Nanyan Palace (South Cliff Temple) in Mount Wudang

Attractions Overview

It is the most beautiful place in Wudang mountain and the most perfect place where the cultural landscape and natural landscape of Wudang mountain are combined.

Chinese Name: 武当山南岩
English Name: Nanyan Temple（South Cliff Temple）in Mount Wudang
Type: Wuhan Scenic Area, Wuhan famous spots & Artificial attractions
Best Time: All Year Around
Recommended Visiting Hours: 2-3 hours
Opening Hours: 08:00 - 17:00
Location: Danjiangkou, Shiyan City, Hubei Province

More Picture

Nanyan Temple, also known as South Cliff Temple (南岩宫), is a Taoist temple located on the southern cliff of Mount Wudang (武当山) in Hubei Province (湖北省), China. The temple is one of the most iconic Taoist architectural sites on Mount Wudang, offering stunning views of surrounding peaks and valleys. It is famous for its dramatic location on a cliff and its rich history, dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (元代), and it continues to serve as a center for Taoist worship and cultural heritage.

The temple complex spans an area of 61,187 square meters and contains 83 rooms with a total building area of 3,539 square meters. Key buildings include the Nanyan Stone Hall (南岩石殿), Nantian Gate (南天门), Stele Pavilion (碑亭), Two Instruments Hall (两仪殿), Emperor’s Classic Hall (皇经堂), Eight Seal Pavilion (八封亭), and the Dragon and Tiger Hall (龙虎殿), among others.

In December 1996, the temple was designated as a National Key Cultural Heritage Site by the State Council of China.

Location

• City: Danjiangkou (丹江口), Shiyan City (十堰市), Hubei Province (湖北省), China

• Geological Area: Wudang Mountain Scenic Area (武当山风景区)

• Opening Hours: Daily, from 07:30 AM to 05:30 PM

• Ticket Price: Free

• Best Visiting Seasons: March to May (for pleasant spring weather) and September to November (for autumn views)

• Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours

History and Development

Nanyan Temple was first established in 1285 during the Yuan Dynasty (元代), when Taoist monks built the initial structures on this rugged cliff. By 1290, the Nanyan Stone Hall was completed, and over time, the temple expanded with various constructions.

In 1314, it was granted the title “Great Heavenly Yi True Celebration Palace” (大天乙真庆宫). During the Ming Dynasty (明朝), the temple was significantly expanded, with the construction of the Xuandi Hall (玄帝殿) and other key buildings. The temple’s size grew even further in the Jiajing Era (嘉靖年间), reaching a total construction area of 18,400 square meters.

The temple was further renovated during the Qing Dynasty (清朝) and was damaged in 1926 by a fire. It underwent multiple restorations in the 20th century, including a major renovation in 2004 and its reopening in 2007.

Key Buildings and Attractions

Xuandi Hall

The Xuandi Hall (玄帝殿) is the main hall of Nanyan Temple and is dedicated to the True Emperor of the North (玄帝). Located on a three-tiered stone platform, the hall stands as a grand and imposing structure. The hall is 29.85 meters long and 22.05 meters wide. In front of the hall, a large moon platform and stone pillars surround the structure, making it an impressive sight for visitors.

Nanyan Stone Hall

The Nanyan Stone Hall (南岩石殿), also known as Tian Yi Zhen Qing Palace (天乙真庆宫), is one of the temple’s most unique structures. Built directly into the cliffside, this stone hall features an elaborate stone-carved structure, with columns, beams, and windows all made from 青石 (blue stone). The hall’s height is 6.8 meters, and it contains intricate carvings and statues of Taoist deities. The temple is dedicated to Taoist rituals, and visitors can find a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature.

Two Instruments Hall

The Two Instruments Hall (两仪殿) is located to the right of the Nanyan Stone Hall. It is a brick-and-wood structure covered with glazed tiles. The hall is known for its dramatic location, overlooking the deep valley below. A stone “dragon head” (龙头香) is placed at the front of the hall, adding to the temple’s mystical atmosphere.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Zhang Shouqing and the Temple’s Origins

The founder of Nanyan Temple, Zhang Shouqing (张守清), was a prominent Taoist priest of the Yuan Dynasty (元代). He was deeply involved in the construction of the temple and is regarded as the key figure behind the temple’s establishment. Zhang Shouqing’s philosophy combined several Taoist schools, including the Wudang School (武当派), the Qingwei School (清微派), the Quanzhen School (全真派), and the Zhengyi School (正一派), which led to the development of the “New Wudang School.” He is known for his efforts to cultivate Taoist teachings and spread Taoist culture throughout the region.

Poetry and Literary Works

The temple’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in various works of poetry. One such example is the poem “South Cliff’s Cut Wall” by Mu Xin (沐昕), which describes the stunning landscape and spiritual energy of the temple.

Another well-known literary piece is by Cai Yurong (蔡毓荣), who wrote about the dangerous but sacred act of lighting incense at the temple’s “Dragon Head Incense” (龙头香), a practice that is steeped in Taoist tradition.

Protection and Preservation

In 1996, Nanyan Temple was listed as a National Key Cultural Heritage Site by the State Council of China. The temple is considered one of the most important Taoist architectural landmarks in the region, and efforts to protect and preserve it have been ongoing.

In 2021, the Hubei Provincial Cultural Heritage Development Plan for the 14th Five-Year Plan included further restoration projects for the temple, aiming to eliminate potential safety hazards and ensure the preservation of this cultural gem.

Main Attractions of Nanyan Temple

There are more than 640 palaces. Nanyan means that Nanya is probably one of the most beautiful cliffs in Wudang Mountain. South Cliff is also called Duyang Rock in China, which means Guyang Cliff. This is a holy place for Taoist people to go to heaven. The ancient people like to use a word “morning bell and night light” to describe this place, in order to express the exquisite architectural style of this place. This temple honors dozens of gold-plated bronze statues of Taoist gods, including primitive gods and northern gods. There are also 500 gold-plated iron statues of officials on the cliff, each about 30cm high. Their proportion is very balanced, surprisingly like life.

The South Cliff Palace is situated below the Duyang Cliff. It has the Tianyi Zhenqing Hall, the Two Bearings Hall, the Eight Diagrams Pavilion, the South Heaven Gate and the Flying Cliff. Built in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Tianyi Zhenqing Hall is the most renowned. All the beams, pillars, doors and windows were carved from stone. This stone palace is a masterpiece of Chinese stone carving.

Best Time to Travel Golden Palace

The best time to pay a visit is in March to May & September to November.

Wuhan has a monsoon (humid) climate in the northern subtropics, which is characterized by abundant rainfall, sufficient heat, the same season of rain and heat, the same season of light and heat, the same season of winter and Leng Xia heat, and distinct seasons. In spring, there is a temple fair on the 3rd of March in the Chinese lunar calendar, which is a good opportunity to experience the local culture. In autumn, Wudang International Tourism Festival is the best time to learn Wudang traditional culture.

How to Get There

Nanyan Temple is located in the Wudang Mountain Scenic Area, easily accessible from Danjiangkou (丹江口) city by car. Visitors can reach the temple by following the main road from Zixiao Palace (紫霄宫) and traveling for 2.5 kilometers to Wuya Ridge (乌鸦岭), passing through Nantian Gate (南天门) before reaching the temple grounds.

Public transport options are also available. Visitors can take Bus Route 202 or 203 from Shiyan City (十堰市) to the Wudang Mountain Scenic Area, and then walk up to the temple.

• By train: from Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Qingdao, Wuhan or some other cities by train, get off at Wudang mountain station. Change to No.202 or 203 intercity bus and go directly to the scenic spot.
• Take a bus:

1. Starting from Shiyan: No.202 intercity bus can take tourists from Shiyan Railway Station to the mountain in 70 minutes.
2. From Xi ‘an: There are three direct tour buses to the scenic spot every day. It takes about 4 hours for a coach to leave Xi ‘an coach station opposite Xi ‘an railway station. the fare is CNY 111.5 yuan. The other two long-distance buses depart from coach station at Sanfu bay at 8:00 and 13:00 respectively, which takes about 4.5 hours and costs CNY 159 yuan. They all reached coach station 400 meters (440 yards) west of the entrance to Wudang mountain.
3. Starting from Wuhan: There is a through bus at Jinjiadun bus station, which starts at 13:40 every day. It takes about 6 hours and costs 179 yuan per person

• Flying: Tourists can fly from Xi ‘an, Tianjin, Kunming, Wuhan and Hangzhou to Wudang Mountain Airport. Then take a taxi to reach the mountain at a cost of 60-80 yuan RMB.

Useful Travel Tips

Nearby Attractions

• Liangzi Lake
• Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge
• East Lake in Wuhan
• Guiyuan Temple in Wuhan
• Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan
• Hubei Provincial Museum

Edited by Doreen/张洋