December Sea of Clouds + Warm Tea, Climbing this "Fairy Mountain" in Winter is So Refreshing!
Who says winter is only for staying cooped up in bed? I just returned from Wuyi Mountain in December, and the "fairy route" at Tianyou Peak completely captivated me! No crowds, plenty of sea of clouds, and abundant rock tea. After this trip, my phone memory was full, and my heart was warmed by northern Fujian. I'm quickly sharing this hot guide with you; just copy it👇
I. First, let's talk about the destination
Tianyou Peak = Wuyi Mountain's prime spot, with an elevation of 408 meters and 848 steps. You can reach the summit in 20 minutes, which is extremely friendly to office workers' fitness levels. Standing at the summit, the Nine-Bend Stream makes a big "Ω" turn, bamboo rafts look like ant trails, and in the distance, the sea of clouds covers the ridges like fondant. No wonder Xu Xiake said, "Without being by the stream, one can still fully appreciate the beauty of the Nine Bends." In December, the average daily temperature is 10-15℃. The mountain breeze carries a hint of mint, and one breath instantly clears your mind, more effective than an iced Americano.
II. Best travel time🕒
December - January! The reasons are simple and straightforward:
1. Fewer crowds, no need to book tickets, and photos come with a "private venue filter."
2. High humidity + large day-night temperature difference, resulting in a 70% chance of seeing a sea of clouds.
3. Tea trees are dormant, so polyphenol content is high. Tea farmers will offer "winter leaves" (Dongpian) from before the first spring harvest, which are incredibly fragrant and free.
III. My half-day itinerary
8:30 Enter from the South Gate → Take the scenic shuttle to Yinping Peak Station → Walk 5 minutes to the foot of Tianyou Peak → 9:00 Officially start climbing
9:25 Reach the summit → Take photos of the sea of clouds + aerial shots → 9:50 Descend → 10:15 Head straight to "Tianyou Teahouse" for free tea → 11:00 Take the scenic shuttle to Zhuxi Garden for a free guided tour → 11:30 Finish and return to the hotel for a nap.
Tips: The steps have handrails and are not slippery in winter; bring a cup of hot water, which will turn into warm tea in 5 minutes at the summit, eco-friendly and stomach-warming.
IV. Local Delicacies🍜
1. Langu Smoked Goose: "Lao Chen Smoked Goose" shop outside the scenic area, 88 yuan/half, fruitwood smoked aroma + spicy dry dip, you won't be able to stop eating.
2. Guozai: Wuyi Mountain's version of "small noodles," the broth is pork bone + cinnamon, 3 yuan a bowl, add the owner's homemade chili sauce, it's heavenly.
3. Zhengyan Rougui Milk Tea: The newly opened "Chali Chaqi" near the South Gate uses real Rougui tea broth + fresh milk, 0 artificial flavors. In December, the second cup is half price, a perfect hand warmer.
V. How to buy souvenirs without stepping on landmines🛍️
1. Rock Tea: Don't blindly believe in "Niurou" (Niulankeng Rougui), genuine ones cost 3000+ yuan per jin. For students, directly buy "Huiyuan Shuixian" half-jin pack, 300 yuan for an orchid aroma. Official scenic area stores offer traceability.
2. Bamboo Tea Tray: "Mianjiang Studio" by the Nine-Bend Stream, engrave your name on-site, small ones are 98 yuan, instantly making your desk artistic.
3. Red Mushrooms: Locals say "no worms, no red," meaning real ones have wormholes; supermarket price 1200/jin, villagers' roadside stalls 800, remember to bargain for half price.
VI. Heartfelt small tips
- Outfit: A jacket + fleece + scarf is enough. The wind at the summit is strong, don't wear down jackets as they look bulky in photos.
- Transportation: High-speed rail to "Nanping City Station," a 40-minute taxi ride to Wuyi Mountain city area. Didi fixed price is 120 yuan, more reliable than illegal taxis.
- Accommodation: "Jiujie Yihao" guesthouse near the South Gate, 300 yuan/night in the off-season December. Open the window to see Dawang Peak, the owner lends hiking poles for free.
- Safety: The steps can be damp, so wear shoes with deep treads. Don't be like me wearing dad shoes, I almost did the splits on the spot.
- Environmental Protection: No matter how beautiful the sea of clouds is, do not cross the guardrails. If caught by a drone, you'll be fined 200 yuan and have to write a self-criticism, a truly embarrassing moment.
On the way down, I met a tea-picking grandma who gave me a handful of "winter leaves." I brewed them in my thermos back at the hotel, and with hot water, the floral aroma went straight to my head. At that moment, I suddenly understood: travel is about placing yourself in a moving landscape painting, and then returning home with a mouth full of tea fragrance. Wuyi Mountain in December, with fewer people, wilder scenery, and even wilder tea. If you want to "steal half a day of leisure," just go for it!