Wuyi Mountain: A Hidden Paradise of Green Waters and Red Cliffs

Here is a detailed travel guide for Wuyi Mountain in 2025, combining the latest policies and attraction information to help you plan a perfect trip: --- ### **I. Ticket Policies and Best Time to Visit** - **Free Admission Policy**: From January 1 to June 30, 2025, the main scenic area of Wuyi Mountain offers free admission (ID card required), but the shuttle bus ticket (85 yuan/3 days) and Nine Bend Stream bamboo rafting (130 yuan/person) must be purchased separately. - **Best Time to Visit**: Late March to May is tea-picking season, when spring scenery is at its most beautiful, perfect for flower viewing, cloud watching, and tea tasting. --- ### **II. Transportation Guide** 1. **Getting There** - **By Air**: Wuyi Mountain Airport connects to over 20 cities nationwide; airport express bus costs 10 yuan to Sangu Resort Area. - **By High-Speed Rail**: - Wuyi Mountain North Station (15km from scenic area), take K1 express bus or shared car (about 30 yuan/person). - Nanping Station (30km from scenic area), slightly longer journey. - **Self-driving**: Accessible via Jingyi Expressway (G3) or Fuyin Expressway (G70); be cautious on mountain roads. 2. **Transportation Within Scenic Area** - **Shuttle Bus**: Three-day pass required (85 yuan), connects all attractions. - **Free Shuttle**: Vintage trolley available from Xingcun to South Entrance. --- ### **III. Classic 3-Day Itinerary** **Day 1: Historical Exploration** - **Morning**: Visit **Wuyi Palace** (Tang Dynasty royal Taoist temple) and Song Dynasty stone carvings along Nine Bend Stream. - **Afternoon**: Explore **Sangu Old Street**, taste Langu smoked goose, and experience the tea performance art. - **Overnight**: Sangu Resort Area (recommended: Jiujie Shenghuo Guesthouse or Guanlan Shuyuan). **Day 2: Mountain and Water Grandeur** - **Morning**: Climb **Tianyou Peak** (848 steps) for a panoramic view of Nine Bend Stream and sea of clouds. - **Afternoon**: Explore **One-Line Sky** (178-meter rock crevice) and **Tiger Roaring Rock** (where wind sounds like a tiger). - **Evening**: Watch the sunset at **Baiyun Zen Temple** and enjoy the Buddha's halo at dusk. **Day 3: Nine Bend Stream Adventure** - **Morning**: **Nine Bend Stream Bamboo Rafting** (90 minutes, book in advance, 7am departure recommended for best lighting). - **Afternoon**: Visit **Da Hong Pao Scenic Area** (see the mother tea trees) and experience rock tea production. --- ### **IV. Must-Visit Attractions and Experiences** 1. **Nine Bend Stream Rafting**: The soul of Wuyi Mountain; observe mountains while listening to boatmen's tales of hanging coffins. 2. **Tianyou Peak**: Summit offers panoramic views; post-rain cloud sea creates a fairyland atmosphere. 3. **Rock and Flower Trail**: 5km hiking path passing through Liuxiang Stream and Huiyuan Temple; filled with tea fragrance in April. 4. **Xiamei Ancient Village**: Starting point of the ancient tea route with Qing Dynasty tea house ruins. 5. **Yulinting Kiln Site**: Experience Song Dynasty Jian teacup throwing. --- ### **V. Food Recommendations** - **Langu Smoked Goose**: Crispy skin and fragrant meat, available on Sangu Old Street. - **Zixi Rice Noodles**: Local specialty snack. - **Rock Tea Cuisine**: Dishes infused with Da Hong Pao tea, uniquely fragrant. - **Red-Eyed Fish**: Nine Bend Stream specialty, delicious when steamed. --- ### **VI. Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps** 1. **Bamboo Raft Tickets**: Book in advance during peak season to avoid scalpers and fake tickets. 2. **Avoid Being Overcharged**: Confirm prices before ordering at restaurants; buy tea from official tea factories (like Wuyi Star). 3. **Weather**: Spring is rainy; bring rain gear and be careful on mountain paths. 4. **Guide Fees**: Bamboo raft boatmen tips can be negotiated and shared (about 20 yuan/person). --- ### **VII. Accommodation Suggestions** - **Sangu Resort Area**: Complete facilities with hotels of all price ranges; Jiujie Shenghuo Guesthouse recommended. - **Near Wuyi Palace**: Convenient for early morning visits but fewer options. --- ### **VIII. Additional Tips** - **Reservations**: During free admission periods, original ID cards are required; advance booking through "China Wuyi Mountain" WeChat account recommended. - **Equipment**: Comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, waterproof phone case (for rafting). - **Cultural Experiences**: Free tea performances and Jian teacup making; avoid overpriced commercial shows. --- Wuyi Mountain combines natural wonders with tea culture, perfect for slow, in-depth exploration. With proper planning and avoiding tourist traps, you can fully enjoy the charm of this dual World Heritage site!