Mount Wuyi Steeped in Tradition

In the northern region of the eastern Chinese province of Fujian, a lazy river and a few 350-year old bushes are drawing tourists from around the world. Wuyishan, a small town near the Mount Wuyi Scenic Area, claims to be the only "city of tea culture" in China. The town is famous for Wuyi Rock Tea, which is regarded as the first among the Top 10 famous teas in China. As one reporter found out, there's more to Wuyishan than just tea.

The Mount Wuyi Scenic Area has many attractions. The Nine Bend Stream winds through some magnificent mountain areas, odd-shaped peaks appearing at every turn. Small temples and pagodas cling precariously to the edge of steep cliffs.

At a couple of places, visitors can spot large crevices where "hanging boat coffins" used to be placed long ago, in a practice unique to this part of China. At the end of the rafting tour, at the mouth of the Nine Bend Stream, tourists shouldn't miss the excellent local museum (for explanations of the boat coffins) and Wuyi Palace.

Also popular with visitors is a pleasant stroll along a valley to a place called Dahongpao, where six bushes, each more than 350 years old, are thought to be the originals from which all oolong tea bushes in the region are descended. Floating the Nine Bend Stream on a home-made bamboo raft in a remote region of China isn't for everyone, but for cultural enthusiasts and seasoned travelers looking for something a little different, Wuyishan fit you to a . . . T.