Huangshan (黄山), literally meaning the Yellow Mountain, is a mountain range in southern Anhui province in eastern China. It was originally called "Yishan", and it was renamed because of a legend that Emperor Xuanyuan once made alchemy here. Vegetation on the range is thickest below 1,100 meters, with trees growing up to the treeline at 1,800 meters.
The area is well known for its scenery, sunsets, peculiarly-shaped granite peaks, Huangshan pine trees, hot springs, winter snow and views of the clouds from above. Huangshan, often described as the "loveliest mountain of China" is a frequent subject of traditional Chinese paintings and literature, as well as modern photography. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's major tourist destinations.
Mount Huangshan has played an important role in the history of art and literature in China since the Tang Dynasty around the 8th century, when a legend dated from the year 747 described the mountain as the place of discovery of the long-sought elixir of immortality. This legend gave Mount Huangshan its name and assured its place in Chinese history. Mount Huangshan became a magnet for hermits, poets and landscape artists, fascinated by its dramatic mountainous landscape consisting of numerous granitic peaks, many over 1,000 m high, emerging through a perpetual sea of clouds. During the Ming Dynasty from around the 16th century, this landscape and its numerous grotesquely-shaped rocks and ancient, gnarled trees inspired the influential Shanshui ("Mountain and Water") school of landscape painting, providing a fundamental representation of the oriental landscape in the world's imagination and art.
Huangshan Scenic Area
Address: No. 1 Tangquan Road, Tangkou Town, Huangshan District, Huangshan City
Best Time to Visit: All year round
Recommended Visiting Time: 1~2 days
Opening Hours: 7:30~16:40
Ticket: from 190 RMB per person, shuttle bus and cable car not included
Huangshan is renowned for its four wonders: unique pine trees, bizarre rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs.
Unique Pine Trees
The pine trees in Mount Huangshan grow among the cliffs in different shapes, showing their tenacious vitality. Every Chinese primary school student will learn a text, "Huangshan Qisong", which introduces the three most famous pines in Mount Huangshan: welcome pine(迎客松), accompany pine(陪客松) and farewell pine(送客松). They are not only symbols of Mount Huangshan, but also represent the hospitality of the Chinese people. Some of these pine trees burst out of the rocks, while others stand out, their tenacious posture leaving people in awe.
Bizarre Rocks
The strange rocks of Mount Huangshan are scattered all over the mountains, large and small, with strange shapes, as if they were works of nature. Some of these stones resemble people, some resemble objects and some resemble animals, vividly lifelike and thought-provoking. For example, "Monkey Gaping at the Sea of Clouds (猴子观海)", "Dreaming of Flowers/Flower Growing Out of a Writing Brush Rock(梦笔生花)", "Flying Stones(飞来石)" and other imaginative names reflect people's vivid descriptions of these stone images.
Sea of Clouds
The sea of clouds on Mount Huangshan is unpredictable, sometimes like a stormy sea, sometimes as light and elegant as a gauze mist. Especially at sunrise or sunset, the golden sunlight shines on the sea of clouds, creating a magnificent scene that resembles a fairyland. Due to the high altitude and changeable climate of Huangshan, the likelihood of a sea of clouds is high, providing an unexpected visual feast for tourists. It is easiest to see a sea of clouds in the early morning or on the first clear day after rain, especially from places such as Bright Summit(光明顶) and Beginning-to-Believe Peak/Shixin Peak(始信峰) for the best viewing effect.
Hot Springs
Huangshan Hot Spring, also known as bathing pool, is one of the four famous hot springs in China, located at the foot of Purple Stone Peak. The hot springs here have clear and transparent water quality, rich in various beneficial minerals for the human body, and have high medical value. They have certain therapeutic effects on various diseases such as skin diseases and rheumatism. Since ancient times, Mount Huangshan Hot Spring has attracted countless tourists to take a bath and recuperate, enjoying the comfort and health brought by this natural resource. After hiking in Mount Huangshan Mountain, a hot spring bath can relax the body and mind, relieve fatigue, and is a very pleasant enjoyment.
Huangshan Hiking Map
Huangshan World Heritage Map
Recommended Huangshan Tours
