Atlas of China
Wuyi Mountains 武夷山Wǔyí Shān
Bamboo rafts, red sandstone cliffs and the birthplace of Da Hong Pao tea
- Best time
- Apr–May (tea season), Sep–Nov
- Time needed
- 2 days
- Days to budget
- 2 days
- Stay in
- Wuyishan
- Region
- Fujian
- Type
- Nature
- Listed as
- 5A scenic area, National heritage site, UNESCO World Heritage
Why go to Wuyi Mountains
The Wuyi Mountains are a landscape of red sandstone cliffs and rounded peaks reflected in the clear, looping Nine Bend River. Drift downstream on a bamboo raft, climb Tianyou Peak for the view over the bends, then follow the tea trails where mineral-rich 'rock tea' grows in narrow terraces between the cliffs.
The story
Wuyi is the home of yancha, or rock tea, including the famous Da Hong Pao. A few ancient 'mother' bushes still cling to a cliff here, and picking from them was stopped in 2006 to protect them.
What to see at Wuyi Mountains
- Tianyou Peak 天游峰: A steep stone-stepped climb to the best overview of the Nine-Bend River winding between the peaks below.
- Nine-Bend River bamboo rafting 九曲溪竹筏: A raft drifts down the Nine-Bend River, about 9.5 km in one to two hours, with red cliffs rising close on both sides.
- Wuyi Palace and Song Street 武夷宫·宋街: A riverside site long used for rituals, linked to the Song philosopher Zhu Xi, with a Song-style street of food stalls beside the raft landing.
- Tiger Roaring Cliff 虎啸岩: A cliff group on the Second Bend that gives its name to one of the park's seven scenic zones.
- Water Curtain Cave 水帘洞: A cave behind a seasonal waterfall in the northern part of the park, usually combined with the Da Hong Pao area.
- Da Hong Pao mother trees 大红袍母树: The six ancient rock-tea bushes in the Jiulongke (Nine Dragon Nest) gorge, seen from a viewing path.
How to visit Wuyi Mountains
Spend one day on Tianyou Peak, the Nine-Bend River raft and Wuyi Palace. Use the second day for the Da Hong Pao area, the mother trees and Water Curtain Cave in the north of the park, stopping at a tea house. The park is large, so use the shuttle buses between zones. If you only have one day, do the raft and Tianyou Peak.
How to get to Wuyi Mountains
Wuyishan has an airport and high-speed rail links to Fuzhou, Xiamen and Shanghai. The scenic area is about 20 minutes by taxi south of town.
Where to stay
Base yourself in the Sangu resort area near the park's south entrance, which has restaurants, Sangu Street and evening shows, or in Xingcun village for guesthouses among tea farms.
What to eat
- Langu smoked goose 岚谷熏鹅: A local signature of smoked goose, cured with rice, bay leaf and tea.
- Guangbing 光饼: A charcoal-baked sesame flatbread sold on the street and eaten at breakfast.
- Zixi rice noodles 紫溪粉: A local breakfast bowl in pork-bone broth topped with pickled greens and shredded meat.
Tips for visiting Wuyi Mountains
- Bamboo rafting on the Nine Bend River is ticketed separately and sells out; reserve ahead with your passport.
- Sit down at a tea house in the resort area to taste how rock teas differ from one cliff to the next.
- Walk the Da Hong Pao trail early in the day for shade and quiet.
Nearby
Also within 30 km: Wuyi Tea Expo Park 中华武夷茶博园 (under 10 km), Ziyou Town Car Theme Park, Wuyishan 自遊小镇汽车主题乐园 (under 10 km), Xiangjiang Tea Garden, Wuyishan 香江茗苑 (under 10 km), Chengcun Han City Site (Minyue King City) 城村汉城遗址 (10 km), Zhangshantou Red Army Cemetery 张山头红军墓群 (20 km), Da'anyuan Scenic Area 大安源 (30 km).
Trips with Wuyi Mountains
- Fujian: Xiamen, the tulou roundhouses and the Wuyi Mountains 5 days · Xiamen and Wuyishan
On the map
Open Wuyi Mountains on the illustrated map to see the terrain around it, what else is close, and to add it to a trip and plan the days.
Open Wuyi Mountains on the map