Wuyi Mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for both its natural and cultural significance. Before visiting, I assumed it would primarily feature mountain landscapes like Huangshan or Mount Emei. Upon arrival, however, I discovered it's actually centered around water scenery—somewhat similar to Guilin, yet distinctly different. While bamboo rafting on Guilin's Li River focuses on viewing karst peaks along the banks, rafting in Wuyi Mountain highlights emerald-green streams and Danxia landform peaks lining the shores. While Guilin's landscapes are renowned as the finest under heaven, Wuyi's scenery feels like navigating through a painting—albeit a different kind. During the first half-hour morning rafting session from the pier to the Nine Bend Stream, heavy mist shrouded the water, making it appear as if steam were rising from the surface. The peaks along the banks appeared and disappeared, creating the sensation of drifting through a traditional Chinese ink painting. From the Ninth Bend to the Seventh Bend, the sun gradually climbs higher. Due to the Tyndall effect, beams of light pierce through the clouds and mist like sacred rays, evoking the sensation of navigating a religious painting. From the Seventh Bend to the First Bend, the mist dissipates. Above, a blue sky dotted with white clouds; around, verdant mountains and emerald waters. The bamboo raft itself becomes a scene within the landscape painting. From the First Bend to the landing pier at Wuyi Palace, a waterway winds through intertwined forests on both sides. As the bamboo raft glides through, it feels like exploring the Amazon jungle, evoking a sense of exoticism.
Beyond the quintessential Nine Bend Creek bamboo rafting, the most recommended hikes are Tianyou Peak and Huxiao Rock. From Tianyou Peak's summit, witness the spectacular six-bend curve of the river. The viewing platform atop Huxiao Rock reveals a panorama of layered peaks rising like magnified bamboo shoots after rain. Though these peaks stand about 200 meters high, their staircases are steep and narrow. Climbing slowly during off-peak seasons is manageable, but expect queues during peak times. Beyond Tianyou Peak and Huxiao Rock, the more distinctive peaks include Jade Maiden Peak and Great King Peak. Jade Maiden Peak resembles fingers pressed together, while Great King Peak evokes a mountain fortress—each viewer interprets them differently from various angles. Another distinctive climbable attraction is the One-Line Sky. Unlike most one-line sky formations, which are vertical crevices, this one features a large cave with a narrow slit at the top. Climbing through the cave, you can see a horizontal beam of light streaming in from above. The entire slit stretches 100 meters long, with the narrowest climbing steps only 30 centimeters wide—requiring you to squeeze sideways to pass. Those with larger stomachs should avoid the risk.
If time permits, Wuyi Mountain is well-suited for hiking traverses, offering multiple routes. The most recommended is the leisurely trail along the Nine Bend Creek, though it's quite lengthy. With our limited time, we only covered the sections from Wuyi Palace to the First Bend and to Jade Maiden Peak. Since the trail doesn't run entirely along the water's edge, only certain stretches offer views of the creek and the opposite peaks. We also took the trail from Dahongpao to Water Curtain Cave. This section essentially traverses tea gardens within the gorge, offering views of vast tea plantations including the renowned mother tree of Dahongpao tea. The surrounding peaks feature distinctive shapes—with a bit of imagination, you can discern forms like turtles or eagle beaks. We also took the Green Fairyland Trail from One-Line-Sky to Tiger Roar Rock and Jade Maiden Peak. This section is also tea plantations, but with fewer peaks. During the off-season, it's very quiet with few people, allowing you to truly experience the mountain wilderness.
Considering the vast size of the scenic area, we chose the Wuyi Mountain Villa Hotel within the park, which was very convenient for transportation later on. The hotel is just 800 meters from the Wuyi Palace Transfer Center, where shuttle buses connect to all scenic areas. Since there aren't many dining options within the park itself, returning to Wuyi Palace allows you to take the free Bus No. 16 for two stops to Sangu Old Street. There, you'll find a variety of local restaurants offering relatively affordable prices. Even after the free evening buses stop running, it's an easy, less than 1-kilometer stroll back to the hotel after dinner. In recent years, Wuyi Mountain scenic area admission has been free. We only purchased the Nine Bend Creek bamboo raft ticket for 130 yuan plus a 3-day scenic shuttle pass for 95 yuan, totaling 225 yuan—not overly expensive compared to other tourist destinations. As long as you avoid peak season, Wuyi Mountain is an excellent place for mountain and water exploration.