Four Wonders of Huangshan Mountain

Strange Pines on Huangshan
Strange Pines

Strange Pines

Strange pines are seen in every corner of the Huangshan Mountain. 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 them from growing upright. Instead they become crooked and even downward. Another feature of them is that many trees grow branches on one side only. They 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 they stand firmly with dignity, withstanding wind and rain. Every one 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.
 

Absurd Stones

Spectacular rocky peaks will inspire your imagination. Some look like human beings, birds or animals or many other objects. Something that makes them even more fascinating is that they assume varied shapes when seen from different angles. Every one 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, they stealthily dated again and agreed upon a good idea: Tai Qing would place a boot in front of the 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'.
Flying Over Stone on Huangshan Mountain
Flying Over Stone
Monkey-shape Stone
Monkey-shape Stone
Huangshan Pines
Strange Pines

Sea of Clouds

Huangshan Mountain 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, they 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 they can be seen in many high mountains but that of here 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. They 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 ones 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.
Sea of clouds
Sea of Clouds
Huangshan Sunset
Beautiful Sunset

Hot springs

To be able to refresh yourself in them here must be one of the best ways of enjoyment and relaxation. Running out of the Purple Peak of 850 meters (2, 789 feet), it 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. It 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 it if you do not feel very well or when you are hungry.
3. Leave it whenever you feel uncomfortable.
More Tips on Hot Spring for your reference

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, Huangshan Mountain 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
This mountain 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. So if you are fond of animals and plants, be prepared to encounter some precious ones here.

 Huangshan Mountain
    Best Time to Visit
    Four Wonders
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    Travel Tips
   Winter Tour Tips
- Last updated on Apr. 25, 2023 -
Questions & Answers on Four Wonders of Huangshan Mountain
Asked by Joachim from DENMARK | May. 07, 2019 21:08Reply
Time from the front gate in south to Bright Summit Peak of Huangshan
Hi
I want to experience the sunrise and I'm staying at a hotel in the south. The sun will rise at 5:20 so if I want to be there at 5, when should I be at the front gate?
And is the front gate open at this hour?
Answers (1)
Answered by Arther from UNITED KINGDOM | May. 08, 2019 23:08
00Reply


Hi, it does not open at night. You are suggested to go up the mountain the day before and stay overnight on the peak to enjoy the sun rise.
Asked by Michael from UNITED KINGDOM | Apr. 05, 2019 19:23Reply
Should you visit the Huangshan if there is going to be 20mm of rain forecast?
Answers (1)
Answered by Mia from USA | Apr. 11, 2019 23:35
00Reply


Hi, Michael, to be honest, it is better to choose another day since you cannot see some grand views in rainy days.
Asked by Judy from CANADA | Jan. 13, 2015 17:39Reply
Hot Springs at Yellow Mountain
Hi all,

If anyone knows the details of the hot springs, could you please let me know their hours, crowdedness and if they are open in rain?

Thanks!
Answers (1)
Answered by Nicole from FRANCE | Jan. 14, 2015 01:42
10Reply


Hi, inside the Huangshan Scenic Area (at foot of Yellow Mountain), the ordinary zone opens from 14:00 to 24:00; the VIP zone opens from 14:00 to 02:00. It is open in rain. There would be fewer people around 18:00.
Asked by guest | Nov. 28, 2012 07:09Reply
what is the weather like in the moutains in all 4 seasons of Yellow Mountain.
it is a project and i need very deep details. thank you.
Answers (1)
Answered by Elina | Nov. 29, 2012 03:48
01Reply


Hi, in spring, everywhere is new, fresh and tender. Most days are clear and sunny. In summer, it may rain a lot and the rainbow will be very impressive. If you go there at that time, the rainy gear is needed.
In autumn, you can enjoythe blue sky and the white clouds. The sunny days with pleasant sunshine makes it a good travel season.
In winter, the snow-capped mountain is very beautiful.
As for more detailed information, you can refer to the website:
https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/anhui/huangshan/seasons.htm
Asked by Mr.Adam from US | Mar. 07, 2011 23:35Reply
Are there any advantages of visiting Yellow Mountain in mid-March? Is there still a high chance of seeing the Sea of Clouds?
Answers (3)
Answered by Mr.Carl | Mar. 09, 2011 22:17
01Reply


it often drizzles a lot in March in this mountain, so it's hard to see the sunrise and the sea of clouds is also not so beautiful as that from Dec. to Feb.
Answered by Mr.Adam from US | Mar. 10, 2011 11:51
01Reply


Well that's no good. Are there any places that are nice to go to near the area at such a time. Where I live n the US every thing is still dead in March. Will that be the case in Anhui and the surrounding area?
Answered by Mr.Chang | Mar. 12, 2011 01:10
01Reply


The pines on Huangshan Mountain are green all year round. Also, you could visit the Hongcun and Xidi Ancient Villages nearby, very beautiful.
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