Wutai Shan

Wutai Shan in north-eastern Shanxi province is one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountain areas and a World Heritage Site, complete with monasteries (said to be 53 in all), temples, pagodas and magnificent mountain landscape, with five flattish peaks (and giving the area its name of 'Five Terrace Mountain') surrounding the main village of Taihuai in its deep(ish) valley. Some describe it as more a high plateau surrounded by the peaks.

While the area gets very busy in high Summer, it is a very pleasant place in Spring and Autumn. The sites around Taihuai are well worth taking time over, as the area escaped the Cultural Revolution relatively unscathed, leaving some of the oldest wooden buildings in China still standing. It should be said, though, that Wutai Shan does get some mixed reviews (there is quite a lot of kitsch around), and doesn’t have the amazing drama of (say) Hua Shan or Emei Shan. But preferable if you want atmosphere, but less punishing walking.

There is lovely walking in the surrounding countryside, up valleys and climbing hard to reach high temples and ridges with stunning views.

You can walk four of the five “terraces” in a High Circuit in a demanding 31km, 9-10hr hike, to be thrilled by huge views on a good day – coming at the right season will be important – and Buddhist temples and other relics, green hillsides and gorgeous wildflowers at the right time of year.

The South Terrace (2,489m) is a gorgeous walk along paths with views, high meadows and wildflowers galore at the right time of year. You can make there-and-backs, or a traverse.

We have seen reference to a 66 km Wutai Shan Loop, a mainly lightly used trail located near Taihuai, Shaanxi, China which should be tackle by experienced hikers only, as it involves camping and backpacking and wayfinding.

You can pick a track up a valley or hillside to get away from the crowds. See William Mackesy's account of his eventful walk up a side valley.

This can be tough and demanding walking in high mountains with uncertain weather. To state the obvious, the altitude is likely to affect you, so get so acclimatisation in before tackling the high peaks. Come prepared.

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