Complete Two-Day Wangwu Mountain Tour Guide: Climb to the Top of Tiantan, Explore the Land of Yu Gong

Hey, friends! If you're planning a trip to Henan and want to find a place rich in cultural heritage with stunning natural scenery, Wangwu Mountain is definitely a hidden gem. It’s not a crowded internet-famous mountain, but it holds the title of "The Number One Cave Heaven Under Heaven" and is the site of the legendary story of Yu Gong Moving the Mountain. I just got back from there, and here’s a firsthand guide for you! Day 1: Seek Tao at Yangtai Palace, Brave the Summit of Tiantan I suggest staying the night before in Jiyuan City or Wangwu Town at the foot of the mountain. The next morning, have a good breakfast and start heading into the mountain around 8 a.m. Don’t rush to climb right away; first, visit Yangtai Palace near the mountain gate. This is a Taoist sacred site. As soon as you enter the courtyard, the huge thousand-year-old Bodhi tree will instantly calm you down. The palace buildings date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, with red walls, gray tiles, and layered dougong brackets, full of character. Listen to the Taoist priests share the legends here and feel the aura of this “Blessed Land of Cave Heaven.” After leaving Yangtai Palace, officially head toward the main peak. There are two routes up: if you want a challenge, hike on foot, which takes about four to five hours; if you want to save energy, buy a sightseeing bus ticket to get close to “Yu Gong Village” and start climbing from there. I chose to hike, and although it was tiring, the scenery was worth it. Along the way, streams babble and trees form a dense canopy. Especially famous is the “Eighteen Bends,” where stone steps wind along steep cliffs. Climbing up and looking back, you’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment. On the way up, don’t forget to look for traces of the “Yu Gong Moving the Mountain” story. The big stone inscribed with “Place of Yu Gong Moving the Mountain” is a must-visit spot. Standing there, thinking about this story you’ve heard since childhood happening right here feels quite magical. Grind your teeth and keep climbing to the top—that’s the summit of Tiantan! This is where the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan set up an altar to worship heaven, at an elevation of 1,715 meters, with a magnificent Dharma altar standing tall. From the viewing platform, the view opens up dramatically, truly giving you the feeling of “looking down on all other mountains.” If you’re lucky to catch a clear sunset, the sky will be ablaze with colors, instantly healing the fatigue of the climb. It’s windy at the top, so remember to bring a jacket. After watching the sunset, hurry down the mountain—taking the cable car is recommended to save time and energy. You can stay overnight at a farmhouse inn halfway up the mountain and try local wild vegetables and free-range chicken, which taste very rustic. Day 2: Explore the Mysterious Queen Mother Cave, Traverse Geological Legends No need to rush on the second day. Head downhill to visit the Queen Mother Cave. This is a huge natural rock cave, cool and mysterious deep inside. Legend has it that the Queen Mother of the West once practiced cultivation here. Then visit the Geological Museum, which will give you a whole new understanding of Wangwu Mountain. This mountain range holds over a billion years of Earth’s history, and the various rock specimens are like an open geology textbook—very fascinating. Before heading down, if you have time, take another good look at the “Yu Gong Moving the Mountain” sculpture group. The sculptures vividly express the spirit of “descendants forever without end” through the effort of moving mountains. This might be the simplest yet most powerful spiritual gift Wangwu Mountain offers to visitors. Some Practical Tips: · Tickets and Transportation: Buying tickets online in advance can save you some money. Choose between the internal shuttle bus and cable car based on your stamina. · Accommodation: There are many farmhouse inns and guesthouses at the foot and halfway up the mountain. The conditions are basic but clean, allowing you to experience the peaceful mountain village nights. It’s best to book early during peak season. · Best Seasons: Spring and autumn (April-May, September-October) are the most comfortable. Summer is cool but rainy, and winter offers snowy views but some trails may be closed. · Essentials: A pair of well-fitting, non-slip sports shoes is key! The weather on the mountain changes quickly, so bring a raincoat. Also, carry enough water and snacks as hiking consumes a lot of energy. Overall, Wangwu Mountain isn’t as steep or dramatic as some famous mountains, but it excels in deep culture and serene scenery, with a perfect hiking pace. It’s great for exercising, listening to stories, and gaining knowledge—perfect for a two- or three-day relaxing trip. Have a great time and gain lots from your visit!