Economic Transition of Wudang Mountains

The Taiji Lake

Known as one of the most prestigious mountains and highest grade (5A) state-level scenic spots declared this year, Wudang Mountains is under transition of a tourism economy from tickets oriented to integral development, owing to the Taiji Lake tourism project introduced by the local government.

In the past, the direct economic return of the Wudang scenic areas has relied on ticket income. In 2003, it generated 8.6 million yuan ($1.35 million), accounting for 15 percent of the total tourism revenue.

In 2010, the ticket proportion dropped to eight percent of the total income. However, the Wudang Mountains were still labeled as the “fast food” tourism spot due to a lack of supporting facilities and services.

The situation began to change when the administrative officials of the Wudang Mountains cooperated with Taiji Lake Group to build a Taiji-themed ecological tourist spot in 2008. A tourism industry chain with an investment of 20 billion yuan began to take shape comprising sightseeing, ecology, cultural experiences and livelihood items.

The project has taken the advantage of combining natural beauty with a cultural background. It covers an area of 67 kilometers, which falls into three parts offering spa resorts, ferryboat service, theme parks, water recreation and forest park. The overall blueprint has been completed as well as the environmental assessment and feasibility research. Performance and water Park have already had trial operations.

Zhu Shudong, chief representative of the European Association for Chinese Investment, China, said Wudang Mountain could be seen as an epitome of the history of Chinese culture, architecture and humanities.

He also noted the Taiji Lake Group using the cultural value and brand value of Wudang would maximize local tourism benefits. Wudang Mountain scenic area is now innovating tourism development, pursuing a win-win result in society, economy, ecology and culture.