Wulao Peak

Overview

About

Wulao (“Five Old Men”) Peak rises to 1,809 m in the Zhongtiao Mountains of Yongji City, Shanxi, a Danxia landform named for five peaks like five old men.

Pujiu Temple, 12 km west of the county town, was founded in the reign of Empress Wu of the Tang and is famous as the setting of the play Romance of the Western Chamber; its Yingying Pagoda echoes sound.

It is in the third batch of national parks of China (national scenic areas) named by the State Council in 1994.

Travel tips

Getting there: Mount Wulao is in the Zhongtiao Mountains southeast of Yongji, Yuncheng, Shanxi. Yuncheng has an airport and a high-speed rail station; from there it is about an hour by road to Yongji and a local vehicle to the foot of the mountain.

Climbing: a road and stone steps lead from the foot to the top, with Taoist temples among the hills; the climb to the top takes half a day or more.

The five peaks: five peaks look like five old men; the outline is clearest from the foot of the mountain or from the road below.

Puji Temple: near the ancient town of Puzhou, linked with the Romance of the Western Chamber; the Yingying Pagoda in the temple has an echo. It can be visited on the same day as the mountain.

Nearby: Yongji also has the Guanque Tower, around the old town of Puzhou, and the site of the Puzhou ferry on the Yellow River.

Time: half a day to a day for the climb; two days with Puji Temple and the tower.

Season: summer is cool on the mountain; spring and autumn are more comfortable; winter paths can be icy.

Where to stay: Yongji town is easiest, and Yuncheng city is another option.