water Curtain Cave, winding through tea fields and valleys bursting with orchid fragrance in April.
- Highlights:
- Sip Zen tea at Huiyuan Temple (¥30/person);
- Watch free tea-making demos of "rock tea shaking" by local farmers.

4. Impression Da Hong Pao Show
- Why Go: Directed by Zhang Yimou, this 360° rotating stage performance against Dawang Peak backdrop dramatizes tea history.
- Seating Hack: Aim for rows 4–6 center. Post-show, snack on Guangbing stuffed with smoked goose at Impression Jianzhou Food Street.

5. White Cloud Temple (Hidden Gem)
- Why Go: Cliffside temple for sunrise and cloud seas; brave a 20-minute risky path to "Paradise Cave" for heavenly views above swirling clouds.
- Tips: Charter a car by 4 AM, bring flashlights and anti-slip shoes. Temple vegetarian meals accept donations.

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### 🗺 Itinerary Recommendations
Classic 2-Day Highlights (First-Timer Must)
- **Day1**:
AM: Nine-Bend Rafting (book 3 days ahead) → Song Dynasty Street (try Da Hong Pao ice cream)
PM: Summit Tianyou Peak → One-Line Sky (right path is more thrilling)
Evening: *Impression Da Hong Pao* (7:30 PM show)
- **Day2**:
AM: Da Hong Pao Scenic Area (sample tea-leaf eggs) → Rock Bone Trail hike to Water Curtain Cave
PM: Xiamei Ancient Village (Song-style tea ceremony) or Yulinting Kiln Site (DIY Jianzhan teacups, ¥68)

In-Depth 3-Day Cultural Trip
- **Day3 Add-Ons**:
Dawn: White Cloud Temple sunrise → Riverside Nine-Bend Trail (Xingcun to Tianyou Peak, serene views)
PM: Tongmu Pass (Lapsang Souchong origin) or Zhuzi Memorial Forest

Off-the-Beaten-Path Route
- White Cloud Temple sunrise → Paradise Cave cliff photos → Sancai Peak tea field sunset (chartered car) → Qinglong Waterfall splash play

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### 🍜 Food & Stays
Must-Eats
- **Langgu Smoked Goose**: Crispy skin, tender meat with tea aroma; Old Street Xiaoguangbing Shop offers vacuum packs.
- **Tea Banquet**: Yuehua Hotel’s tea-infused ribs, Da Hong Pao tea eggs.
- **Wengong Dish**: Xiaomu Cake Shop’s steamed tofu-wrapped meat; Xingxian Ancient Street’s specialty.
- **Wufu Lotus Seed Soup**: Chilled with osmanthus honey, signature at Wengong Restaurant.

Budget Stays
- **Nanyuanling Homestays**: ~¥100/person, Bus #7 to scenic area (e.g., Yicheng Homestay, free tea tasting).
- **Sangu Resort**: Yuehua Hotel (5-min walk to show), Lantang Riverside Inn (Dawang Peak views).
- **Luxury Pick**: Jiaye Mountain Lodge (infinity pool amid tea fields).

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### ⚠ 2025 Policies & Tips
1. **Free Entry**:
- Main scenic area free until Dec 31, 2025 (ID required); sightseeing bus + rafting still ticketed.
- Middle/college entrance exam takers: sightseeing bus ¥10; students: *Impression Da Hong Pao* 50% off.

2. **Transport**:
- Opt for Nanping Station (ex-Wuyishan East), K1 express to scenic area (40 mins).
- Rent e-bikes in-park (¥50/day) for more freedom than taxis.

3. **Avoid Scams**:
- Book rafting tickets 3 days early via official channels.
- Beware roadside "wild tea"—look for **"Wuyi Rock Tea" GI label**; mother trees are view-only.
- Pack anti-slip shoes + repellent (tea fields are buggy; Tianyou steps get slippery).

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### 💎 Ultimate Advice
- **Best Seasons**:
- Spring/Autumn (Mar–May/Sep–Nov): tea blossoms or autumn hues.
- Free-entry period (till 2025) = high value, but summer means heat/crowds.
- **Budget**: ~¥800/person for 2 days (lodging/food/basic transport, free-entry period).