Wudang Mountain: A Cultural and Historical Treasure

Wudang Mountain, located in the northwest of Hubei Province in Shiyan City（十堰市）, Danjiangkou City（丹江口市）, is bordered by Xiangyang City （襄阳市）to the east and Shiyan City to the west. It overlooks the Shennongjia Mountains to the south and faces the Danjiangkou Reservoir, which is the source of the central route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, to the north. Its unique geographical and strategic position has made Wudang Mountain a significant site for military contention throughout history, fostering a rich cultural heritage.

The name "Wudang" first appeared in the "Han Shu" (Book of Han). From the late Han Dynasty through the Wei, Jin, Sui, and Tang dynasties, Wudang Mountain became a retreat for those seeking immortality and wisdom in Taoism. During this time, Taoism flourished in China, with Wudang Mountain's mysterious atmosphere and favorable natural conditions attracting many practitioners to live in seclusion and pursue their spiritual cultivation. As Taoism grew, Wudang Mountain evolved into a sacred site, worshipping Xuanwu (the Black Warrior) as its main deity and emphasizing Neidan (internal alchemy) practices, as well as techniques like Leifa (thunder magic) and talismanic exorcism. This led to the development of a systematic Wudang Taoist cultural framework.

Since the Tang Dynasty, Wudang Mountain has garnered the attention and reverence of successive royal families. In 1285, during the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty, Taoist master Zhang Liuxun informed Kublai Khan about Wudang Mountain, which significantly boosted its status. The Ming Dynasty regarded it as the "imperial family temple," with Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di commissioning extensive repairs, establishing it as the center of Taoist culture. The Ming emperors also elevated Wudang Mountain to the status of "Dayue Taihe Mountain," placing it above the Five Great Mountains and marking the peak of Wudang culture.

Taoist Medical Culture

Wudang Mountain is home to a rich tradition of Taoist medicine, deeply rooted in the local palaces, monasteries, and among the community. As early as the late Han Dynasty, Wudang Taoists began using herbal medicine for health preservation and disease treatment. By the Song and Yuan dynasties, the focus shifted toward cultivating longevity through mental and behavioral refinement.

Notable medicinal formulations from the Ming Dynasty, such as the "Eight Treasures Purple Gold Pill" and "Ten Thousand Silver Pills," have remained popular. Wudang Taoist medicine encompasses a systematic theoretical framework, unique diagnostic methods, and secret recipes. The innovative "four-in-one therapy," combining pill-making, hands-on techniques, acupuncture, and herbal remedies, views prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation as interconnected. This approach has been refined through generations of practice and remains effective for a range of ailments, making Wudang medicine a vital part of both Wudang culture and traditional Chinese medicine.

Palace Music Culture

The palace music of Wudang Mountain's Taoist temples represents a significant aspect of Chinese national music. It integrates song, dance, and instrumental performance. Music can be categorized into "yunqiang" (melodic patterns) and "paizi" (musical pieces), with further subdivisions based on performance context. Common pieces include "Shanpo Yang" (Hillside Sheep) and "Yingxian Ke" (Welcome to the Immortal Guest), as well as chants like "Pu Xiangyang" (Universal Offering).

Established during the Tang Dynasty, the Wulong Temple (Five Dragons Temple) became a key site for Taoist teachings, attracting various sects like Zhengyi and Quanzhen. The long-standing religious activities have produced a wealth of musical material. The palace music of Wudang Mountain retains the musical characteristics of the Quanzhen sect while incorporating elements from various Taoist traditions, making it an invaluable cultural heritage.

Temple Fair Culture

The Temple Fair at Wudang Mountain originated from the unique pilgrimages of believers and is a popular folk event in the Shiyan area. It occurs biannually, with the main celebrations taking place from the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month to the 16th day of the following March, and from the 1st to the 10th day of the 9th lunar month. The fairs on March 3 and September 9 are particularly grand.

The Temple Fair began in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, flourished during the Song Dynasty, and peaked in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Activities include pilgrimages, Taoist rituals, and folk art performances. Pilgrimages take three forms: incense offerings, ascetic pilgrimages by Taoist believers, and individual pilgrimages. The Wudang Daochang (Taoist rituals) features both small and large morning services, with the latter lasting three days. During the fair, the public can enjoy activities like spring outings, mountain climbing, lantern viewing, martial arts competitions, and fireworks displays.

The Wudang Mountain Temple Fair reflects the local folk life, enriching the cultural experiences of the community and providing valuable insights into folklore and historical culture.