Mt. Wushan

It is the main reason for making a stop at Mt. Wushan, a town surrounded by picturesque mountain peaks and situated on the north bank of the Yangtze River.

Mt. Wushan is one of the original locations of primitive civilization, having existed since the latter part of the Shang Dynasty (16th - 11th century BC). During the Warring States Period, (476 B.C. - 221 B.C.) the Wu prefecture was established here by the King of Chu. During the first century, the Buddhist faith reached China and many temples were built here; however, over the years, almost all the temples have been destroyed. During the Han Dynasty, agriculture and manufacture industry flourished. The town was named after Wu Xian, a successful doctor to the imperial court during the Tang Dynasty. He was buried on Nanling Mountain, on the south bank of the Yangtze River, opposite Mt. Wushan. During the Qing Dynasty, large numbers of refugees poured into the town due to the war.

The most memorable attraction is the climb to the summit of Mt. Wushan (Witches Hill). From the summit the views of Wu Gorge and the river are spectacular. There is also Luyou Dong, (named after an official of the Song Dynasty), which has teahouses and ornamental pavilions.