High thinking with 'Yugong spirit'

Leaving the palace, people can opt for a funicular coach that takes them to the top of the mountain in a short time. Hiking up to the peak from the palace takes about two hours. The peak is covered in mist in the mornings, especially on colder days. The cliffs and views below are magnificent, especially when the mist clears.

Visitors can also see monkeys near a temple at the mountaintop. They aren't bothered by the presence of people.

"We will build a street featuring local folk culture," Gu says of an ongoing construction at the foothill of the mountain.

The project includes setting up food, yoga, tai chi and traditional Chinese medicine kiosks along the street once completed.

"We're looking forward to more people staying here for a while," Gu says, "and, better appreciate the charm of the mountain."