Emerald Valley

Introducing Emerald Valley
Emerald Valley is a picturesque gorge located at the foot of Mount Huangshan. Emerald Valley is renowned for its vibrant jade-colored pools linked by cascading waterfalls. The Biyu (Jade) River, over millennia, has carved this marvelous scenery, creating over 100 pools of varying sizes and depths. Each pool mirrors the surrounding lush greenery, resulting in a truly mesmerizing spectacle. Popular with hikers and nature enthusiasts, the valley offers well-maintained paths and bridges that weave through the breathtaking scenery, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the waterfalls, pools, and the majestic peaks that enclose them.

Emerald Valley Fast Facts
• AKA: The Lovers’ Valley
• Chinese Name: Fěi Cuì Gǔ 翡翠谷
• Best Time to Visit: March to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 3 to 4 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Nature, Hiking
• Opening Hours: 6:30 – 18:30 (Apr – Oct), 7:30 – 18:00 (Nov – Mar)
• Entrance Fee: CNY60
• Address: Approx. 72 kilometers (44.7 miles) north of Huangshan, Anhui Province

What to Expect at Emerald Valley
Journey to the breathtaking landscapes that became a cinematic legend in the Academy Award-winning masterpiece, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000). The film’s iconic fight sequences and visual poetry captured the valley’s stunning natural beauty.

The Mesmerizing Pools
Emerald Valley’s pools are a breathtaking spectacle, a living kaleidoscope of jade hues that shift and shimmer with the passage of the sun. As dawn breaks, the pools awaken in a soft, delicate aquamarine, the water’s surface mirroring the pale hues of the rising sun. This gentle color gradually intensifies as the sun climbs higher, transforming into a vibrant, rich emerald at noon. The sunlight, now at its zenith, penetrates the depths of the pools, illuminating the vibrant green heart of the water and creating an almost otherworldly glow. As the day begins to wane, the emerald fades into a tranquil turquoise, a soothing, serene hue that reflects the peace of the approaching twilight.

Adding to this masterpiece of nature are the cascading waterfalls that punctuate the landscape. These ribbons of pure white foam and spray contrast dramatically against the jade backdrop, creating a dynamic and mesmerizing display. The water tumbles and rushes over rocks, its music adding another layer to the symphony of the valley.

The Bamboo Forest
The beautiful bamboo forest of Emerald Valley, immortalized in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” is a place where the vibrant green permeates the air. Recall Yu Jiaolong’s defiant plunge into the crystalline pool beneath the waterfall – the water, so intensely green yet remarkably clear, perfectly reflecting her face. This is the same bamboo forest, whispering its secrets to the wind. Slender stalks reach skyward, their jade leaves filtering sunlight into a mosaic of light and shadow on the forest floor. The gentle rustle of bamboo leaves creates a tranquil melody, harmonizing with the soft murmur of nearby streams and waterfalls.

The Inscriptions of Love
This emerald-hued valley, a romantic haven popular with couples, offers lush landscapes ideal for capturing cherished moments. Winding paths meander through the valley, adorned with approximately 100 unique engravings of the Chinese character for love (爱). Each is rendered in a unique calligraphic style, reflecting love’s diverse expressions. The engravings, ranging from bold and passionate strokes to delicate and intricate flourishes, symbolize the many facets of love, enhancing the valley’s poetic charm.

How to Get to Emerald Valley
• The Emerald Valley is located approx. 72 kilometers (44.7 miles) north of Huangshan.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free transfer to the Emerald Valley.