Ascension Cliff

Ascension Cliff

Guide:

Ascension Cliff rises abruptly from the ground, surrounded by cliffs on three sides. A path along the ridge leads directly to the summit, where you can enjoy the magnificent view of Wudang’s “Seventy-Two Peaks Bowing to the Supreme Summit.”

Introduction:

The name of Ascension Cliff originates from a legend. It is said that in his youth, the True Martial Emperor practiced here. He faced the cliff for decades, with a heart as tranquil as an ancient well—even birds built nests on his head without disturbing him. When he was about to attain enlightenment, the Purple Clouds Primordial Goddess descended to test him. She transformed into a beautiful maiden and tried to groom him, but the True Martial Emperor avoided temptation and fled to a rock on the cliff face. Ashamed, the maiden threw herself off the cliff, and the True Martial Emperor immediately leaped down to save her. At that moment, five divine dragons rose from the valley, carried him up to the heavens, and ascended together. Later generations built the “Dressing Table” here, and the protruding boulder on the cliff face is called the “Heart-Testing Stone.” Historical records indicate that since the Song Dynasty, many hermits have practiced in the caves beneath Ascension Cliff. One man lived in a cave for a long time, and when asked his name, he only replied, “Thank Heaven, Thank Earth,” so later generations named the cave “Thank Heaven and Earth Cave.”

Transportation:

A path behind the main hall of Nanyan Palace leads directly to Ascension Cliff.

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