Mount Wuyi

The Mount Wuyi Scenic Area lies to the south of Wuyishan City, Fujian Province. Mount Wuyi is famous for its natural conservation of a large number of ancient plant species, wild animals and reptiles, many of which are peculiar to China. Its tranquil beauty and intact environment offer a refuge to the primitive forest, so it is called the 'Natural Arboretum'. The Mount Wuyi Scenic Area incorporates the Wuyi Canyon Drifting, the Mount Longjing and the Ancient Xiamei Folk Buildings and so on.

Firstly, we come to the Wuyi Canyon which is a good place to drift along the water. The Wuyi Canyon is 14 kilometers (about 8.70 miles) long with a drop of 150 meters (about 492 feet) along its length. Tourists may drift on the water for 6 kilometers (about 3.73 miles). This stretch of water belongs to Tongmu Brook which is one of the sources of Nine Bends Brook that meanders between rocks and gorges. When drifting smoothly with the water's flow, you will appreciate the lush trees on spectacular mountains as well as the fish swimming in the brook. A refreshing cool breeze brushes past you as you feel the splash of water upon your face where the water rushes through the narrows between high cliffs. Altogether an exciting adventure in awe-inspiring surroundings!

Then we come to the Mount Longjing, on the southeast of Mount Wuyi. Mount Longjing enjoys a pleasant climate, warm in summer and cool in winter. Here you will find a good number of rare wild animals living on the land and plentiful vegetation covering the fertile earth. All year round, wild flowers bloom and trees thrive. There is the Qiyu Hall on the Mount Longjing. Since the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), Qiyu Hall had been a place where people interceded for rain and other blessings from the gods. When there was a drought the local people from some distance around would travel to the hall and pray for rain. Thanks to the serene environment, Mount Longjing is an ideal place for relaxation and outdoors activities.

After seeing the natural wonders, you may as well take a look at the Ancient Xiamei Folk Buildings, located 12 kilometers (about 7.46 miles) southeast of Wuyishan City. Walking in the Xiamei Village with its profound culture and rich history, it carries you back in time to the Ming (1368 - 1644) and the Qing (1644 - 1911) Dynasties. Most of buildings are very well preserved. Xiamei village is also a famous distribution center for tea produced in Mount Wuyi. Tea merchants constructed more than 70 houses in this village. Also, there are other well-designed senior officials' and Confucian scholars' houses.

Finally, drinking a cup of Chinese tea should not be missed. Tea is wonderfully refreshing when taking a rest in a teahouse. Chinese tea is a kind of culture. When you drink tea for the first time, you will be impressed by its bittersweet taste which means pleasure comes through toil in Chinese. Tea is full of flavor and fragrance. The Bohea and the Oolong grow in the Mount Wuyi. Bohea is the variety of tea that grows on the mist-covered Mount Wuyi. The Oolong is another variety of tea with relatively strong flavor.