武当道教文化

The Taoism culture in Wudang
一、Introduction of mountain wudang
Wudang Mountain, named Taihe Mountain in ancient times, is located between Danjiangkou reservoir （水库）and the forest region of Shennongjia Nature Reserve in Shiyan city in the northwest part of Hubei Province. Stretching for a distance of over 400 kilometers, it offers marvelous views on its 72 soaring peaks, especially Tianzhu Peak with an altitude of l,612 meters above sea level. Wudang Mountain, for many centuries, has been chosen by Taoists as the place close to the fairyland after they pass away. Large Taoism architecture can be seen everywhere on the mountain. Legend has it that the God of the Northern Sky ascended heaven after he attained the highest state of spiritual enlightenment here. Since Taoism was born in Eastern Han Dynasty (25 A.D.- 220A.D.) , all previous monarchs（历代帝王）held ceremonies to seal the mountain pass, which caused a rapid rise in its fame, even more famous than the Five Sacred Mountains during the reign of Mingchengzu. It was the great master Zhang Sanfeng who made Wudang Mountain world-famous by establishing the Wudang Sect, sharing equal reputation with the Shaolin Sect in Songshan.
The mountain was also reputed as the First Mountain under Heaven by Mi Fu, a master painter in Northern Song Dynasty.二、The history of wudang Taoism culture
As early as the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD), the mountain attracted the Emperor's attention. During the Tang Dynasty (618–907), the first site of worship—the Five Dragon Temple—was constructed. The monasteries（修道院）were emptied, damaged and then neglected during and after the Cultural Revolution of 1966–1976, but the Wudang mountains have lately become increasingly popular with tourists from elsewhere in China and abroad due to their scenic location and historical interest. The monasteries and buildings were made a UNESCO World Heritage Site （世界文化遗产）in 1994. The palaces and temples in Wudang, which was built as an organized complex during the Ming Dynasty (14th–17th centuries), contains Taoist buildings from as early as the 7th century. It represents the highest standards of Chinese art and architecture over a period of nearly 1,000 years. Noted temples include the Golden Hall, Nanyan Temple and the Purple Cloud Temple.
（一）From pre-Qin to western Han dynasty
This period can be seen as a preparation phase for the
development of Wudang Taoism culture. In The spring and Autumn period ,Yin Xi,who was the first person to practice in Wudang mountain, spreading of Taoism historical figures.
（二）From eastern Han to sui and tang dynasty From Eastern Han dynasty to the Sui and Tang dynasties, with the development of Taoism,Wudang was associated with Taoism culture gradually,This period can be seen as a Beginning of Wudang Taoism culture.
In the late Eastern Han dynasty, Taoism was born .Then Wudang mountain gradually become the activity center of Central Taoism. From han dynasty to the northern and Southern dynasties,due to social unrest,hundreds of gentry classes give up there position,or leaved there hometown to Wudang mountain.For example, in the Jin dynasty, Xieyun and Xu Ziping give up there position in imperial Court.Besides, in the northern and Southern dynasties, Liuqiu also give up his position, and so on.They come to Wudang mountain to learn the Taoism culture,in another aspect, they improve the development of Taoism culture.
In Sui and Tang dynasty,Wudang receive the Emperor's attention ,which promotes the development of Wudang
Taoism.As is known to everyone, in Tang dynasy, the emperors belive that Laozi,who has a high status in Taoism ,was their ancestor.So,they pay more attention on the Taoism.During this period Wudang's position has improved.
（三）Song and Yuan Dynasty
This phase ,Wudang Taoism form a system.The worship of Zhenwu was looked as the main features of Wudang Taoism.This period can be seen as a officially formation of Wudang Taoism culture.According to historical records, the two generation of song, yuan, Wudang Mountains has formed a considerable scale of Taoist groups. The early Yuan Dynasty, Zhang Shouqing disciples four thousand in the Wudang .At that time ,Wudang Taoism construction has made great achievements Unfortunately, some of the Taoist buildings were destroyed by the war war.
（四）Ming and Qing Dynasty
During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the emperors pay more attention on the Taoism than any other dynasty.This period was the peak period of Wudang Taoism culture development. During this period, a large number of buildings were constructed
in Wudang Mountains. In the Jiajing thirty-one years (AD 1552) "Zhi Shi Xuan Yue" memorial archway was built, Wudang Mountains finally formed large scale with eight palace and two temples as the main body , as we can see tody . Now the ancient building in Wudang Mountains including Taihe palace, Nanyan palace, Zixiao palace, Yuzhen palace,Yuxu gong, and five dragon gong , as well as various temples temple, a total of more than 200. Construction area of 50000 square meters, covering a total area of more than 100 square meters.
Yongle Emperor claimed the Zhenwu bless him and his father to Conquer the World,To repay the grace of God, he built 33 temples On the basis of the Yuan Dynasty in the Yongle ten years (1412). Following Yongle emperor, other emperors of the Ming Dynasty, aristocrat（贵族）, local officials believers expanded the construction and rebuilt the temples. To rule the Wudang temple directly, Ming Dynasty emperors, all sent Captain ,who was directly responsible for the Royal family ,to manage everything of Wudang Mountains. In Jiajing (1522 - 1566), every temple of the mountains had at least three or four hundred people, the whole mountain more than ten thousand people,they are officer, Taoist, army, artisans and others.
三、The Accomplishment of Wudang Taoism culture
（一）Taoism architectural culture
Wudang Taoism architectural culture includes the origin and scale of the largest Taoist architectural complex（建筑群）.the macro（宏观）design idea of ancient architectural complex . the immortal thoughts and geomantic omen which are reflected through palace Gongguan and other temple. architecture style and aesthetic value of the existing temple. The concept to make the temple building harmonious with the natural environment. Temple architecture and religious activities, the people's evaluation,and so on.
（二）Wudang Taoism props and cultural relics
Wudang Taoism props and cultural relics :The fairy statues with a strong color of mount wudang Taoism , Faqi , inscriptions （碑铭），mural （壁画），couplet（楹联），plaques（匾额），which have the outstanding technical standards and beautiful artistic characteristics ,are precious cultural heritage of the Chinese nation.They condense Chinese social cultural tradition.
（三）Wudang martial arts culture
Wudang martial arts culture:Wudang boxing was deeply Influenced by Taoist ideas , its The basic theory , including the philosophy of Taoism, inner alchemy theory（内丹理论）, self-cultivation, moral cultivation；Zhang Sanfeng and Tai Chi.
（四）Wudang Taoism belief
Wudang Taoism belief: since the Song Dynasty, people around the country has the customs to Worship mountains. They form organization,research society,and a series of folk festival which is is closely related tot he Taoist belief .like the Spring Festival, March three, September nine .
Besides,The unique literature, The wonderful music ,wudang tea and so on ,Wudang Taoism culture are more than these,in one word, Wudang Taoism culture is extensive and profound.
四、Conclusion
As the cradle of the Taoist culture, the Wudang Mountain was inscribed on the list of World Cultural Heritages in 1994. The scenery of the mountain attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. Over 4 million tourists from at home and abroad are expected to visit the site this year.。