Wutai Shan
Key information: Wutai Shan
- Several days' worth of fine walking in one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountain areas.
- Big and beautiful hills, green hillsides and woodlands; and spiritual resonance galore.
- Thronging with people in high season.
Walkopedia rating
- Walkopedia rating87
- Beauty31
- Natural interest13
- Human interest16
- Charisma31
- Negative points4
- Total rating87
- Note: Neg: Crowds in popular places
Vital Statistics
- Length: Variable
- Maximum Altitude: 3,061m
- Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
WALK SUMMARY
Wutai Shan in north-eastern Shanxi province is one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountain areas and a World Heritage Site, complete with monasteries (said to be 53 in all), temples, pagodas and magnificent mountain landscape, with five flattish peaks (and giving the area its name of 'Five Terrace Mountain') surrounding the main village of Taihuai in its deep(ish) valley. Some describe it as more a high plateau surrounded by the peaks.
While the area gets very busy in high Summer, it is a very pleasant place in Spring and Autumn. The sites around Taihuai are well worth taking time over, as the area escaped the Cultural Revolution relatively unscathed, leaving some of the oldest wooden buildings in China still standing. It should be said, though, that Wutai Shan does get some mixed reviews (there is quite a lot of kitsch around), and doesn’t have the amazing drama of (say) Hua Shan or Emei Shan. But preferable if you want atmosphere, but less punishing walking.
There is lovely walking in the surrounding countryside, up valleys and climbing hard to reach high temples and ridges with stunning views.
You can walk four of the five “terraces” in a High Circuit in a demanding 31km, 9-10hr hike, to be thrilled by huge views on a good day – coming at the right season will be important – and Buddhist temples and other relics, green hillsides and gorgeous wildflowers at the right time of year.
The South Terrace (2,489m) is a gorgeous walk along paths with views, high meadows and wildflowers galore at the right time of year. You can make there-and-backs, or a traverse.
We have seen reference to a 66 km Wutai Shan Loop, a mainly lightly used trail located near Taihuai, Shaanxi, China which should be tackle by experienced hikers only, as it involves camping and backpacking and wayfinding.
You can pick a track up a valley or hillside to get away from the crowds. See William Mackesy's account of his eventful walk up a side valley.
This can be tough and demanding walking in high mountains with uncertain weather. To state the obvious, the altitude is likely to affect you, so get so acclimatisation in before tackling the high peaks. Come prepared.
We would love to give more. Please help us by making suggestions and sending photos! Thank you!
WILLIAM MACKESY'S ACCOUNT
of this walk
Meeting a Dead Man (April 2003)
We were walking up a long, winding valley, some two hours out from the monastic town of Taihuai at the heart of Wu Tai Shan, one of China’s sacred mountain areas.
We had trudged along a track, through little strips of plough which clung, increasingly precariously, among the thickening boulders, past hamlets which seemed little changed for a thousand years, save for some crumbling houses around the edges and a gleaming new satellite dish.
Tracks sprouted off up side valleys, to little temples nestling under.....
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Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and potential problems, and many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks, dangers and problems. Problems of any sort can arise on any walk. This website does not purport to identify any (or all) actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to any particular walk.
Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to “Important information” for further important information.
Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.
Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and potential problems, and many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks, dangers and problems. Problems of any sort can arise on any walk. This website does not purport to identify any (or all) actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to any particular walk.
Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to “Important information” for further important information.
OTHER ACCOUNTS
share your experiences
Add your experiences, suggestions and photos. We would be delighted to receive your writing and ideas (which will be attributed appropriately where published).
Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.
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