Wulei Mountain in Zhangjiajie

Wulei Mountain in Zhangjiajie

Wulei Mountain (五雷山), also known as Wulei Xianshan (五雷仙山), is one of the first key religious sites designated in Hunan Province. It is a core scenic spot along Zhangjiajie’s eastern tourist route, located about 20 kilometers from the Cili East exit of the Chang-Zhang Expressway — a gateway to Zhangjiajie City.

Renowned for its ancient charm and mysterious beauty, Wulei Mountain is divided into four distinctive tourist areas:

Jinding Patriarch Mountain Taoist Cultural Tourism Area (金顶祖师山道教文化旅游区)
Ciji Pagoda International Summer Resort (慈济塔国际避暑大山庄度假区)
Xingzi Mountain and Chaqi Mountain Tai Chi Cultural Tourism Area (星子山、插旗山太极文化旅游区)
Sanwang Laopeng Natural Scenic Adventure Tourism Area (三王老棚自然景观探险旅游区)
Chinese Name: 五雷山
Location: Wulei Mountain Scenic Area, Cili County, Zhangjiajie City (张家界市慈利县五雷山风景区)
Opening Hours: 07:00–18:00
Ticket Price: 63 RMB
Famous Attraction: Jade Emperor Hall (玉皇殿)
Country: China (中国)
City: Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province (湖南省张家界市)
Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours
Best Seasons to Visit: Spring and autumn

Historical Background

According to historical records, the Taoist heritage of Wulei (Xian) Mountain dates back to the Tang Dynasty and flourished during the Ming Dynasty. It is said that the prince of the Western Pure Land Kingdom (净乐国) chose this mountain for spiritual cultivation, building a stone chamber for meditation and ultimately achieving enlightenment and ascension — a figure later revered as the famous Zhenwu Emperor (真武帝君).

During the Tang Dynasty, General Li Jing (李靖) visited the mountain, inspired by its reputation, and laid the foundation for its Taoist temple. In the late Yuan Dynasty, Hanlin Academy historian Zhang Dui (张兑) resigned from his official post, retreating to Wulei (Xian) Mountain, where he expanded the temples and spread Taoist culture. Zhang Dui personally inscribed the words:

“Chu Nan Ming Shan Tui Di Yi” (楚南名山推第一)

“The most famous mountain in southern Chu.”

This inscription brought widespread fame to Wulei (Xian) Mountain, and the temples extended across a vast area, admired by neighboring counties.

In the Ming Dynasty, Changde’s Rongding King (荣定王) and Lizhou’s Huayang King (华阳王) undertook large-scale expansions, increasing the temple complex to over 5,000 square meters, with 36 palaces and 72 halls. The architecture, constructed with stone walls and iron tiles, followed the mountain’s ridges and ravines, spanning 15 kilometers — creating a unique, mystical atmosphere known throughout the region.

When Emperor Shenzong of the Ming Dynasty (明神宗) learned of this, he bestowed the title “Dongtian Fudi” (洞天福地) — meaning “Blessed Land of Fairy Caves” — upon Wulei (Xian) Mountain. Taoist believers from 18 counties across southwestern Hubei and northwestern Hunan made pilgrimages to the site.

The mountain’s grand traditional temple fairs took place three times a year:

March 3rd (Lunar Calendar) — lasting 7 days
August 15th (Lunar Calendar) — lasting 15 days
September 9th (Lunar Calendar) — a day of grand celebrations

During these festivals, worshippers gathered day and night, drums echoed through the mountains, firecrackers roared like thunder, and the mountain was alive with festivities. This created the awe-inspiring scene described as:

“Chao Bu Chao, Yi Nian Shi Wan Ba Qian Dao” (朝不朝，一年十万八千到)

“Whether you come to worship or not, a hundred thousand pilgrims arrive each year.”

Today, these three traditional temple fairs continue to be passed down and held annually.

Modern Development

Due to wars and the Cultural Revolution, Wulei (Xian) Mountain’s temples suffered severe damage. In the early 1990s, the Cili County government invested millions of RMB to restore some of the ancient buildings, build a dedicated tourist road, and improve tourism services. This officially established the Wulei (Xian) Mountain Scenic Area, reviving the once-thriving religious and cultural site.

In October 2004, Zhangjiajie Wulei (Xian) Mountain Tourism Development Company took charge of the mountain’s development. They integrated resources, enhanced facilities, and aimed to create a unique Taoist cultural tourism brand — “The Southern Wudang of China” (中国南武当).

This initiative not only protected and promoted Wulei (Xian) Mountain’s Taoist heritage but also connected it with the Greater Western Hunan tourism circuit. It now operates alongside Zhangjiajie’s main attractions, linking with cities like Changde and the Chang-Zhu-Tan region, further integrating into China’s national tourism network.

Today, Wulei (Xian) Mountain is experiencing a tourism boom, quickly becoming a new favorite for travelers seeking a blend of history, culture, and spiritual exploration.

Wulei Mountain (五雷山), also known as Wulei Immortal Mountain (五雷仙山), was originally called Lei Yue (雷岳) and stands at an altitude of 1,000 meters. The main peak, Jinding (金顶), branches out into multiple ridges, spreading out in a radial pattern, reminiscent of the “Earth’s Veins” described in Huainanzi: Celestial Patterns (淮南子·天文训).

The mountain was renamed Wulei Mountain due to a mystical event where “thunder swept through the temples, bells and drums rang by themselves, and dust was magically cleared.” The mountain boasts a pleasant climate, lush vegetation, rugged ravines, and fresh air, making it a popular tourist destination and summer retreat.

A Sacred Taoist Site — “The First Scenic Spot in Southern Chu” (楚南第一胜境)

Wulei Mountain is not only renowned for its natural beauty but also for its deep-rooted Taoist heritage. It is often compared to Wudang Mountain (武当山) in Hubei Province, with the popular saying:

“North Wudang, South Wulei” (北武当，南五雷).

These two sacred mountains are considered like brothers, forming a pair of prominent Taoist landmarks in China. Due to its rich collection of Taoist temples, The Best of Sanxiang (三湘之最) praised Wulei Mountain as the largest Taoist cultural complex in Hunan Province.

Wulei Mountain has long been hailed as “The First Scenic Spot in Southern Chu” (楚南第一胜境), a shining jewel at the eastern gateway of Western Hunan. It is a key religious site in Hunan Province and a core scenic area along Zhangjiajie’s eastern tourist route.

The mountain lies 18 kilometers from Cili County (慈利县), 35 kilometers from Zhangjiajie City (张家界市), and 69 kilometers from Changde City (常德市), bordering Changde. It is a must-pass location for visitors entering Zhangjiajie. Today, it serves as a multi-functional religious tourist destination integrating pilgrimage, sightseeing, vacationing, and adventure, all while preserving a deep connection to Taoist culture.

The Mysterious Origin of Wulei Mountain (五雷山)

Historically known as Lei Yue (雷岳), the mountain was also called Dawei Mountain (大维山) due to its resemblance to the “Earth’s Veins” mentioned in Huainanzi: Celestial Patterns (淮南子·天文训). It gained the name Wulei Mountain after an extraordinary phenomenon where “thunder swept through the temples, the bell rang by itself, and dust vanished.”

The mountain enjoys a mild climate with elegant surroundings. It is densely forested, with crisp air and a striking temperature contrast between day and night. Winters are cold, while summers are cool, with the highest temperature recorded at 32°C and an average annual temperature of 11.6°C — ideal for summer retreats and spiritual practices.

Taoist Legacy and Historical Development

According to historical records, Taoism on Wulei Mountain “began in the Tang Dynasty and flourished in the Ming Dynasty.” It is said that the prince of the Pure Joy Kingdom in the Western Regions (西域净乐国太子) chose this place for his spiritual practice, building a stone chamber for his ascetic training and eventually achieving enlightenment. This prince is none other than the renowned Zhenwu Emperor (真武帝君).

In the Tang Dynasty, General Li Jing (李靖) heard of the mountain’s fame and came to establish a Taoist temple there. Later, during the Yuan Dynasty, Zhang Dui (张兑), an imperial historian from the Hanlin Academy (翰林国史编修), resigned from his official post and retreated to Wulei Mountain. He expanded the temples and promoted Taoist culture, personally inscribing the words:

“The Most Famous Mountain in Southern Chu” (楚南名山推第一).

This inscription brought great fame to Wulei Mountain, and the temples built under his direction extended “for a hundred miles, with counties all gazing upon them.”

In the Ming Dynasty, during the reign of Emperor Shenzong (明神宗), Wulei Mountain was granted the title “A Blessed Land of Immortals” (洞天福地). Taoist followers spread across 18 counties in southwestern Hubei and northwestern Hunan.

Pilgrimage Festivals and Cultural Significance

Wulei Mountain became a major pilgrimage site with annual Taoist festivals. According to tradition, the ancient lunar calendar marks the following days as sacred:

March 3rd (三月三)
August 15th (八月十五)

It is said that during these pilgrimages:

“Whether or not you come to worship, 108,000 people will gather each year.” (朝不朝，一年十万八千到).

These pilgrimage festivals would draw vast crowds, with believers streaming in day and night, accompanied by the sounds of gongs, drums, and firecrackers — creating a spectacular and lively scene.

Architectural Marvels of the Ming Dynasty

During the reign of Emperor Wanli (明万历年间), Wulei Mountain underwent large-scale renovations under the patronage of Rongding King of Changde (常德荣定王) and Huayang King of Lizhou (澧州华阳王). The construction expanded to cover more than 5,000 square meters, featuring:

36 Palaces (36宫)
72 Halls (72殿)

The architecture, made of stone walls and iron tiles, stretched along the mountain ridges for 15 kilometers. The layout was intricate, weaving through ravines and peaks, combining grandeur and mystique. This unique design gained fame throughout both northern and southern China.

The Taoist temples, with their majestic presence and profound spiritual atmosphere, continue to captivate visitors, making Wulei Mountain a sanctuary of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Main Attractions

Wulei Mountain (五雷山), also known as Wulei Fairy Mountain (五雷仙山), is a mystical and majestic site with an ancient and serene atmosphere. It is divided into four major scenic areas:

Jinding Patriarch Mountain Taoist Culture Tourism Area (金顶祖师山道教文化旅游区)
Ciji Pagoda International Summer Resort (慈济塔国际避暑大山庄度假区)
Xingzi Mountain and Chaqi Mountain Tai Chi Culture Tourism Area (星子山、插旗山太极文化旅游区)
Sanwang Old Shed Natural Scenic Adventure Area (三王老棚自然景观探险旅游区)

Jade Emperor Hall (玉皇殿)

Built during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, the Jade Emperor Hall (玉皇殿) was constructed by Rongding King of Changde (常德荣定王) and Huayang King of Lizhou (澧州华阳王). The original structure was damaged during the Cultural Revolution, but it was restored in 2006. A grand consecration ceremony was held on November 11, 2007.

Flanked by the Bell Tower (钟楼) and Drum Tower (鼓楼), the sound of the evening drum and morning bell echoes through the mountains — a paradise long sought by people.

The hall enshrines the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝), one of the highest deities in Taoism, second only to the Three Pure Ones (三清). He governs the principles of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, overseeing the balance of the cosmos. Visitors often come to pay their respects and seek blessings.

Huixian Bridge (会仙桥)

The Huixian Bridge (会仙桥), a double-arched stone bridge, was originally built during the Tang Dynasty (公元630—641年), making it only a few decades younger than the Zhao Zhou Bridge (赵州桥, built in 605 AD).

According to historical records in the “Cili County Annals” (慈利县志), General Li Jing (李靖) of the Tang Dynasty visited Wulei Mountain in the 8th year of the Wude era (武德八年) during a military campaign. He funded the construction of a Taoist temple and this bridge to connect to the main peak.

The bridge was later repaired by Rongding King of Changde during the late Ming Dynasty and further restored in the 9th year of the Qianlong reign (乾隆九年) of the Qing Dynasty.

Legend has it that Taoist practitioners, upon attaining enlightenment, would descend from the Golden Hall (金殿) at the mountain’s summit, cleanse themselves at the Dressing Platform (梳妆台), and cross the bridge to reach Self-Sacrifice Cliff (舍身岩), symbolizing their transcendence into immortality.

Due to this mystical journey, the bridge is also known as the Immortal Crossing Bridge (渡仙桥).

Golden Hall (金殿)

Also known as the Golden Summit (金顶), the Golden Hall is the highest peak of Wulei Fairy Mountain.

Legend has it that the Patriarch (祖师爷) appeared in a dream to Zhang Dui (张兑), instructing him to build the Golden Hall with the support of Huayang King of Lizhou (华阳王) and Rongding King of Changde (荣定王).

The hall features a traditional ancient palanquin-style roof (古轿顶型) covered with purple copper-glazed tiles (紫铜色琉璃瓦). The eaves are adorned with beast heads (兽头), and the walls are built with stone bricks. Three sides of the hall face sheer cliffs, with only one stone staircase winding up the mountain — a scene both magnificent and solemn.

Inside the hall, a bronze statue of Zhenwu Patriarch (真武祖师神像) stands at the center. It was cast from nine fires of copper (九火铜) and weighs over 2,000 catties (approximately 1,000 kg), firmly embedded in the base of a camphor tree (樟树). The statue was commissioned by the Huayang King of Lizhou (澧州华阳王).

Flanking the Patriarch are the Golden Boy and Jade Girl (金童玉女) and the Four Duty Officers (四值功曹), their presence exuding majesty and strength.

In front of the hall once stood two incense burners and a stone pillar inscribed with Zhang Dui’s famous words:

“Among the famous mountains of Southern Chu, Wulei ranks first.”

楚南名山推第一

The Golden Hall is the site of grand Taoist ceremonies, where devout followers gather to worship.

The Four Wonders of the Golden Hall (金殿四奇)

A Radiant Jewel in the Sky: The Golden Hall, located at the border of Changde (常德), Lizhou (澧洲), and Hunan-Hubei (湘鄂), glows like a radiant pearl on clear days. From its summit, one can see the urban areas of Changde and Lizhou, while higher surrounding peaks remain obscured.
The Miracle of Space: Despite its worship platform being less than 10 square meters, countless pilgrims can gather to pay homage without ever jostling or touching each other — a marvel locals call “the crowdless crowd.”
Thunder Before the Festival: Every year, before the third day of the third lunar month (三月初三), a fierce storm of thunder and rain erupts. Yet, the very next day, the skies turn clear and blue — believed to herald the Patriarch’s descent.
The Divine Spring of the Golden Summit: Atop the highest peak lies a mysterious spring. Even during severe droughts, the spring’s waters flow unceasingly.

According to legend, during the late Qing Shunzhi period (清顺治后期), Li Zicheng (李自成), the “Dashing King,” visited Wulei Mountain disguised as a monk. Stricken with a minor illness, he drank from this spring and miraculously recovered, dubbing it the Golden Summit Sacred Spring (金顶神泉).

Hundred Birds Worship the Phoenix (百鸟朝凤)

The Golden Summit resembles a phoenix carved from gold and jade — elegant and radiant.

Standing atop the peak and gazing into the distance, the surrounding hundreds of mountain peaks (百山) resemble birds craning their necks toward the summit, seemingly bowing in reverence to the Golden Hall. This spectacle is known as “Hundred Birds Worship the Phoenix” (百鸟朝凤).

When clouds drift by or mist shrouds the peaks, the “birds” appear ready to take flight. On misty days, the mountain peaks rise and fall like birds floating on waves — a sight both mystical and poetic.

Five Dragons Supporting the Sage (五龙捧圣)

From the Golden Summit, five mountain ridges extend in all directions — some galloping southward, others twisting eastward, or soaring northward. These five ridges encircle the peak like five dragons, giving rise to the famous scene known as “Five Dragons Supporting the Sage” (五龙捧圣).

At sunrise, golden light cascades over the ridges, with clouds and mist swirling around them, giving the dragons a lifelike presence.

After a rain, as sunlight pierces through the lingering purple haze, the dragon-shaped ridges appear shrouded in an ethereal glow — a breathtaking and awe-inspiring sight.

Legend says that these ridges were once five wicked dragons (孽龙), subdued by the Patriarch of Wulei Mountain, transformed into the mountain’s protective guardians. Stories of the Patriarch taming the dragons have been passed down for generations.

Local Cuisine

Xiang Cuisine (湘味)

Xiang Cuisine (湘味) is rich in local flavor, with its snacks famously known for their spicy, fragrant, and sour taste. Signature dishes include:

Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)
Spring Rolls (春卷)
Dragon Fat Pig Blood (龙脂猪血)
Braised Pork Trotters (红烧猪蹄)
Spicy Chicken (麻辣子鸡)
Shredded Beef Tripe (发丝牛百叶)
Tujia Smoked Meat (土家腊肉)
Stone Frog (石蛙)
Rock Ear with Chicken (岩耳烧鸡)
Dong Ethnic Pickled Fish (侗家腌鱼)
Zhijiang Duck (芷江鸭)
Hongjiang Duck Blood Cake (洪江鸭血粑)
Linwu Duck (临武鸭)
Xiang Yellow Chicken (湘黄鸡)

Each dish has its own unique taste and represents the bold flavors of Hunan.

Tujia Cuisine Series (土家菜系列)

The Tujia Cuisine Series (土家菜系列) offers a wide variety of dishes:

Smoked Meats Series (腊味系列): Smoked pork, smoked lamb, smoked beef, smoked dog meat, smoked pig trotters, smoked pig intestines, smoked blood tofu
Sour and Spicy Series (酸辣系列): Sour wild garlic, sour green vegetables, sour pork, sour fish, spicy sour corn paste
Tujia Home-Style Dishes (土家家常系列): Mixed dregs soup, pumpkin soup, rice tofu, steamed pork, braised pork, rock ear stewed chicken, loach cooked with tofu, fish with chili
Pickled Series (腌菜类): Pickled meat, pickled fish, pickled chili, pickled radish, pickled corn flour, pickled ginger
Wild Vegetable Series (野菜类): Ground rice vegetables, wild kudzu powder, bracken paste, and Southern golden ginger

These dishes highlight the Tujia people’s unique culinary traditions and bold, rustic flavors — a must-try for adventurous foodies.

Food Prices

Dining in Zhangjiajie Scenic Area can be quite pricey:

Meat dishes: at least 30 RMB per serving
Wild game dishes: 80 RMB or more per serving
Vegetables: about 15 RMB per serving

However, food in the suburbs of Zhangjiajie tends to be more affordable.

At night, tourists can find many street food stalls offering authentic local snacks. The Tujia Hotpot (土家火锅) is a popular option.

Within the scenic area, there are also small stalls selling Tujia snacks at lower prices — don’t miss out on trying their spicy sauces, a staple of Tujia flavors.

Travel Information

Transportation

Wulei Mountain (五雷山) is easily accessible:

It takes only 25 minutes by car from Cili County (慈利县).

Booking Information

Opening hours: 7:00 AM — 7:00 PM
Tickets:
- Seniors with valid ID: free admission (according to national regulations)
- Children under 1.2m: free
- Children between 1.2m and 1.4m: 30 RMB for a student ticket
Tourist sightseeing bus:
- 15 RMB per trip (free if you purchase tickets at the settlement price)
Reminder: The total ticket package price is 63 RMB (including 48 RMB for entrance + 15 RMB for the sightseeing bus one-way).