Shiyan

Shiyan (十堰 Shíyàn ) is a city in Northwest Hubei Province, central China.

Get around
Cheap way: From the Wudang Shan train station to the mountain you can take the Green Express bus that is usually right out side. If it is not there the local bus will pick you up at the main street. You will want to go East (turn right off the small road). Some of the local buses will stop in the Wudan town center in which case you need to transfer busses going the same direction. Your final stop is usually marked by a line of taxis, and a big white gate. From the gate you need to buy a ticket to come up the mountain. Once on the mountain buses are free. Taxi: A taxi driver will ask you for ¥60 to take you to the Gate. It should not be hard to talk them down to ¥30, or even 10 if they are desperate that day.

From Shiyan City A bus from Shiyan to Wudang Mountain is ¥10. If you ask around "wo (wo in wonder) yao (ou in out) qu (sounds like chew) wudangshan"

Do
Study Kung Fu. Wudang Kung Fu is one of the two most famous styles of Chinese martial arts. There are many schools to choose from. You can study for a day or for years.

Si Shifu 司师父 If you are interested in learning fighting techniques this is one of the best schools on the mountain.

Purple Heaven Palace School If you are interested in learning Taiji for the sake of motion and beauty, this is one of the best schools.

Eat

 * 1) Gexian Rice Vinegar (葛仙米醋): Gexian Rice Vinegar in Shiyan is a local specialty seasoning, known for its natural fermentation and unique production process.
 * 2) Lao You Bing (老油饼): A traditional snack in Shiyan, it is a pan-fried and deep-fried pastry, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a delightful aroma.
 * 3) Gexian Mountain Roast Duck (葛仙山烤鸭): Gexian Mountain is a famous scenic spot in Shiyan, and the roast duck here may use local seasoning methods, offering a unique flavor.
 * 4) Gexian Mountain Stewed Chicken Soup (葛仙山炖鸡汤): Named after Gexian Mountain, this stewed chicken soup may use local herbs and seasonings, providing a nutritious and flavorful experience.
 * 5) Three Gorges Grilled Fish (三峡烤鱼): Located in the Three Gorges region, Shiyan's grilled fish may feature fresh local aquatic products, prepared with a unique cooking method for a delicious taste.
 * 6) Gexian Mountain Red Sugar Ba Ba (葛仙山红糖粑粑): This is a local traditional snack, made with red sugar and glutinous rice, resulting in a sweet and chewy treat.

Drink
The Shiyan' rice wine (十堰米酒) in Shiyan is a traditional local beverage.

Sleep
Hotels on Wudang Mountain are by and large very expensive. The Wudang Hostel  however has beds for only ¥40 a night. Otherwise, you can pitch a tent for only ¥10. The hike to the hostel is long, but the 73 year old farmer who lives down at the hostel hikes up every day (with vegetables to sell). The hostel is located on the grounds of an abandoned temple, along a beautiful hiking trail. It also has a good restaurant frequented by local farmers: Breakfast ¥15, Lunch ¥35, Dinner ¥35.

Go next
NAN YANG

XIANG FAN

YICHANG