Wuyi Mountain in Fujian is not just a national park; it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site that enchants visitors with its distinctive allure. The stunning landscapes of Jiuqu Stream and Tianyou Peak create a breathtaking panorama, where tea culture harmoniously intertwines with the philosophical teachings of Zhu Xi. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the remarkable beauty of Wuyi Mountain, where crystal-clear waters and lush hills await exploration.
Along the Riverside Tea Road in Xingcun Town, visitors can enjoy a variety of amenities, including tea breaks, themed campsites, and observation platforms that enhance the experience of tea-making, tasting, and appreciation.
Tourist Qian Zhi shared, “The scenery here is incredible. You can hear the gentle sound of flowing water, see vast green tea gardens, and smell the delightful fragrance of tea. It all creates such a relaxing and leisurely atmosphere.”
In recent years, local authorities have consistently rolled out diverse tea culture tourism products to weave together tea experiences with tourism. They provide a range of travel routes, including sightseeing tours, eco-health retreats, and educational trips. During the recent National Day holiday, Wuyi Mountain welcomed 705,000 visitors—a remarkable 19.5% increase from the previous year—generating a tourism revenue of 864 million yuan.
Homestay owner Ye Can remarked, “We’ve shifted our focus from just scenic attractions to leisure tourism and now cultural tourism, helping many visitors grasp the true essence of travel and exploration.”
Wuyi Mountain plays a vital role in global biodiversity conservation, showcasing a rich variety of plant species and serving as a gene bank for rare and endemic wildlife.
Engineer Cai Bin from the Fujian Research and Monitoring Center of Wuyi Mountain National Park noted, “Recently, the ecological quality of Wuyi Mountain National Park has significantly improved, allowing endangered species like the Chinese pangolin and black muntjac to reemerge. Since the implementation of the national park system, we have discovered and documented 34 new species, including the Wuyi brown frog and the Wuyi orchid.”
Located in Chengcun of Xingtian Town, Ancient Han City, also referred to as the Minyue King City, stands as the largest and best-preserved Han Dynasty site discovered in southern China.
Deputy Director Wei Chao of the Fujian Minyue King City Museum stated, “We’ve uncovered remains of city gates, walls, and palaces, along with a wealth of artifacts such as pottery, iron tools, and bronze items. This evidence firmly establishes it as one of the capitals of the Minyue Kingdom during the Western Han Dynasty.”
On the banks of Jiuqu Stream lies the Zhu Xi Garden, a study hall founded by Zhu Xi himself. His philosophical ideas took root here, leading to a rich cultural heritage that has not only influenced China but has also spread around the world.
Zhang Pinduan, Director of the Zhu Xi Research Center at Wuyi University, explained, “Zhu Xi spent around 50 years in Wuyi Mountain. The establishment of the study hall had a profound impact on the cultural framework, thought processes, and customs of the Southern Song Dynasty.”
To safeguard and promote the cultural heritage of Wuyi Mountain, the local government has launched digital initiatives to present cultural relics online.
Zhang Chengjin, a staff member at Wuyi Mountain National Park Fujian Management Bureau, commented, “This allows visitors to immerse themselves in the cultural experiences of Wuyi Mountain National Park from the comfort of their homes through our website.”
With its flowing waters and rich cultural legacy, Wuyi Mountain continues to revitalize traditional Chinese culture, shining even brighter in this new era.
