"Exploring Wulao Peak: Encountering the Majestic Landscape of a Taoist Sacred Site"

• Location: Situated in the Zhongtiao Mountain Range, 13 km southeast of Yongji City, Shanxi Province. • Best time to visit: April to October, when the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. The annual peak pilgrimage fair from the 1st to the 15th day of the 7th lunar month offers a chance to experience local folk customs. Ticket Information • Ticket prices: High season (April 1 - October 31) 70 RMB/person; Low season (November 1 - March 31) 60 RMB/person. • Discounts: Free admission for children under 6 or 1.2m tall, disabled persons, and active military personnel with valid ID; half-price for children over 1.2m and students with valid ID. Transportation Guide • Self-drive: From Taiyuan, take the Dayun Expressway towards Yongji, exit at Yongji, and follow navigation (approx. 350 km, 4-5 hours). From Yuncheng, take the Yunfeng Expressway south, exit at Huangyingkou, and follow scenic area signs. • Public transport: First reach Yongji City, then take a dedicated bus to Wulao Peak from Yongji Bus Station (5-10 RMB, 30-minute ride). Hiking Routes • Cable car route: Ideal for those with limited stamina. One-way 70 RMB, round-trip 120 RMB. The cable car takes you directly to the mountainside with panoramic views. From there, visit Taiyi Peak's ancient Lingfeng Taoist complex before proceeding to Yuzhu Peak. • Stone steps route: A challenging 1.2 km ascent via 2,399 bluestone steps (400m elevation gain). Pass attractions like Small Red Cliff and Big Red Cliff before reaching Yuzhu Peak. Option to descend via slideway. • Jinxiu Valley waterside route: A gentle trail along streams with bridges and pavilions, offering serene forest views. Continue to other peaks based on energy levels. Featured Attractions • Yuzhu Peak: The 1,809.3m main peak features sheer cliffs. Summit for breathtaking views, passing Chuanxin Tea House and Lotus Platform en route. • Qipan Peak: At 1,400m, this "Chessboard Peak" hosts Yunfengge Hotel and Laomu Temple. Site of the legendary "Wang Zhi's Rotten Axe" story and a fertility pilgrimage destination. • Taiyi Peak: Northern peak and Taoist cultural center with reconstructed Lingfeng Taoist complex and ancestral temples. A filming location for several TV dramas. • Yixiantian ("Thread of Sky"): Legend connects this narrow pass to the "Chenxiang Splits the Mountain" folktale. Features natural Buddha-face rock formations and an exhilarating "Iron Chain Sky Bridge." Dining & Accommodation • Dining: Snack stalls in the scenic area offer local treats like liangfen jelly. Restaurants in Yujia Town at the mountain's base serve specialties like mutton paomo and scallion pancakes. • Lodging: Yunfengge Hotel within the area offers 3-star rooms (300-800 RMB). Nearby homestays provide budget options (100-300 RMB). Important Notes • Wear comfortable sportswear and hiking/anti-slip shoes. Bring a light jacket in summer. • Pack sunscreen, hats, at least 1L of water, and snacks. • Follow trail markers and seek shelter in bad weather. Respect religious sites and local customs in this sacred Taoist area.