Mt. Wuyi (Wuyishan City, Fujian Province)

a.Brief Introduction

Located south of Wuyishan City, Fujian Province, with an area of 70 sq. km, the area has what is probably the largest, most typical and best-preserved humid subtropical native forest in the world. It was nominated as a biosphere reserve of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Program in 1987.

The cliffs and waters of Mt. Wuyi are outstanding. The workings of Nature of a typical Danxia landform have left behind 36 peaks, 72 caves, 99 prominent rocks and 108 scenic spots. The Stream with Nine Turnings is emerald green and crystal clear. The beauty of the mountain and its waters has made Wuyi known as the most attractive mountain in southeast China.

Mt. Wuyi is also known for being of great historic and cultural value. Cultural relics include the extensive remains of an ancient city of the Min Yue people, dating back over 2,000 years, the Ziyang Academy of Classical Learning, the tomb of Zhu Xi, cliffside sculptures, etc. Zhu Xi, a philosopher of the Southern Song Dynasty, taught for 40 years at Mt. Wuyi and made it an academic center of southeast China.

b.Cultural Heritage

The most ancient scene on Mt. Wuyi is the stone slabs and boat-shaped rocks over deep gullies, a prestigious natural wonder. Viewed from above the water, two stone boats stand on several crisscross slabs on the top of the cliff. The boats are about 6 m in length, and in rhombic form, just like those said to be used by the immortals. Huge rocks, deep caves and pools are three special sights of Dazang Peak.

c.Natural Heritage

The Wuyi mountain range, usually called Greater Mt. Wuyi, straddles the border of Fujian and Jiangxi provinces, stretching over 500 km. The average height of the peaks is over 1,000 m above sea level.

The most beautiful part is the Small Mt. Wuyi scenic area in the territory, 15 km southwest of the Chong'an County seat, Fujian Province. It is surrounded by streams and valleys, and has no direct link with neighboring mountains.

The special Danxia landform features include the Stream with Nine Turnings, 36 peaks, 72 caves and 99 rocks. The distinctive views of monoliths of red sandstone surrounded by emerald green water inspire the imagination.

d.Legends and Stories

There is a beautiful legend about Yunü Peak. Yunü, a fairy maiden, fell in love with Dawang, an earthly king. She came to Mt. Wuyi and enjoyed its fantastic natural beauty very much together with the king. So she decided to stay there. However, a demon named Tieban (Iron Plate) informed the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor flew into a rage and turned the demon into a peak, known as Tieban Peak, to separate Dawang Peak from Yunü Peak. Therefore, the two lovers couldn't see each other though they were only a short distance away.