The Temple of the Five Immortals or Five Immortals Temple (五仙庙, Wǔ xiān miào) is a Taoist temple located in Shiyan's Zhangwan District in China's Hubei Province. The temple is situated on the Heavenly Horse (天马, Tiānmǎ) peak of White Horse Mountain (白马山, Báimǎ shān) in the Wudang Mountains.
This particular temple came to my attention when Steve Marshall of https://www.biroco.com/yijing/ published a review of the book by Xing De, better known as Li Shifu, the abbot of the Five Immortals Temple in the Wudang Mountains. The book was called "Yi Jing Ethics: Lessons of a Daoist Master from the Wudang Mountains".
From the review of the book:
"The introduction suggests the main purpose of the Yi is to help you unite with the dao. After that, you don't really need to use it any more. Sages don't need the book, for all the Yi teaches the sage's way. The aim is to 'transcend the Yi Jing in order to look back at it with true understanding' (p 11). It does appear to be the case that the longer you study the Yi, the less you actually use it for personal divination. You tend to already know the answer, that's should a question or dilemma ever actually arise. Still, one keeps one's hand in and asks from time to time. Though Johan says he hasn't seen Li Shifu asking about anything for himself."
https://www.biroco.com/yijing/xingde.htm
Then I checked their web site and realized they also (may) offer introduction to the Yi Jing practice as indicated on their official webpage https://fiveimmortals.com/wudang-tao/practicing-yi-jing/
What they teach is not original interpretation of the received hexagrams, instead they teach some of the methods commonly used across China nowadays, one of them being Bazi (八字).
From their website:
CONTENT:
• Yi Jing theory’s, explanation and methods of use
• Yi Jing Divination
• Eight-lines forecasting
• Eight-characters divination
• Big dipper numerals calculation
• Half palm foretelling
• And more…
Bazi etc is not my cup of tea but if you are interested in this type of the Yi Jing usage this might be of interest to you.
Instructions below on how to find this temple are provided by DeepSeek:
How to Find the Mystical Five Immestors Temple in Wudang Mountains
For any traveler journeying through China's heartland, the Wudang Mountains are a pinnacle of Taoist culture, martial arts, and breathtaking scenery. While everyone visits the Golden Peak and Nanyan Temple, finding the quieter, more enigmatic Five Immortals Temple (五仙祠) is a rewarding quest. Here’s your detailed guide.
First Things First: Location & Context
It's important to understand that the Wudang Mountains are a large scenic area, not a single peak. The Five Immortals Temple is not one of the main temples on the central pilgrim route. It's located on Wudang's West Route, which is steeper, more rugged, and sees far fewer tourists. This makes the journey feel more like a ancient pilgrimage and less like a modern tourist trip.
My Top Tip: This route is for the adventurous. Wear proper hiking shoes and be prepared for a serious climb. The reward is serenity, stunning views, and a genuine sense of discovery.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Get to the Wudang Mountains Base
Your journey starts in the city of Shiyan (十堰), in Hubei province.
By Air: The nearest airport is Shiyan Wudangshan Airport (SYX). From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to the Wudang Mountains entrance.
By Train: Shiyan Railway Station is a major hub with high-speed trains from Xi'an (~2.5 hrs), Wuhan (~2.5 hrs), and other cities. From the station, take a taxi to the scenic area (~30-40 mins).
Step 2: Enter the Scenic Area & Choose Your Path
You must purchase an entrance ticket for the Wudang Mountains Scenic Area. This ticket usually includes access to the shuttle buses that are essential for getting around.
Once inside, you need to get to the starting point for the West Route. There are two main approaches:
Option A: The Direct Hiker's Route (Recommended)
Take the scenic area shuttle bus to Qiongtai Zhongguan (琼台中观). This is the same station for the cable car up to the Golden Peak.
DO NOT take the cable car. Instead, from the Qiongtai bus stop, you need to find the path leading to the West Route. Look for signs pointing to "Five Immortals Temple" (五仙祠) or ask a local vendor "Wǔ Xiān Cí?" while making a hiking motion. The path is well-established but less advertised.
The hike from Qiongtai to the Five Immortals Temple is a steep and continuous climb, taking approximately 2-3 hours depending on your fitness level.
Option B: Via the Main South Slope
Take the shuttle bus to the Prince Slope (太子坡) transfer station.
From Prince Slope, switch to a shuttle bus heading to Qiongtai Zhongguan.
From Qiongtai, follow the instructions in Option A above.
What to Expect on the Hike
The trail is a classic stone stairway path winding through dense forest. You'll pass ancient gates, small shrines, and enjoy incredible views away from the crowds. The temple itself is built into a cliffside cave, a classic feature of Taoist architecture seeking harmony with nature. It's a place of quiet power, not grand spectacle.
A Crucial Navigation Point:
You will likely pass the slightly larger Lingguan Temple (灵官殿) on your climb. Keep going! The Five Immortals Temple is further up and to the side. The final approach involves a steep staircase leading directly to the temple's entrance built into the rock face.
Essential Tips for Your Visit
Time Management: Allocate a full day for this hike. The last shuttle buses down the mountain leave around 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Do not miss them!
Fitness Level: This is a strenuous hike. Be honest about your abilities. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities on the West Route are minimal.
Cash: Have small bills (RMB) on hand for buying water or small offerings at the temple.
Combine Your Trip: Most people visit the Five Immortals Temple on their way to or from the Golden Peak (金顶) for sunrise/sunset. You can descend the West Route from the Golden Peak, but it's very steep and challenging.
Respect the Culture: This is an active place of worship. Speak quietly, be respectful of those praying, and ask permission before taking photos of any monks or rituals.
Sample Itinerary suggestion
7:00 AM: Arrive at the Wudang Mountains entrance gate.
7:30 AM: Catch the shuttle bus to Qiongtai Zhongguan.
8:30 AM: Begin the hike from Qiongtai towards the West Route.
11:00 AM: Arrive at the Five Immortals Temple. Explore, rest, and soak in the atmosphere.
12:30 PM: Begin your descent back to Qiongtai.
2:30 PM: Have a late lunch at Qiongtai.
3:30 PM: Take the shuttle bus to another site, like Prince Slope or Nanyan Temple, before heading down.
Finding the Five Immortals Temple is more than just a visit; it's an adventure. It connects you to the hermetic and mystical roots of Wudang Taoism. Happy travels!
Disclaimer: Information on transportation and opening times can change. It's always wise to double-check with your hotel or the official tourist information the day before your visit. Conditions on the West Route can be weather-dependent.
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