Wudangshan

Question

We are considering a trip to Wudangshan. We might arrive on day 1 at 9:05am at the airport in Shiyan, and perhaps leave the next day with a flight at 9pm. And we could stay longer if that makes sense.

How would/should we spend these two days? I found some suggested itineraries here: https://ruqintravel.com/china-destination-guides/wudang-mountain/

but would like to hear from people who have been there.

Answer

Wudangshan is a scenic and spiritual area famous for Taoist temples and martial arts. With your schedule—arriving at Shiyan Airport at 9:05 AM and leaving the next day at 9 PM—you can see a fair amount, though two days will be quite full. Extending your stay to a third day would allow a more relaxed pace, especially for exploring the mountain peaks and temples.

Day 1 – Arrival and initial exploration:

After landing at Shiyan Airport, take a taxi or pre-arranged transfer to Wudangshan scenic area (approximately 1–1.5 hours).
Check into your hotel and have a quick rest.
Visit the Golden Hall (Jindian) and nearby temples in the Wudangshan lower area. These are relatively easy to access and offer insight into Taoist architecture and culture.
Optional evening activity: Attend a short Taoist or martial arts demonstration if available, or stroll around the village area near your hotel.

Day 2 – Full day in the mountains:

Start early and take the cable car or climb to the main peaks. Key sites include the Purple Cloud Temple (Zixiao Gong), Nanyan Temple, and other temples along the ridge.
Allow time for hiking between temples and enjoying panoramic views; Wudangshan is known for its scenic beauty and misty mountains.
Have lunch at one of the local restaurants near the mountain area.
Descend in the afternoon to catch your transfer back to Shiyan Airport for your 9 PM flight.

Alternative / optional suggestions if staying longer:

Spend an additional day exploring more remote temples and paths to experience the quieter, less crowded areas of Wudangshan.
Take a full-day hike along the mountain trails instead of relying on the cable car for a more immersive experience.
Participate in a short Tai Chi or martial arts session offered by local schools.

Overall, with two days, you can see the main attractions of Wudangshan but it will be a packed schedule. Extending your stay by a day allows a more relaxed and complete experience, especially for the mountain hiking and temple visits.