Wudang in the Wonderland of Western Hubei — Exploring the Serenity and Wonders of Changyang Tianzhu Mountain

Amidst the swirling sea of clouds, a stone pinnacle-like peak pierces the sky. This is Changyang Tianzhu Mountain, a Taoist sacred site that complements Wudang Mountain to the north and south. Located in Changyang Tujia Autonomous County, Yichang, Hubei, Tianzhu Mountain stands proudly at 1,445 meters above sea level on the northern bank of the Qingjiang River. Known as the "Central Wudang," it echoes the Wudang Mountain in northwest Hubei. This religious mountain is famous not only for its steep terrain and beautiful scenery but also for its long-standing Taoist cultural heritage. Tianzhu Mountain has a unique shape, with towering stone pinnacles and solitary peaks standing tall, resembling a brush reaching the clouds. The most astonishing sight is the three 130-meter-high rock peaks at the summit, standing side by side only four meters apart, connected by two stone bridges that look like works of immortals. Here, the myth of the "Flying Sky Bridge" is passed down. It is said that Guanyin of the South Sea, moved by the craftsmen’s hardship in building the bridges, gently brushed willows to create two rainbows. Following the rainbows, the craftsmen completed the two stone bridges within a day. Standing atop the mountain on a clear day, you can see the mighty Yangtze River to the north and the shimmering Qingjiang River to the south. In rainy or foggy weather, clouds wrap around the waist of the mountain, with red walls and green leaves faintly visible, resembling a fairyland. At the peak, there is a clear spring that flows year-round without drying up. Locals regard it as "divine water," adding a touch of vitality to the majestic mountain. Since its establishment in the early Tang Dynasty, Tianzhu Mountain has been one of the Thirty-Six Caves of Heaven and Seventy-Two Blessed Lands in Taoism. Historically, the Taoist temple was relocated to Zhuangyuan Peak in the early Ming Dynasty. The existing buildings include the Zhenwu Hall, Lingguan Hall, and Bell and Drum Towers, all built according to the mountain’s terrain and shining with golden splendor. Every year, three major Taoist ceremonies are held here: on the third day of the third lunar month (Zhenwu’s birthday), the ninth day of the ninth lunar month (Ascension Memorial), and the twenty-third day of the twelfth lunar month (Kitchen God Festival). Pilgrims from Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan, and Guizhou come throughout the year. 3. Practical Travel Information Opening Hours: Year-round, 08:00–17:00 Ticket Information: The scenic area has invested 400 million yuan in upgrading and enhancing the facilities. Transportation Guide: Tianzhu Mountain is located 34 kilometers west of Changyang County seat and about 80 kilometers from Yichang city center. Visitors can take a bus to Changyang and then transfer to local transportation. Combined Tour Suggestion: Tianzhu Mountain is adjacent to the 5A-level Qingjiang Gallery scenic area. Both can be visited together to form a premium route of "Taoist pilgrimage + mountain and water sightseeing." At the foot of Tianzhu Mountain, the Fangshan Stone Forest with its magnificent peaks is one of the most spectacular sights in Qingjiang Gallery. When you reach the summit and overlook the vast mountains and valleys, you can truly appreciate the majestic grandeur of "the towering Tianzhu peaks rising from the earth." This immortal mountain, blending natural wonders with cultural heritage, awaits every traveler yearning for tranquility and magnificence.