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| Our group at Wuyi Mountain Photo: John Ong |
Wuyishan or Mt Wuyi, is a wonderful mountain. It is the most outstanding area for biodiversity conservation in south-east China. Its rich flora and fauna include sigificant numbers of animals and insect species. Wuyishan is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, because of its natural and cultural heritage.
Wuyishan is on the north-west part of Fujian Province. It can be reached by air or road. After 2 days of tulous-viewing in Nanjing, our group of 24 travelled to Wuyishan by coach. We drove 3-4 hours to Longyan (to view Peitian Village) and another 4-5 hours to Taining where we stayed a night.
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| Map of Fujian showing our itinerary |
Taining
Taining
is famous for its national park, Taining Global Geopark, which was
listed as a World Geopark by UNESCO in 2005. In Taining, we took a cruise along
the Big Golden Lake. This is a man-made lake formed by a dam cutting the Gold
Stream for hydro-power station. As we cruised along, we witnessed artistic
Danxia landforms, which are rough granite, volcanic and tectonic landscapes.
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| Our cruise ship |
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| Members inside the cruise, with the local people Photo: Lau Chee Hong |
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Members braving the cold and windy weather on the deck of our cruise ship Photo: Lau Chee Hong
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| Natural Danxia landforms viewed from the ship |
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| Members (suitably clothed in the cold and wet weather) on the deck of our cruise ship |
Our cruise
ship made 3 stops for us to alight and view some scenic spots. At the first stop, we climbed up laborious steps
to view the Ganlu Rock Temple (Sweet Dew Temple) among the mountains. This temple was built in 1146 (Song Dynasty) and was wholly constructed with wood without a single nail used.
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Ladies- half-way up to Ganlu Rock Temple Photo: Lau Chee Hong
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| The laborious climb up to Ganlu Rock Temple |
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| Temple amidst beguiling Danxia landforms |
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| Steps leading to temple |
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| Ganlu Rock Temple |
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| In front of Ganlu Rock Temple |
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| Devotees praying at the temple |
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| Buddha inside the temple |
At the second stop, some members managed to see
the "Thread of the Sky". A little inclined fault in the sandy
conglomerate and the water erosion along the fault resulted in a very narrow
gap. A "heaven ladder" is built in the rock gap. Standing there, one
can see a thread of light.
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| "A thread of the Sky" Photo: Lau Chee Hong |
At the 3rd stop, we climbed up
the mountains to see a local show and many natural unique landforms.
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| A lively local show |
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| Striking and picturesque natural landforms |
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| Rich and radiant natural landforms |
Wuyishan
From Taining, we continued our coach ride and finally arrived in Wuyishan. We checked in to Hotel Bao Dao and had 2 memorable days of touring Wuyishan.
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| Our group arriving in Wuyishan Photo: John Ong |
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| Entrance to Wuyishan |
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| Map of Mt Wuyi Scenic Area |
We had
a new local guide, Chenfei. Early morning, he took us on a historical walk at
the foot of Mt Wuyi. Caves with interesting names, a variety of plants endemic
to the area and majestic mountains with streams or rivers greeted us.
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| Starting on our walk in Mt Wuyi |
For tourists who find it hard to walk along the long stretches, they can get a lift on bamboo chairs carried by workers, for a fee.
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| Bamboo chairs for those who need a lift |
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| Interesting cave along the way |
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| Beautiful landscapes |
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| Mystic mountain and river scenes |
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| Exhilaration at the majestic mountains |
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| A memorable shot of the beautiful scenery |
We went to a tea house where we could rest while enjoying fragrant Chinese tea with fresh strawberries.
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| Enjoying Chinese tea and fresh strawberries |
I ventured near a cultural site and came across the Wuyi Academy, used by Zhu Xi (1130 – 1200), a Confucian revivalist of the southern Song Empire (1127 -1279). Zhu Xi was also active in the theory and practice of education and in the compiling of a practical manual of family ritual.
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| Philosopher Zhu Xi |
The name "Wuyishan" comes with an intriguing story:” Qian Keng, who lived during the Shang Dynasty (11th -20th century BC), was given the title Pengcheng by King Yao, because of his outstanding achievements. Pengcheng took his 2 sons, Peng Wu and Peng Yi to a scenic mountain area in Northern Fujian. This region Chong’an, was flooded, causing hardship and suffering to the people. The 2 sons, Wu and Yi, helped to dredge the waterways and finally controlled the floods. The people were grateful for this life-saving act. They named the mountain range after the 2 sons, Wu and Yi. Hence the mountain is called Wuyishan,” elaborated Chenfei.
Tianyao Peak
The highlight of our tour was climbing Tianyao Peak. Tianyou Peak is located in the centre of Mt Wuyi Scenic Area. With an area of 4 square kilometres, it is frequently shrouded in clouds and mist. The climb up 848 steps took about 2 ½ hrs, with many huffing and puffing and
taking brief stops on the way up.
Reaching the top was a great achievement.
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| The 848 steps up Tianyou Peak Photo: John Ong |
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| Taking brief stops climbing up Phoro: John Ong |
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| The scenery around is beautiful Photo: John Ong |
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| Victory after climbing up Tianyou Peak Photo: John Ong |
Tianyao Peak is situated north of
the 5th and 6th bends of the 9-bend stream. Looking down
from the peak - the 9-bend stream, flanked on either side by volcanic rocks and
red sandstone peaks and stones of
unusual shapes - it was a sight to behold.
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| The 9-bend stream from Tianyou Peak Photo: John Ong |
The views from Tianyao Peak were
awe-inspiring - of caves, waterfalls, temples and the 9-bend- stream.
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| Wuyishan is the No. 1 Mountain: in Chinese characters |
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| Stunning scene at Tianyou Peak Photo: Lau Chee Hong |
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| Waterfall at Tianyou Peak Photo: Lau Chee Hong |
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| Taking a peep at caves in Tianyou Peak Photo: Lau Chee Hong |
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| Temple at Tianyou Peak Photo: Lau Chee Hong |
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| A marvelous fisheye wefie shot of 9-bend stream Photo: Lau Chee Hong |
Coming down Tianyao Peak was easier, although the muscles ached from the strenuous climb.
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Walking down was easier Photo: John Ong
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Members who came down first were warmly applauded. Everyone agreed that it was an exhilarating and fulfilling climb.
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Members who came down first from Tianyou Peak taking a rest
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Wuyi Palace
We also visited Wuyi Palace. In the 7th Century, Wuyi Palace was built for emperors to conduct sacrificial activities. The mountains were important centres of Taoism and Buddhism.The Wuyi Palace is the oldest palace in Wuyishan.
Situated at the foot of Great King Peak, it was first built in the Tianbao years (742 - 755) of the Tang Dynasty and expanded to include more than 300 halls in the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279).
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| Entrance to Wuyi Palace |
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| Wuyi Palace - building with many good sayings |
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| The ancient design of roof with lanterns on buildings in Wuyi Palace |
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| Our group at a shaded area listening to stories of Wuyi Palace |
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In the garden in Wuyi Palace
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We browsed among the shops and bought some souvenirs all along the ancient Song Street.
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| Resting after walking along Song Street of Wuyi Palace |
Impression Dahongpao (Grand Red Robe)
At night, we went for an open-air
show. 2000 of us - covered from head to foot in blue raincoats because of the
incessant rain - were entertained to a splendid awe-inspiring show, produced by
talented Zhang Yimou,
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| 2000 of us in an open- air stage, dressed in blue raincoats |
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| Some of our members all ready to view an exquisite show Photo: Lau Chee Hong |
The Impression featured China’s King Dahongpao of Wuyishan, using natural landscape as both the stage and background. Our seats moved instead of the screen, and we enjoyed a circular view that changed as the play continued. This innovation stretched our perception, to as far as several miles away. 15 big screens, hidden in the distant mountains, presented an illusion of the touching legendary love story of 2 major peaks of the Wuyi mountains.
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| Exquisite dancing |
I enjoyed the virtual scenes, combined with real actors, and the challenging changing scenes in various stages – all done so expertly that I did not realise that my seat was rotating!
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| Changing scenes - soldiers with swords |
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| Changing scenes on invisible screens |
The highlight of the show was when real actors appear at various spots among the audience (with umbrellas in tow), and treated some lucky audience to a cup of gongfu cha. Seated in the front row, I was one of the lucky patrons to have this surreal experience. The warm tea tasted so good in the cold and wet environment. What an awe-inspiring moment!
Zhang Yimou and his teams are commended for producing such a
world-class stage performance. I felt privileged to see this
breakthrough where the seats could move, giving us 360 degrees views. This is one show tourists must see!
Dahongpao tea (Big Red Robe)
Wuyishan has a long history of tea (Camellia sinensis) cultivation. Wuyishan is home to many well-known teas and the most widely known is Dahongpao. Dahongpao tea is considered the "king" of tea. It is a heavily oxidised, lightly fermented, dark oolong tea.
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| Dahongpao tea (Camellia sinensis) growing in Mt Wuyi |
The next day, we visited the Dahongpao Scenic Area to see the famous six 350-year-old "Dahongpao" original mother plants.
According to legend, A Ming Dynasty emperor's mother was cured of an illness by the Da hong pao tea. The emperor was so grateful that he sent expensive red robes to clothe the 4 bushes to protect them from the elements. Six of these original bushes, growing on a rock on Wuyishan and dating back to the Song dynasty, still survive today.
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| Dahongpao tea bushes grown on Wuyi mountain |
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| Dahongpao bushes showing young shoots on top of the tea plants |
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| Some of our members at the tea-growing area Photo: John Ong |
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| Our members captivated by the six 350-year-old "Dahongpao" mother plants |
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| The six 360-year-old mother plants |
We were
supposed to float down the Jiuqu (9-bend stream) on a bamboo raft fitted with
rattan chairs to enjoy the beautiful landscape. Unluckily, the weather was not
conducive and the water level was too high. It had to be cancelled.
Tea-tasting
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| The Chinese character "tea" written in various ways |
To replace the cancelled bamboo raft outing, Chenfei took us to a
tea-house for some tea-tasting. There, we were exposed to different
types of tea, brewing of tea, tea-tasting and even how to hold a dainty cup of tea.Dahongpao tea, a high grade oolong tea, has a toasted, fruity flavour
and a long smooth after taste.
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| Our members at the tea-tasting session |
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| A pretty girl showing us how to hold a cup of tea |
We were also introduced to the special mountain black fungus (sek yee) that grew on Mt Wuyi and how it could be cooked with mushrooms. It was pleasant and crunchy.
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| A girl explaining how to cook the special mountain black fungus |
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| A dish of sek yee cooked with mushrooms |
After the engaging talk and tea-tasting session, most of us bought the Dahongpao tea and
sek yee. It was a good gift to give to friends.
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| A tin of Dahongpao tea |
The scenic Taining Global Geopark and the 2 days of sight-seeing in Wuyishan were unforgettable. Alluring landscapes, mesmerising Tianyao Peak, enchanting Impression Dahongpao Show and fragrant Dahongpao tea remain in our minds and hearts for a long time.
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Note: Some information were sourced from the Internet.
