Mount Huangshan
Chinese Character: 黄山;
Chinese Pinyin: 
huáng shan 
Of all the notable mountains in China, Mount Huangshan, to be found in the south of Anhui province, is probably the most famous. Originally known as Mt. Yishan it was renamed Mt. Huangshan in 747 AD in recognition of the legendary Huang Di, who was the reputed
Four seasons in Mt. Huangshan
Each of the four seasons on Mt. Huangshan has their respective beauty but even this can vary from day to day thanks to variations in the weather, light and shade as clouds pass overhead and even around you at the higher reaches. This endless changing adds an emphasis to the wonder of the landscape and to know the mountain thoroughly, you would need to visit Mt. Huangshan in all the different seasons.
Spring
Mt. Huangshan in spring is like a maiden - all is new, fresh and tender. Spring
comes in April but its onset is delayed by three days for every 100 meters
as you climb the mountain. Therefore, when wild flowers are brilliant and
seedlings are shooting up at its foot, the plants half way up the mountain
will be just awakening from their winter sleep and will not exhibit their
beauty until a week later. The sound of birdsong is most pleasant in this
quietness while you will be enchanted by the color changes as you climb your
way up. Spring is probably the most propitious season for visiting Mt. Huangshan
and is certainly the best time to view the many waterfalls due to the abundant
precipitation.
Summer
It is hard to resist the charm of the cool green mountain sides in summer
when an exuberance of plant life covers the valleys and peaks with a green
blanket. The green trees and ivy mingle to form natural pavilions where you
can sit and refresh yourself while enjoying the beautiful scenery with a cooling
breeze to sooth you.
Dawn in summer is most splendid as the rising sun lights the sky and the peaks and the plants and the whole world takes on a brilliant glow. After a storm, Mt. Huangshan becomes a world of water. Numerous streams and waterfalls compose an exciting and vigorous symphony. The Sea of Clouds during this season is not as vast as during autumn or winter but it revels in its brightness. If you are really lucky you will see a vivid rainbow flying over two peaks. Sunset is no less enchanting than sunrise. Mt. Huangshan in summer is the best resort in which to escape high temperatures of southern China.
Tips:
1. July and August are among the peak seasons therefore reservation is a must.
2. It is wise to bring a rainproof jacket with you as the strong wind on the
mountain renders an umbrella all but useless and even dangerous.
3. Do not climb the mountain during thunderstorm.
Autumn
Autumn on the mountain is colorful due to the blue sky, white clouds, red
maples and yellow fruits. At this time of the year the scenery can be compared
with that of spring but with a mature beauty. If spring is like a bud ready
to bloom, autumn is a flower showing its last significance before withering.
Such is the beauty of the autumn scenery of Mt. Huangshan that it can be seen
in many famous Chinese paintings.
Tips:
1.Besides the Golden Week of the National Day (Oct 1st to 7th), September
and October are also peak seasons of Mt. Huangshan.
2. Bring with you warm clothes so as not to catch a chill as the temperature
variation is significant.
Winter
Snowy Mt. Huangshan is like a crystal palace. Though winter lasts a long time
in Huangshan, it is not as cold as you might expect. A poem has it that Mt.
Huangshan is beautiful all year round but with the winter scenery being the
best. The Sea of Clouds, one of the four wonders of Mt. Huangshan, appears
more often in winter than in any other season. The spectacle of rimed trees
sparkling in the sun is the privilege of winter alone for it is then that
you may find yourself in a silver world with icy peaks, clusters of frosty
corals suffused with a plentiful supply of the freshest of oxygen rich fresh
air.
Travel tips:
1. Winter is the most economical time for visiting Mt Huangshan as the prices
for hotels and the entry fee are lowered by 15% to 40% compared to those of
the peak season. However, Spring Festival is an exception, during which the
price is the same as normal seasons.
2. The hotels are centrally heated so you don't have to worry about the cold.
3. Anti-skid shoes are provided as well as heavy coats in most hotels.
Four wonders of Mt. Huangshan
Huangshan pines are seen in every corner of Mt. Huangshan. You will be amazed by their vitality and strength. The seeds fall into the crevices where they take root and grow with great vigor. The uneven terrain prevents the pines from growing upright. Instead they become crooked and even downward. Another feature of Huangshan pines is that many trees grow branches on one side only. The pines grow very slowly due to the poor soil and climatic conditions. A tree less than 3 meters (9.84feet) high may have grown for over one hundred years or even several hundred years. The root of a pine is several times or several dozens times longer than the trunk, therefore Huangshan pines stand firmly with dignity, withstanding wind and rain. Every pine is unique though: Guest-Greeting Pine (in front of the stone lion of the Jade Screen Pavilion in the Jade Screen Scenic Area), Guest-Goodbye Pine (to the right of the Jade Screen Pavilion), Cushion Pine at Lotus Valley, Phoenix Pine at the Sky Sea, Chessboard Pine at Pingtian Stone Bridge, Kylin Pine between Bei Hai Hotel and the Refreshing Terrace, Black Tiger Pine and Sea Exploring Pine are among the most famous ones.
Spectacular rocky peaks will inspire your imagination. Some look like human beings, birds or animals or many other objects. Something that makes the stones even more fascinating is that they assume varied shapes when seen from different angles. Every stone has its own fantastic legend. The rocks known as the 'Celestial Basking Shoe' and the 'Celestial Basking Boot' share a most romantic story. Once upon a time, in the Celestial Heaven Taoist Temple on Zuoshu Peak lived an old Taoist priest Dao Xuan and his disciple Tai Qing while in the Purple Cloud Temple on Pine Forest Peak lived a Taoist nun Lian Yu and her disciple Miao Zhen. The West Sea Valley separated the two temples as well as a strict commandment, therefore they had no dealings with each other. However, one winter, there was no kindling in Celestial Heaven Taoist Temple. Seeking help, Dao Xuan asked Tai Qing if he could borrow some from the nun at the Purple Cloud Temple. It so happened that the two young disciples fell in love at first sight. From then on, they spent time together when they fetched water or collected firewood. Unfortunately, they were discovered by both masters and the two disciples were punished severely. They were forbidden to go beyond the boundaries set by their masters and threaten with a beating should they disobey. One day when both the masters went down the mountain, they stealthily dated again and agreed upon a good idea: Tai Qing would place a boot in front of the mountain gate if his master was not at home; likewise Miao Zhen would place a shoe. One day, when they were together, their masters unexpectedly returned. Knowing they would be punished, the lovers pondered over their plight. Eventually, they decided that since they could not live together, they would rather choose to die together. Thus, they jumped into a cloud sea. They even did not have time to take back the boot and the shoe. As the days passed, the boot and the shoe turned into two rocks - 'Celestial basking shoe' and 'Celestial basking boot'.
Mt. Huangshan is home to clouds and mists. The Sea of Clouds has a fairy tale beauty. Winter is the best season for this spectacle. According to their locations, the seas of clouds are divided into East Sea, South Sea, West Sea, North Sea and Sky Sea. If you climb up the Lotus Peak, the Heaven Capital Peak and the Bright Peak, you will find yourself above the level of the clouds and they appear as a sea beneath you. It is true that a sea of clouds can be seen in many high mountains but that of Mt. Huangshan is unique with its oddly shaped rocks and ancient pines. Peaks, large and small, hide and reappear in the boundless waves of clouds. The Heavenly Capital Peak and the Bright Peak appear as isolated islands within this white sea. All the colors seem more vivid in the sunshine. The clouds are forever changing, from being like a mirror when all is calm to rolling waves when the wind is strong. At sunrise or sunset, the glistening clouds assume every hue from red to purple. You cannot help marveling at this gift from the Creator! You will be struck by the beauty when all the red leaves are floating on the white clouds in autumn, when the clouds gush between the peaks like a raging river while the red leaves flutter delicately in the breeze. Go to the Jade Screen Pavilion to view the South Sea, the Refreshing Terrace for the North Sea, the Paiyun Tower for the West Sea, the White Goose Ridge for the East Sea and the Legendary Turtle Peak for the Sky Sea. Hot springs
To be able to refresh yourself in the hot springs on Mt. Huangshan must be one of the best ways of enjoyment and relaxation. Running out of the Purple Peak of 850 meters (2, 789 feet), the hot spring in Mt. Huangshan is the first stop following the entrance. Legend has it that Huang Di, the ancestor of the Chinese nation, bathed here 49 days before he ascended to heaven and became immortal. Tips:
1. Hot spring is not suitable for everyone. If you suffer from high blood pressure or heart diseases, it would be wise to consult your doctor first.
2. Do not bathe in the hot spring if you do not feel very well or when you are hungry.
3. Leave the hot spring whenever you feel uncomfortable. In addition to the spectacles we have mentioned there are three large waterfalls that are well worth a visit. These are Renzi (like the Chinese character for human being) Waterfall, the Baizhang (100 zhang, over 1,093feet) Spring and the Nine-dragon Waterfall. Four hundred kilometers (248.5miles) from the East China Sea, Mt. Huanshan is absolutely the best place to watch the sunrise. It would be wise to choose the place according to where you live or are staying so as to attain the best vantage point without being exhausted. For example, the Dawn Pavilion (Shuguang Ting), the Refreshing Terrace and the Lion Peak are the optimum places if you live near the North Sea; the Red Cloud Peak for tourists near Xihai Hotel and Paiyunlou Hotel; the Bright Peak for Qixiang Hostel and Tianhai Hotel and Jade Screen Peak for those near Jade Screen Pavilion. You have to wake up earlier but the magnificent sight is certainly rewarding. In contrast, Red Cloud Peak and Paiyun Tower are the best places for watching the glow of the setting sun. Animals and plants
Mt. Huangshan is an ideal environment for wild animals and plants. The distribution of the animals and plants changes with elevation. Flowers bloom as though in all the four seasons due to the change in climatic conditions as you proceed up the mountain. So if you are fond of animals and plants, be prepared to encounter some precious ones here. Over four hundred scenic spots are to be found on Mt. Huangshan and they can be divided roughly into the following six areas. Hot Springs Scenic Area
Hot Springs Scenic Area was named Xanadu. With the Grasping Beautiful Scenes Bridge as its hub, this scenic area has Peach Blossom Stream and Xiaoyao Stream flowing through it. It is 1.5 km (0.93 miles) to the entrance to the Front Mountain (the Merciful Light Pavilion) and 7 km (4.35miles) to that of the Rear Mountain (the Cloud Valley Temple). You can simply walk to the first of these while there are buses to the latter one. Here you can enjoy the hot spring as well as the waterfalls. Also worth mentioning is the Singing String Spring. A rock of 9 meters (29.5feet) long has tweedle-like sounds when struck by the spring water. The name carved on the rock was the handwriting of Li Bai (701-762), one of China's most brilliant poets. North Sea Scenic Area
North Sea Scenic Area has plenty of wonders. Before your eyes flash the Shixin Peak, the Lion Peak, the Refreshing Terrace, the Monkey Gazing at the Sea, the Flying Stone and more. It is said that only when you come to Shixin Peak that you will believe the magic of Mt. Huangshan. Or you won't see the Huangshan pines until you come to this Peak. Bright Peak (1,860 meters, i.e. 6,102 feet), the second highest peak of Mt. Huangshan, is the most ideal place to watch the sea of clouds as all five seas will surround you. Refreshing Terrace on the Lion Peak is the optimum place for watching the sea of clouds and sunrise. In addition, Black Tiger Pine, Lovers' Pine, Two Immortals Playing Chess, etc, can all be enjoyed here. Let your imagination fly through those pines and rocks and you may find the views unique and unforgettable. All in all, the North Sea is the most important scenic area. So never miss it. Hotels are abundant here, too. Jade Screen Scenic Area
This scenic area has Jade Screen Pavilion as its center and the Lotus Peak and the Heavenly Capital Peak as the main body. This is the Front Mountain as people usually call it. Along the road you will find Peng Lai Three Islands, 100-step Scaling Ladder, the Thread of the Sky and the New Thread of the Sky. "Splendid is the landscape", handwritings by Chairman Mao Ze Dong, are inscribed on the Jade Screen Peak. The Heavenly Capital Peak is the steepest of the three main peaks with an elevation of 1,830 meters (6,003feet). An ancient poet has it that even travelers that have visited wu yue will be amazed by this peak. The beautiful view, however, comes at a cost. You have to go along an arduous road and cross the Carp's Backbone before you reach the peak. The most exciting news may be that after 6 years' closedown, the Heaven Capital Peak was re-opened to the public on 16th April 2005. The Lotus Peak is the highest peak of Mt. Huangshan. This 1,864-meter (6,115-foot)-high peak looks like a blooming lotus, hence the name. On the way to the peak, you will be greeted by Huangshan Pines and azalea. In clear weather, you may be lucky enough to see Mountain Tianmu in the east, Mountain Lushan in the West, Mountain Jiuhua and the Yangtze River in the north. Or after rain, you will see the sea of clouds surging around you. Pine Valley Scenic Area
Located in the north slope of Mt. Huangshan, the Pine Valley Scenic Area covers 12.5 km (7.77miles) with a fall in altitude of 1,100 meters (3,609 feet) made up of over 6,500 steps. Rocks and ponds are the highlights. Among this refreshing world, the Emerald Pool, the Five-Dragon Pond, and the rock of Guan Gong Resists Cao Cao (both were famous generals during the Three Kingdoms Period) are the main scenic points. The Emerald Pool is surrounded by rocks, with a crystal stream from the Pine Valley flowing into it. The reflections of the mountains and trees create another fairy world in the water. No matter how tempted you may feel Do Not swim in this 10-meter (33-feet) deep pool for the water is far too cold even in summer. In addition, the Pine Valley Scenic Area is located at the North Gate of Mt. Huangshan with Taiping Telpher starting here. Cloud Valley Scenic Area
With an elevation of only 890 meters (2, 920 feet), Cloud Valley Scenic Area does not lose out to other scenic areas for beauty. The pride of this area is the Cloud Valley Villa, old trees, oddly shaped rocks and the Nine-Dragon Waterfall and the Baizhang Spring. The Cloud Valley Villa is a modern hotel with typical Hui- architectural style of grey tiles and horse-head walls. There are three precious trees here. The Eastern China Douglas Fir that is 500 years old and the Southern Hemlock which is 800 years old; both stand firm and stately through their long history. One common feature of these two trees is that they both have two kinds of branches and two kinds of leaves, conifer and broad-leaf. The third super star is a ginkgo tree calculated to be 1,000 years. It will certainly catch your eye owing to its height of 26 meters (85 feet) and huge girth measuring 3.1 meters (10.17 feet). The Nine-Dragon Waterfall plunges all of 300 meters (984feet) from the cliff top between the Incense Burner Peak and the Arhat Peak. The waterfall has nine leaps, each leap forms a waterfall and each fall feeds a pool, hence the name. This area is the so-called Rear Mountain and it is possible to climb all the way up. White Cloud Scenic Area
White Cloud Scenic Area covers 16.5 square kilometers (6.37 square miles). The newly developed Dream Scenic Area is also included in it. Besides all its fascinating views, this area enjoys a tranquility that is lacking in other areas. You can take your time and idle around, fully grasping the beauties of nature. This is also the best place for watching clouds and the sunset glow in both autumn and winter. Before the sun sets, the clouds turn pink, rose or red forming lines or layers in a variety of changing combinations. The clouds roll like waves when the weather clears after rain and you will find yourself completely lost in this dreamland. In a word, Mt. Huangshan is beautiful in all weathers and charming at all times.
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