Wudang Taoism & tai chi

武当太极 · wǔ dāng tài jí

Wudang is the Taoist counterpart to Buddhist Shaolin — the home of 'internal' martial arts that train breath and stillness before strength. Its academies teach foreigners year-round.

Taoism seeks harmony with the Dao, the natural way. Wudang's temples are laid out along a 70 km road so the climb itself is the practice; the Golden Hall on the summit was cast in bronze in 1416.

Tai chi (太极拳) is said to have been born here with the monk Zhang Sanfeng. Morning classes on the temple terraces are open to visitors; multi-week courses at academies near the gate include meals and lodging.

Etiquette: step over temple thresholds, never on them; don't point at statues; ask before photographing a priest.