Taoist pilgrims worship on Wudang Mountains

Taoist pilgrims from all over the world swarmed to Wudang Mountains to worship Emperor Zhenwu on April 2. The number of visitors was nearly 20,000 on that day, a year on year increase of 7 percent, wudangshan.gov.cn reported.

April 2, or the third day of the third lunar month, is celebrated as the birthday of Emperor Zhenwu. Also known as Emperor Xuanwu, Zhenwu is one of the higher-ranking Taoist deities and the most revered deity at Wudang Mountains. The Taoist priests on Wudang Mountains have been holding religious ceremonies since the Song Dynasty (960-1279) on the third day of the third lunar month every year.

All the pilgrims climb to the peak of Wudang Mountains — the Golden Hall to worship Emperor Zhenwu. This Taoist festival has gradually developed into a folk cultural festival including climbing mountains, spring outings, traveling and watching folk customs. Wudang Mountains also stages a martial arts performance and tea ceremony at some popular scenic spots to give a complete presentation of Taoist culture.

The administration department of Wudang Mountains started selling tickets from 5 am as pilgrims believe that the one who first lights the incense on that day will be blessed by the god.

Wudang Mountains also sent more than 100 buses to pick up visitors. To keep order, the tourist attraction opens in two ways, walking and via cable, to get access to the Golden Hall. And they also limit the number of visitors on the summit to guarantee their security.

According to local authorities, most visitors on that day come from Wuhan, Yichang and some neighboring areas in Henan province. At the same time, thanks to the direct access to railway, Wudang Mountains also attracts visitors from Guangdong, Chongqing, Jiangxi, Beijing and even overseas.

The well-preserved architectural complex of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and beautiful natural landscapes are also an important attraction to visitors.

Police are sent to the scenic spots to maintain order among the tourists. [Photo/wudangshan.gov.cn]

Tourists pray at the Golden Hall of Wudang Mountains on April 2. [Photo/wudangshan.gov.cn]

Large numbers of tourists climb up Wudang Mountains on April 2. [Photo/wudangshan.gov.cn]

Edited by Brian Salter and Le Qin