What Special Local Products Does Wudang Mountain Have?

Annual fleabane, also known as Erigeron annuus or tower-of-chrysanthemum, is an annual or biennial herb of the Asteraceae family. It is widely distributed across mountainous areas of Shiyan and commonly found along forest edges, under woods and beside farmlands. Its young seedlings are edible, featuring a delicate fresh flavour and rich nutrition, containing protein, fat, multiple vitamins and minerals. Regular consumption improves digestion and boosts gastrointestinal function. Bitter and cool in nature, it clears heat, detoxifies and invigorates the spleen. It works well for indigestion, enteritis and diarrhoea, malaria and haematuria.

Also called kochia, it has other aliases including broom seedling, iron broom and wild spinach, belonging to the Chenopodiaceae annual herb. Frequent consumption helps reduce weight, lower blood lipids and blood pressure. Rich in potassium, it restrains myocardial excitement, slows heart rate and protects the heart, offering remarkable health benefits for people with cardiovascular diseases. Its seeds contain saponins which are effective against cystitis and urethritis. Decoctions made from broom cypress can be used for fumigation and washing to treat skin diseases. Locals in Shiyan have a tradition of bathing with iron broom on the Dragon Boat Festival.

No tourist trip is complete without local souvenirs. As a famous sacred mountain of Taoism in China, Wudang Mountain will not let you leave empty-handed. You can pick up a variety of Taoist artefacts that embody the profound Taoist culture: house-protecting talismans, amulets, bronze Bagua bells, statues of Laozi, mounted scrolls of the tortoise and snake totem, gold and silver cards engraved with birth-year patron deities, and more.

There is a well-known saying in martial arts circles: "Shaolin staff, Wudang sword". The top souvenir choice for visitors to Wudang Mountain is undoubtedly the Wudang sword. Forged from high-quality iron alloy, the blade is carved with dragon and phoenix patterns on both sides. The wooden scabbard is inlaid with bronze decorative patterns and inscribed with three Chinese characters "Wudang Sword". The sword guard is made of carved brass, and the grip is crafted from fine boxwood.

Longevity vine canes come from Saiwudang Mountain, facing the Golden Summit of Wudang. The vine has dense wood and great flexibility with moderate thickness, and its roots grow in countless natural shapes. There are dozens of styles including Golden Summit, God of Longevity, dragon head, phoenix head, monkey head and bird head. It is an ideal walking stick for mountain hikers and a thoughtful gift for elderly people.

Endowed with favourable natural conditions, Wudang Mountain absorbs spiritual energy from heaven and earth and essences from all living things, boasting abundant herbal resources. Rare medicinal herbs such as Paris polyphylla, Helwingia japonica, Trillium tschonoskii, gastrodia elata, trogopterus dung and dendrobium nobile all grow here. Buying a few packs of precious herbal prescriptions is also a great option.