1. Wudang Mountain (武当山)
Wudang Mountain, also known as Taihe Mountain, is located within the jurisdiction of Shiyan City, Hubei Province, covering an area of 312 square kilometers. It is the place where the True Warrior Emperor (Xuanwu Emperor) of Taoism cultivated and ascended to immortality. The Taoist Zhang Sanfeng from the late Yuan to early Ming dynasties further perfected it, making Wudang an important school in Chinese martial arts. Wudang Mountain is a mountainous scenic area that perfectly combines natural and cultural landscapes, renowned for its vibrant natural scenery, grand ancient architectural complexes, profound Taoist culture, and deep Wudang martial arts. It is hailed as 'a unique and unparalleled paradise, the first sacred mountain in the world'. The ancient architectural complex of Wudang Mountain is unparalleled compared to other famous mountains, including the 'Five Sacred Peaks'. The 'Building the Forbidden City in the north and renovating Wudang in the south' project by Emperor Yongle transformed the Taoist temples of Wudang Mountain into the imperial family temple of the Ming Empire, showcasing the grandeur of imperial palaces. Additionally, the design layout based on the myth of the True Warrior Emperor's cultivation added a touch of Taoist mysticism. Wudang Mountain, from the foot of the mountain at Wudang Mountain Town to the main peak, Tianzhu Peak, features scenic areas such as Taizi Slope, Zixiao, Nan Yan, and Jinding (Taihe Palace, Golden Hall). Each scenic area is nestled among lush green mountains, with numerous Taoist palaces preserved. Coming here allows one to calm down and experience the Taoist realm of 'the way follows nature, harmony between heaven and humanity'.
武当山,又名太和山,位于湖北省十堰市境内,景区总面积312平方公里,是道教中真武大帝(玄武大帝)修炼飞升的地方。而元末明初的道士张三丰,更是集其大成,使武当成为中华武林中重要的门派之一。武当山属自然景观和人文景观完美结合的山岳型风景名胜区,以其绚丽多姿的自然景观、规模宏大的古建筑群、源远流长的道教文化、博大精深的武当武术著称于世,被誉为"亘古无双胜境,天下第一仙山"。武当山古建筑群是包括“五岳”在内的其它名山无法比拟的。永乐皇帝的“北建故宫,南修武当”工程,使武当山的道观成为了明帝国皇室的家庙,也让这里的古建筑体现了皇宫的宏伟壮丽,而按照真武大帝修真神话的设计布局,又为这里增加了道教的神奇玄妙。武当山从山脚的武当山镇,到主峰——天柱峰顶端,分布着太子坡、紫霄、南岩、金顶(太和宫、金殿)等景区。各景区在群山环抱中,周边树木苍翠。各个景区都保留了大量的道教宫殿,来到这里,静下心来,感受道家“道法自然、天人合一”的境界。
2. Shennongjia (神农架)
The ancient and mystical Shennongjia is said to be the place where Shennong (the Flame Emperor) settled and cultivated land, tasted hundreds of herbs, and collected medicine in ancient times. Due to the steep mountains, even the all-powerful Shennong had to use ladders to climb up, hence the name 'Shennongjia'. It possesses a well-preserved North Asian tropical forest ecosystem at mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere and rich biodiversity. Shennongjia features diverse geological and hydrological landscapes, including the 'Central China Ridge', as well as natural mysteries like 'wild men' and albino animals that captivate people's imagination. The scenic area covers 3,250 square kilometers, with the main peak of Shennongjia reaching 3,106.2 meters. The area is densely forested with deep valleys, preserving the primeval landscape and rich plant and animal resources. Shennongjia is home to over 1,000 tree species and 570 wild animal species, including rare albino animals like white bears, white snakes, white deer, and white monkeys, earning it the reputation as the 'Central China Forest Sea' and 'Natural Zoo'. The Shennongjia Ecological Tourism Area showcases the highest level of the 'Central China Ridge', featuring unique and complete forest ecosystems, vertically distributed climates, rich and exotic plant and animal species, profound Shennong culture, authentic folk customs, and mysterious natural enigmas across seven major scenic areas: Shennongding, Guanmenshan, Dajiuhu, Tianyan, Shennongtan, Tianshengqiao, and Huaglang Valley. It has become a paradise for sightseeing, scientific exploration, health leisure, vacation, and outdoor experiences. Shennongjia is a place where one can only truly experience the primal, listen to the silence, and sense the mystery by stepping into it.
古老而神奇的神农架,相传这里曾是远古时代神农氏(炎帝)定居耕田,遍尝百草,采药治病的地方。因山高壁陡,神通广大的神农氏也只好搭架而上,因此得名“神农架”。它拥有北半球中纬度保存完好的北亚热带森林生态系统和丰富的生物多样性,拥有神农架穹窿“华中屋脊”纷繁多样的地质地貌、气象水文景观,以及让世人魂牵梦绕的“野人”、白化动物等自然之谜。景区面积3250平方千米。主峰大神农架高达3106.2米。区内林密谷深,完好保存着洪荒时代的风光,动植物资源极其丰富。神农架现存有1000余种树种,570种野生动物,其中还有少见的白化动物如白熊、白蛇、白鹿、白猴,因此被誉为“华中林海”和“天然动植物园”。神农架生态旅游区拥“华中屋脊”至高境界,将独特完整的森林生态、垂直分布的立体气候、丰富珍奇的动植物种、悠远厚重的神农文化、质朴醇厚的民俗风情和神秘莫测的自然之谜,在神农顶、官门山、大九湖、天燕、神农坛、天生桥、画廊谷七大景区中展现于世人,成为观光览胜、科学考察、健康休闲、度假养生、户外体验的人间圣境。神农架,唯有走进它,才能触摸原始,聆听寂静,感知神秘。