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Huangshan or "Yellow Mountain" is a granite massif consisting of 36 separate peaks, rising above 1800 metres. Famous throughout Chinese artistic history, Huangshan represents the typical mountain in Chinese paintings. Frequently shrouded in mist, the many peaks appear to float on clouds and have very fanciful names such as 18 Arhats Worshipping the South Sea, Lotus Flower Peak, Celestial Capital, Paint Brush etc.

Landscape

Jagged granite peaks clothed in uniquely shaped pine trees create a spectacular landscape of great interest to artists and photographers. The development of walking tracks and cable cars makes this landscape accessible to most active travellers.

Flora and fauna

Over 1450 kinds of plant are found within the Park. The most spectacular tree is the unique Pinus huangshanensis which grows precariously clinging to rock faces. Many of the trees have names such as the Welcoming Guest and the Seeing-off Guest Pines. Carpinus, Cornus, Enkianthus, Fraxinus, Rhododendron and Weigelia are some of the species of flowering tree to be seen. 470 species of animal have been recorded. The most frequently seen ground animals are squirrels and small skinks.

Climate

Cold at night; think 1800 meters above see level. Dangerously slippery ice on paths in winter.


Photos from Huangshan, China
Huangshan 11.jpg
The distinctive peaks of Huangshan
Huangshan 12.jpg

In Tunxi, the most cited tourist destination is Laojie (old street with lots of souvenir shopping). This street is over commercialized and has little to offer over the more authentic ancient towns nearby (hongcun, xidi - both on the UNESCO World Heritage list). But it is near the airport and train station, and can be entertaining if you need to kill time before leaving town. There is a decent looking hostel called Huangshan Koala International Youth Hostel at No. 266; across the street is a large restaurant with examples of the food so you know what you are ordering. Not high cuisine, but not bad, and predictable! At the other end of laojie, Ying Yang (western style cafe) can be found at No. 44.

On Huangshan, most tourists choose to stay overnight at one of several hotels in the Beihai region of the mountain to watch the sunset & sunrise.

Don't miss nearby Zhuhai (gorgeous valley covered with a bamboo forest, 30RMB entry), as well as Hongcun and Xidi (water villages, 80RMB entry each). Hongcun is slightly prettier than Xidi, but much more crowded; if pressed for time, you do not need to see both villages. All 3 also have some very nice restaurants and rustic inns you can stay in (preferable to Tunxi). Buses don't run at night though, so if you want to go after 5, get a cab for 100-200RMB.


Photos from Huangshan, China
Huangshan 12.jpg
Huangshan 11.jpg
The distinctive peaks of Huangshan

The main tourist destination is Mt Huangshan itself. From the Yuping Cable Car/Mercy Light Temple entrance the "Western Steps" lead up for about 14 Km over spectacular terrain. Allow 6-7 hours for the ascent. At present (2006) Lotus Flower Peak is closed for track maintenance. If you are fit and have a good head for heights the steep ascent to Celestial Capital Peak is rewarding. From the Yungu Cable Car carpark the ascent by the "Eastern Steps" is easier, taking as little as 2-3 hours. If you choose to descend by the Eastern Steps you can extend the hike by including the Nine Dragon Waterfall area (Jiu Long Pu) for an additional charge.


Photos from Huangshan, China
The distinctive peaks of Huangshan
Huangshan 11.jpg
Huangshan 12.jpg

AIR: The nearest domestic airport is at Tunxi, about an hour drive from the base of the mountain, the flight to Shanghai Pudong is less than one hour. Taxi from the airport to laojie in downtown Tunxi is 20RMB.

TRAIN: The nearest station is at the town of Tunxi, but the station is actually called Huangshan. There is an overnight train from Shanghai that takes about 13 hours - this is far longer than a direct bus, but it does save a night at a hotel, so it is apopular option.

BUS: Frequent direct buses run from Shanghai and Hangzhou.

GETTING TO THE MOUNTAIN: Unfortunately, the town of Huangshan is not too close to the actual Yellow Mountain. Upon arrival at the train staion, airport, or long-distance bus station, the most convenient method of transportation is by bus to the small town of Tangkou. The bus ride to Tangkou takes about an hour, and offers great views of the rural Anhui Province. There are a great deal of buses located outside the train station - these should cost about 18-20 RMB for a one-way ticket.

Once at the Tangkou bus station, the entrance to the Yellow Mountain park is quite accessible. Travellers desiring a longer hike up the face of the mountian can embark from the town of Tangkou. For those wishing to ascend the mountain more rapidly, there are tour buses that depart from Tangkou to the cable car lifts - these are easily booked for about 10 RMB.


Photos from Huangshan, China
Huangshan 12.jpg
Huangshan 11.jpg
The distinctive peaks of Huangshan

From the town of Tangkou, at the foot of the mountain, a shuttle service operates every 20 minutes to the Hots Springs Area; Yuping Cable Car and Xin Yungu (New Cloud Valley) Cable Car. Tangkou is quite walkable but taxis are available to scenic spots around the foot of the mountain. Taxi from Tangkou to the Cable car is 50 RMB.


Photos from Huangshan, China
Huangshan 11.jpg
Huangshan 12.jpg
The distinctive peaks of Huangshan

An English language map is available in Tangkou and is worth purchasing as signage can be confusing. Many local couples buy padlocks and inscribe their names on them, then lock them to various places on top of the mountain. Others buy medals commemorating their successful summit of the peak.


Photos from Huangshan, China
Huangshan 11.jpg
Huangshan 12.jpg
The distinctive peaks of Huangshan

Food options are limited on the mountain. There are (expensive) restaurants in all the hotels but it is hard for a solo traveller to find cheap food. There are several small grocery stores selling snacks & drinks. Stinky tofu of a particularly stinky variety seems to be popular as well. On top of the mountain in peak season, water was 6-10RMB, beer 10RMB, meat sticks 3 for 10 RMB, instant noodles 10RMB, cucumbers 2 for 6RMB.


Photos from Huangshan, China
Huangshan 12.jpg
The distinctive peaks of Huangshan
Huangshan 11.jpg

Take plenty of water as the price rises steeply on the mountain. (up to 10RMB per 600mL bottle). Local beer costs 10-20 RMB.


Photos from Huangshan, China
Huangshan 12.jpg
Huangshan 11.jpg
The distinctive peaks of Huangshan