Accessible via both the Golden Palace Cable Car (lan che) and a nicely paved trail, Tianzhu Peak stands tallest among the Wudang Mountains and, for both its spectacular views and Ming-dynasty architecture, is definitely not to be missed. 

Taking the lan che is definitely the easy way up. It's the way to go if you are on a tight schedule or just not up for feeling your thighs disintegrate over two to four hours of lactic acid churning hell. 

However, if you do decide to challenge yourself with the hike (don't worry, it's not that hard), you'll be rewarded by a number of smaller attractions dotting the steep slopes along the way. Alternatively, you could always hire the stout men and women offering sedan chair rides.

Don't worry about packing lots of water and snacks for the trek, there are an incredible number of shops lining the path. As they all seem to be selling the same souvenirs, you'll probably ask yourself how they make any money. 

The hike up is nothing short of gorgeous. Rivulets, waterfalls and thriving green forests provide you with delicious, chlorophyl-infused air as you make your way up the sometimes absurdly steep steps. Not to worry, there are plentfiul rest areas on the way as well. 

You'll come across the Huanglong Cave, which houses a "magic spring," and just before the agonizing Hundred Steps Ladder, at the halfway point, a fuschia-walled temple dedicated to Zhang Sanfeng, the original Taiqiquan master.

Once you get to the cable car station you'll have plenty of opportunities to buy snacks, drinks and souvenirs but the hike isn't quite over, the last 100 meters of ascent, featuring the biggest, steepest steps of all, are yet to come. Take a moment to walk around the plaza at the All Gods Temple, the architecture is quite beautiful and the views breathtaking, though not quite as nice as from the tippy top where you'll find Zhenwu's Shrine (RMB 20).

From there you can take the back steps to the cable car station, or head right and descend towards Three Sky Gates (Santien Men).