Nanyan Palace
南岩宫
A Taoist temple built on a sheer cliff. The stone hall of Tianyi Zhenqing Palace and the “Dragon Head Incense,” a stone beam jutting out over the drop, are the most famous and thrilling sights.
Nanyan Palace is perched on the cliffs of Nanyan. It was first built in the Yuan dynasty and expanded during the Ming Yongle era. Its buildings use the terrain skillfully, half-embedded in the rock face, and it is a prime example of Wudang’s ideal of temples in harmony with nature. The stone hall of Tianyi Zhenqing Palace is built entirely of stone in imitation of timber construction. Outside the hall, a stone beam extends over the cliff, carved as a dragon’s head holding an incense burner. This is the famous “Dragon Head Incense,” and it is now fenced off to prevent people from climbing out to offer incense. It is about a 20-minute walk from Wuya Ridge. From there, you can continue on foot past Langmei Shrine and Chaotian Palace to the Golden Summit. The cliffside path is narrow, so take care.
Opening hours
Approx. 07:00-17:30
Nearby sights
- Langmei Temple
- Zixiao Palace
- Chaotian Palace & Ancient Pilgrim Path
- Golden Summit & Taihe Palace
- Qiongtai & Jinding Cableway
- Wulong Palace
- Xiaoyao Valley
- Taizi Slope (Fuzhen Temple)