Practical Tips

Wutaishan Admission Fee

Admission to Wutai Shan is RMB168 during the peak-season and RMB140 during the offseason. Additional tickets are required to some of the temples. The admissions to the temples range between RMB 5 to 20.
 

Wutaishan Weather

Wutai Shan averages more than 1,000m above sea level and at such a high elevations, the mountain can be rather chilly. The northern terrace, at 3,058m, is the highest point in north China. It's best to visit during the summer, especially from June to September. This is when the temperature averages around 20°C, but be aware that the weather varies at different altitudes. It begins to snow in September, which continues until April, so bring warm clothes. The temperature starts to warm up in April and rain gear will be necessary in the summer. The temperature drops significantly at night, so be prepared.

Allow for at least three days if you're really into temples and want to soak up the atmosphere. Avoid the weekends when the tourists swarm to the mountain, especially during the summer when guesthouses double their prices.  During Wenshu Pusa's birthday, the 14th day of the 6th lunar month, celebrations are held throughout the temples.

On the 18th day of the last lunar month to the 18th day of the first lunar month (usually around February) is the fosu minhuai nian, a celebration that's held in Taihuai Town. Traditional Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) celebrations take over the town; people paste red paper cuttings on their windows, families spend the cold days making dumplings and the nights are punctured with the cascading lights of fireworks and deafening bangs of firecrackers. Visiting the temples during this time is spectacular. Take part in the bell ringing ceremonies that bring in the Chinese New Year and dig into tasty vegetarian meals.

Keep in mind that Wutai Shan is a place of worship and it's a place of religious worship. This means showing proper respect while in the temples and towards the monks.