China's Taoism shrine to mark 600th anniversary

A series of memorial activities will be held later this year in central China's Hubei Province to mark the 600th anniversary of the construction of the ancient Chinese Taoism building complex at Mount Wudang, the provincial government announced Tuesday.

Cultural and economic events, such as a painting exhibition and a Tai Chi martial arts conference, will be organized in Shiyan from September to October, the provincial government said at a press briefing in Beijing.

Mount Wudang, with a long history associated with Taoism, houses numerous palaces and temples that exemplify the architectural and artistic feats of China's imperial Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.

The cluster of palaces and temples dedicated to Taoism were built in the scenic valleys and on the slopes of Mount Wudang, which UNESCO included on the World Cultural Heritage List in 1994.

Deputy Governor of Hubei Tian Chengzhong said the commemoration activities will help carry forward Chinese traditional culture, boost local tourism development and promote its opening-up toward the outside world.

According to the event schedule, a festive gala will be held on Sept 27 to mark the 600th anniversary.

Also on that day, a ceremony will be held to celebrate the completion of the renovation project of Yuxu Palace, the largest one in the building complex.

As a renowned scenic spot, Mount Wudang received more than 3.5 million tourists from home and abroad last year.