First Time Visiting Wuyi Mountain!

After anticipating for over half a year, I finally managed to visit Wuyi Mountain during the peak season! Although there were more people than usual, the daytime temperature of around 25°C was incredibly pleasant. The breeze under the shade of the trees was cool, and as someone who dislikes heat, I found it completely bearable.

On the first day, I headed straight to the core scenic area to climb Tianyou Peak. While there were quite a few climbers due to the peak season, the numerous viewing pavilions along the way provided perfect spots to rest. Standing in one of the pavilions and looking down, the Jiuqu Stream appeared like a green silk ribbon winding around the verdant mountains. The breathtaking beauty of our country's magnificent landscapes is something you truly have to see to believe! The bamboo raft experience in the afternoon was the highlight of the trip. I specifically chose the 2 PM slot, and the sunlight filtering through the bamboo forest onto the water was mesmerizing. The raft guide leisurely narrated the legends of the stream. Without having to walk, I could simply lie back and enjoy the scenery of the mountains and water, with even the bustling crowd adding a touch of liveliness.

On the second day, I focused on exploring the tea culture. In the morning, I visited the Dahongpao Mother Tree Scenic Area, where tea gardens lined both sides of the path, and the air was filled with the fragrance of tea. However, wandering around on my own during the peak season felt like a missed opportunity! I could only see a few trees and missed out on the stories and tea knowledge behind them. At this point, I deeply regretted not booking a guide in advance. In the afternoon, I went to Wuyi Palace, which was packed with people in both the exhibition halls and ancient buildings. Without a guide, I could only follow the crowd and glance at everything, missing out on many historical details.

Here's an important tip: If you're visiting during the peak season, make sure to book tickets for the "Impression Dahongpao" show at least three days in advance! We tried to book tickets a day before our trip but found that even the most remote seats were sold out. Fortunately, a friend working at the scenic area managed to get us some leftover tickets, or we would have missed this spectacular performance. The 360-degree rotating audience seats were incredible. When the lights came on, the mountains and water became the stage, and as the actors walked past, it felt like stepping into the story itself. It was more immersive than any play I've ever seen.

To sum up, here are two key tips for traveling during the peak season:
1. Always hire a guide! Look for official guides at the scenic area entrance and join a group tour. It costs around 20 yuan per person and provides a wealth of information about the geological formation of natural landscapes and the historical background of cultural sites, making the experience ten times more rewarding than wandering around on your own.
2. Book tickets in advance! You can purchase tickets for "Impression Dahongpao" on the official website or WeChat account. During the peak season, don't wait until the last minute; book a few days ahead and aim for seats in the middle section for the best experience.

As for gear, wear comfortable sneakers, carry a small backpack with water and sunscreen, and don't worry about overpacking since the mountain's supply stations are reasonably priced. Wuyi Mountain is truly worth exploring at a leisurely pace. Next time, I'll avoid the peak season and take my time to savor it with a guide!

Post by 當地嚮導蘇聰英 | Oct 31, 2025