Climb, play and pray: Mount Wudang

Wudang is the Mecca for Taoists and kung fu lovers. The site in Hubei province is known for its Taoist monasteries as well as the birthplace of a martial arts style popular the world over.

You can read Taoist scriptures and practice tai chi here or you can play observer and climb the Heavenly Pillar Peak to be involved in an ancient Taoist pilgrimage.

The scenic spots in Wudang are almost all associated with one mythological figure, the Great Emperor Zhenwu. Go to the Golden Temple and the Prince Slope to get a grip on his formidable reputation.

The Prince Slope is now dominated by buildings constructed in 1413 based on the Zhenwu scriptures. This 16,000-square-meter complex is perched on a slope of 60 degrees, with Lion's Peak as its backdrop and a waterfall and the curving road forming a natural frame.

The Yellow River Wall of Nine Curves is another must-see. The wall, 1.5 meters thick and 2.5 meters high, is said to embody the nine virtues of Taoism and will bless those who make contributions to the religion.

You don't have to be a Taoist to appreciate Wudang's beauty. Embraced by nature and its misty vicissitudes, the structures, mostly built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), have an imperial grandeur, yet are toned down by simplicity and restraint.

If you go: Mount Wudang is located in Shiyan, Hubei province. Visitors can depart from Wuhan, the provincial capital. The bus from Wuhan to the mountain takes about six hours, while the train takes about five hours. From affordable hostels to high-end hotels, the Wudang area offers scores of boarding options. If you wish to sleep over at a Taoist convent on the mountain, ask the resident monks.