Mount Huangshan

Introducing Mount Huangshan
Mount Huangshan is a stunning mountain range in southern Anhui province. Mount Huangshan is also known as the Yellow Mountain. Rising from a geological history spanning 800 million years, the mountain stands as a testament to the power of nature. Its unique granite formations, carved by time and the elements, create a landscape of dramatic peaks, often veiled in mist, interspersed with lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and rejuvenating hot springs.

Home to a rich array of flora and fauna, with a forest coverage of 84.7%, Huangshan boasts 88 peaks over 1,000 meters (3,281 ft), including the towering trio of Lotus Peak, Bright Summit Peak, and Celestial Capital Peak, each surpassing 1,800 meters (5,906 ft). This natural wonder has long been a source of artistic inspiration, giving rise to the “Huangshan School” of Chinese landscape painting and evidenced by over 300 surviving cliff inscriptions. Scattered throughout the landscape are ancient temples, pavilions, and pagodas, adding a layer of cultural richness to this natural masterpiece. 

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, Mount Huangshan has since become a magnet for millions of visitors drawn to its unparalleled beauty.

Mount Huangshan Fast Facts
• AKA: The Yellow Mountain(s), Huangshan Mountain, Mt. Huangshan
• Chinese Name: Huáng Shān 黄山
• Best Time to Visit: March to November
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 days
• Things to Do: Photography, Hiking, Nature
• Opening Hours: 7:00 – 17:10 (Mar – Nov), 8:00 – 16:40 (Dec – Feb)
• Entrance Fee: CNY190 (Mar – Nov), CNY150 (Dec – Feb)
• Address: Huangshan District, Tangkou Town, Huangshan, Anhui Province

What UNESCO Says of the Mount Huangshan
Mount Huangshan, often described as the “loveliest mountain of China”, 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. Mount Huangshan is renowned for its magnificent natural scenery which includes massive granitic boulders and ancient pine trees which are often further enhanced by cloud and mist effects. This dramatic landscape includes formations of natural stone pillars, grotesquely-shaped rocks, waterfalls, caves, lakes and hot springs, formed by its complex geological history. The property features numerous imposing peaks, 77 of which exceed an altitude of 1,000 m, with the highest, the famous Lianhua Peak (Lotus Flower Peak), reaching up to 1,864 m.

The History of the Mount Huangshan
During the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC), the majestic mountain range now known as Huangshan was called Yishan (Mount Yi). Centuries later, in 747 AD, during the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Xuanzong officially changed its name to Huangshan (Mount Huangshan) by imperial decree. This name change is widely attributed to the legend of the Yellow Emperor (Huang Di), a revered figure in Chinese mythology and considered the ancestor of the Han Chinese. The renaming of the mountains is believed to have been an act of honoring Huang Di, as Huangshan is purportedly the very location from which he ascended to Heaven after achieving immortality through alchemical practices. This association with the Yellow Emperor imbued the mountains with profound cultural and spiritual significance, solidifying its place in Chinese history and legend.

The Five Wonders of Mount Huangshan
Mount Huangshan is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. The “Five Wonders” are particularly famous and represent the quintessential beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are:

Peculiar Pines (奇松)
The pines of Huangshan are unlike any other. They cling tenaciously to sheer cliff faces, seemingly defying gravity. Twisted and gnarled by the harsh mountain environment, they take on fantastical shapes, each with its own unique character. Notable examples include the “Welcoming Pine” near the Yuping (Jade Screen) Peak, the “Black Tiger Pine” on the way to the Bright Summit, and the “Lion Pine” near Lion Peak. Their resilience and unusual forms have inspired artists and poets for centuries.

Strange Rocks (怪石)
The granite peaks of Huangshan have been sculpted by millennia of wind and rain into a multitude of bizarre and fascinating shapes. Many of these rock formations resemble animals, human figures, or everyday objects, and are often shrouded in mist, adding to their mystique. Among the most famous are “Monkey Gazing at the Sea,” “Flying-over Rock,” and “Immortal Pointing the Way.” Visitors are encouraged to use their imagination and discover their own interpretations of these natural sculptures.

Sea of Clouds (云海)
The clouds of Huangshan often envelop the mountain in a thick blanket, creating a truly spectacular sight. The peaks rise above the cloud cover like islands in a vast white sea, a phenomenon that is particularly common during the rainy season (April-June). The ever-shifting clouds add an element of dynamism and mystery to the landscape, transforming the familiar scenery into something new and ethereal with every passing moment. Sunrise and sunset viewed from above the cloud sea offer a truly memorable spectacle.

Hot Springs (温泉)
The hot springs of Huangshan, nestled at the foot of Purple Cloud Peak, maintain a constant temperature of around 42°C (107.6°F). Rich in minerals, these springs are reputed to have therapeutic properties. After a long day of hiking, a soak in the hot springs is a welcome respite, soothing tired muscles and offering a chance to relax amidst the stunning natural beauty.

Winter Snow (冬雪)
In winter, Huangshan transforms into a magical wonderland. The snow-covered pines and rock formations create a breathtaking contrast against the clear blue sky. The landscape takes on a pristine, ethereal quality, and the silence of the snow-covered mountains is deeply calming. While hiking can be more challenging in winter, the unique beauty of this season makes it a rewarding experience for those prepared for the colder conditions.

What to Expect at Mount Huangshan
A hiker’s dream, Mount Huangshan offers a diverse range of scenic areas, each with its own distinct charm. From dramatic rock formations to pristine natural beauty, the mountain leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.

Yuping Scenic Area
Yuping (Jade Screen), an easily accessible area on the front face of the mountain, offers breathtaking vistas of the unique granite peaks that define the region. Dominating the skyline is Lotus Flower Peak, the highest (1864m/6,115 ft), so named for its resemblance to a blooming lotus flower. Nearby, the imposing Celestial Capital Peak (1829.5m/6,001 ft) presents a more challenging, yet equally popular, climb for experienced hikers. Its steep trails, equipped with iron chains and ladders, demand both skill and stamina.

Throughout the Yuping area, fantastically weathered rock formations and distinctive pines, including the closely monitored and protected Greeting Guest Pine, add to the dramatic landscape. Often, a mesmerizing “sea of clouds” fills the valleys below, creating an ethereal spectacle that further enhances the area’s beauty. From Yuping, trails lead directly to Bright Summit (Guangming Ding, 光明顶), a central hub offering panoramic views and serving as the perfect starting point for exploring the mountain’s majesty.

Beihai Scenic Area
Beihai (North Sea) Scenic Area, often called the “back mountain,” is a vast, high-altitude expanse on Huangshan, sitting above 1,600 meters (5,249 feet). Home to famous pine trees such as the Dragon Claw Pine, Two Dragons Pine, Peacock Pine, and Fan Pine, it’s a popular starting and ending point for many visitors. Its location also provides convenient access to other key attractions, including Bright Summit and the West Sea Grand Canyon.

One notable attraction within Beihai is the Flying-Over Rock, a massive boulder perched precariously atop a rocky platform. The boulder itself stands 12 meters (39 ft) high and 7.5 meters (25 ft) long, resting on a platform measuring 12 to 15 meters (39 to 49 ft) in length and 8 to 10 meters (26 to 33 ft) in width. The remarkably small contact area between the two rock formations creates the illusion that the upper rock flew in from the sky, hence its name. Its tapered top and rounded bottom also resemble a celestial peach, earning it the alternative name “Immortal Peach Peak.”

Songgu Scenic Area
Nestled on the northern slopes of the mountain, the aptly named Pine Valley (Songgu) Scenic Area offers a breathtaking 12.5-kilometer (7.77 miles) journey from the north gate at Furong Ridge up to the North Sea (Beihai) area. This challenging climb ascends over 1,100 meters (3,609 ft) via more than 6500 stone steps, revealing a stunning panorama of peaks and valleys filled with uniquely shaped rock formations and captivating pools. The area is renowned for its dense, high-altitude forests, creating an exceptionally refreshing atmosphere, a true “cool world” escape. Highlights of the Pine Valley Scenic Area include Furong Ridge, the Emerald Pool, the Five Dragons Pool, and the serene Songgu Temple.

Yungu Scenic Area
The Yungu Scenic (Cloud Valley) Area, located in the eastern foothills of Mount Huangshan at a relatively accessible altitude of 890 meters (2,920 ft), offers a unique and less strenuous way to experience the mountain’s beauty. This gently sloping valley features the Cloud Valley Villa for visitor accommodation and boasts natural wonders such as the Nine Dragon Waterfall and the Hundred-Foot Spring.

Xihai Grand Canyon
The Xihai (West Sea) Grand Canyon is a photographer’s dream, offering a constantly shifting panorama of light and shadow playing across the dramatic rock formations. The frequent presence of clouds swirling through the peaks adds another layer of mystique and beauty, creating truly ethereal scenes. From the interplay of textures and colors in the granite cliffs to the resilience of the windswept pines, every vista presents a unique photographic opportunity. Whether capturing the vastness of the canyon or the intricate details of the flora, the West Sea Grand Canyon provides endless inspiration for capturing the raw power and delicate beauty of nature.

Two primary loop trails weave through the canyon, catering to different levels of experience. A shorter, less strenuous loop offers a taste of the canyon’s beauty, perfect for those seeking a moderate hike. The longer loop, while more demanding, rewards hikers with even more dramatic perspectives and a deeper immersion into the heart of the canyon.

How to Get to Mount Huangshan
• The Mount Huangshan is located approx. 68 kilometers (42 miles) northwest of Huangshan city.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free transfer to the Mount Huangshan.