* prices for double rooms are per person and are only available to students travelling together
Wudang Daoist Traditional
Kungfu Academy
Wudang
Sacred Wudang — The Birthplace of Tai Chi
Wudang Mountain has been the center of Daoist thought, practice, and belief for centuries. As one of the four sacred mountains of Daoism, Wudang has drawn seekers, scholars, and warriors for over a thousand years — all coming to cultivate wisdom, practice internal arts, and pay respects to the sacred origin of practices like Taiji Quan and the deities within the Daoist religion.
It is here, among the misty mountain peaks, that the legendary Zhang San Feng created the original Taiji system — the system that would eventually spread across the world and become known as Tai Chi. The branches of this system are still studied and taught throughout Wudang today, preserved in their original form by the descendants of the San Feng lineage.
Wudang Mountain was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, honoring its extraordinary cultural, architectural, and spiritual significance. With this recognition, Wudang has been renovating and reclaiming the older temples that have been lost to time — each step a tribute toward Daoism and the balanced existence and peace that it inspires.
Many journey to the mountain each year to take part in an experience that helps them gain stability by finding clarity, improve health by pr
YuXu Temple
YuXu Gong was originally built in 1413 during the Ming Dynasty, when Emperor Zhu Di ordered the construction of grand temples across Wudang Mountain to honor the Daoist deity Zhen Wu (the Perfected Warrior). At its peak, YuXu Gong spanned over two thousand rooms — an entire temple city at the base of the mountain.
Over the centuries, much of the complex was lost to war and time. Today, the main courtyard and several outer structures remain, including four structures that house large stone tortoises carrying stone tablets on their backs — monuments to imperial patronage and Daoist devotion.
Since 2010, a large-scale renovation has been underway to bring the grounds back to their previous prestige. The ancestral building still stands, and recreated rooms and structures have been added, restoring a sense of the temple's original grandeur.
YuXu Gong is located next to the Wudang Daoist Traditional Kungfu Academy. Some morning training sessions are held within the temple grounds — an experience that connects students directly to th
Wudangshan — The Mountain
Wudang Mountain (Wudangshan) rises in the northwest of Hubei Province, approximately 400 kilometers from Wuhan. The mountain range covers 312 square kilometers, with 72 peaks, 36 cliffs, and 24 ravines creating a landscape of extraordinary beauty.
The highest peak, Tian Zhu Feng (Heavenly Pillar Peak), reaches 1,612 meters above sea level. At its summit stands the Golden Hall (Jin Dian) — a bronze temple built in 1416 that is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Ming Dynasty. The entire structure, including its pillars, roof, and interior statues, was cast in bronze and assembled on the peak without nails or bolts.
Getting to the Golden Summit requires a climb of several hours through ancient stone pathways, passing smaller temples and pavilions along the way. The journey itself is considered a form of Daoist practice — each step upward is both physical exercise and spiritual ascent.
The Temples of Wudang
Wudang Mountain contains some of the most important Daoist temples in China:
Zhen Wu Temple (Golden Summit)
The Golden Summit is the highest and most sacred point on Wudang Mountain. The Bronze Hall at the summit houses a statue of Zhen Wu, the Daoist deity associated with Wudang. This temple has been a destination for pilgrims for centuries, and the view from the top — especially at sunrise — is considered one of the most spiritual experiences in China.
Nan Yan Gong (South Cliff Temple)
Nan Yan Gong is built into the cliff face of Wudang Mountain, with parts of the temple literally hanging over the edge of a sheer precipice. The architecture is breathtaking — walls and pillars are carved directly into the rock, and a famous incense burner sits on a stone outcrop extending over the cliff, where daring pilgrims once burned incense while standing on a ledge with nothing but a hundred-meter drop below.
Zi Xiao Gong (Purple Cloud Palace)
Zi Xiao Gong is the largest surviving temple complex on Wudang Mountain and serves as the administrative center for the Daoist community. Its grand architecture, spacious courrooms, and extensive collection of Daoist texts make it an essential stop for anyone visiting the mountain.
Wu Long Gong (Five Dragon Palace)
Wu Long Gong is one of the oldest temples on Wudang Mountain, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Though partially ruined, its remaining structures and the surrounding ancient trees create a powerful sense of connection to the deep history of Daoist practice on the mountain.
The Daoist Tradition
Daoism on Wudang Mountain is not merely a historical relic — it is a living tradition. Monks and priests still live in the temples, performing daily rituals, studying ancient texts, and practicing the internal arts. The annual temple festivals draw thousands of pilgrims and visitors, and the Daoist community remains the spiritual heart of Wudang.
At the Wudang Daoist Traditional Kungfu Academy, we are part of this living tradition. Master Yuan Xiu Gang is an ordained Daoist priest of the San Feng lineage. Training here means training within a community that has practiced these arts for centuries — not in a gym, not in a studio, but on the sacred mountain where they were born.
Visiting Wudang Mountain
If you are planning to train at WDTKA, you will have the opportunity to explore the temples and trails of Wudang Mountain during your rest days and free time. The mountain offers:
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Hiking trails connecting all major temples, from the base to the Golden Summit
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Temple visits — most temples are open to visitors, and some offer overnight stays for serious seekers
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Seasonal festivals — major Daoist festivals occur throughout the year, with ceremonies, music, and communal celebrations
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Natural beauty — mist-covered peaks, ancient forests, clear streams, and wildlife
The academy is located in the YuZhenGong area, within walking distance of several major temples. Many students find that exploring the mountain on rest days deepens their training experience — the spiritual atmosphere of the temples complements the physical and internal practice of the academy.