In addition to its natural scenic beauty, Anhui has a rich cultural heritage as well. It has three historical and cultural cities at the state level and has been the birthplace of countless celebrities over the centuries. The historical places, Buddhist architecture, ancient construction, horticulture and folk ways are all worth seeing.

The first stop recommended in Anhui is Hefei, where you can buy a coach ticket directly to Jiuhuashan Mountain. As the coach may pause in crude places, do remember to buy a bottle of mineral water and some snacks before you board the coach. As the coach departs, tourists can enjoy the rustic scenery with typical southern features. During the coach tour, there are two spots not to be neglected. One is the Tongling Yangtze River Viaduct, which hovers over the river like a white swallow. The other is the ancient tomb of Teng Zijing, a celebrity of the Song Dynasty. The tomb is shrouded in unsullied wilderness, which is hard to find in modern life.

Upon arriving at the foot of Jiuhuashan Mountain, you will soon be captivated by its peculiar rocks and stones, peaks hidden in wandering clouds, waterfalls and springs, and thriving pines and bamboo.

From the Yangtze River, Jiuhuashan Mountain looks like a lotus newly-emerged from the water; from Jiuhuashan Mountain, the Yangtze River turns into a white ribbon.

Known as the Buddhist holy land, the mountain has some 83 temples. A 99-meter bronze Buddha statue is being built near the Dajueqiao Bridge. Few tourists hesitate to spend 30 yuan to buy a bowl indicating longevity at the Longevity Hall. In the twilight, those who are lucky may also see the rare auspicious cloud in the shape of a flying red phoenix.

Jiuhuashan Mountain can be divided into six main parts, and altogether may take a day or two to see. As for souvenirs, little Buddhist sculptures are the first choice. Bamboo shoots and mushrooms are also recommended.

The coach at the foot of the Jiuhuashan Mountain can take you directly to Tunxi, a prototype of the Anhui civilization. With gray tiles, white-painted walls and stone-paved streets, the town of Tunxi has been given the name “Oriental Ancient Rome” by oversea visitors.

Tunxi is where you can purchase ink, ink-slabs, carvings and Maofeng Tea. It takes some effort for you to make up your mind about which to choose among numerous brick, stone, wood and bamboo carvings. Robust tourists may appreciate the night view and folk ways of the town, and taste the various snacks from the booth on the street. As there are more than 300 scenic spots in Tunxi, it is hard to exhaust them all and a little planning is necessary. Among all these scenic spots, Yansi is a must-see. The Scholar’s Gatetower, the ancient lanes of Hongqiao, the Ancient House Pavilion and the Green-winding Pavilion will provide a basic understanding of the ancient architecture in Anhui Province. And remember to reward yourself with delicious Anhui-style dishes.

From Tunxi to the famous Huangshan Mountain, it takes no more than a two-hour ride by bus. The Huangshan Scenic Area has eight scenic spots and covers an area of 154 square km. Its three main peaks, the Lotus Peak, the Brightness Peak and the Tiandu Peak are all above 1,800 meters high. The cable car brings you up to the foot of Lotus Peak within 20 minutes.

Young and vigorous tourists should take a shot at the craggy Tiandu Peak. Despite its extremely perilous terrain, the Jiyubei spot on Tiandu Peak is always cramped with pairs of lovers. Each couple brings a pair of locks and then locks them together on the railings, throwing the keys into the abyss. It is a kind of vow taken by lovers that nothing can separate them.

Other scenic spots include the Welcoming Pine, the Yuping Pavilion, the 100-step ladder and the Paiyun Pavilion. And you should never miss the splendid sunrise over Huangshan Mountain.

Overlooking the Hengjiang River, Qiyunshan Mountain is widely known as the Taoist holy land. Blanketed in thick mist, it looks like a mirage beyond reach, even though its altitude is only 585 meters. As the cable car ascends, the mist disperses, revealing the white ribbon-like Hengjiang River. Skirting the mountain, the river forms an S shape at the foot of the mountain, coinciding with a Taoist pattern. When you step out of the cable car and walk ahead, you will notice another apocalyptic piece of scenery–a stone gate made of a colossal stone held up by a huge slab. Inside the stone gate are cliff inscriptions and stone tablets carved with calligraphy of ancient celebrities.

In the embrace of four peaks, the site of the Taisugong Temple relics is a main scenic spot of Qiyunshan Mountain. The left-side lion-shaped peak and the right-side elephant-shaped peak serve as the guards to the main peak in the middle. The fourth peak looks exactly like an incense burner. On top of the peak grow the nanmu woods; no one knows where their seeds come from. When the nanmu trees come into blossom, the fragrance is carried afar, and the peak turns into a true incense burner.

If time permits, you can also take the bamboo raft down the Hengjiang River. The clear water makes the pebbles and fishes easily seen underwater, and occasionally droves of wild ducks come into your sight. Few tourists can resist the temptation of this rustic scene.

After visiting the Qiyunshan Mountain, tourists may return to the capital, Hefei. Thickly covered with trees and lawns, Hefei was the hometown of Bao Zheng, a judicious official known for his stressing the dignity of law in the Song Dynasty. Tombs and shrines in commemoration of Bao Zheng can be found here. Hefei is also the ancient battlefield of the Three Kingdoms Period (220-265), leaving many places of historical interest. The Dashushan Mountain and the Wild Animal Park won’t disappoint you either. With the speedy economic development, new places of interest, such as the Pearl Square, the Wulidun Viaduct and the High-Tech Zone, emerge before tourists’ eyes.

Chaohu Lake is known for its idyllic scenery and ancient civilization. Apart from its two shoals, three hot springs, four national parks and five famous caves, the lake area also has many other historical spots.

Visitors who are interested in the defense system in ancient China are recommended to visit Shouxian, a county with rough terrain and a magnificent aura. About 10 meters in height, 4 meters in thickness and 7,000 meters in circumference, the ancient city wall in Shouxian is well preserved.

Located in Anqing, Anhui Province, the Tianzhushan (Pivot of the Sky) Mountain derives its name from the high and piercing shape of its main peak. The mountain possesses a great variety of scenic spots like curious rocks, springs and waterfalls, canyons and caves, and precarious passes. Many rare types of botany and animals can be detected here, including the giant salamander and the Chinese larch.

Huangshan is famous for its spectacular rocky peaks, oddly shaped pines, crystal-clear mountain springs and sea of clouds with the highest peak – Lotus Flower Peak (Lianhua Feng) at 1864m, followed by Bright Summit Peak (Guangming Ding) and Celestial Peak (Tiandu Feng). The unpredictable natural scenery lures countless painters and poets seeking tranquility and inspiration.

North Sea Scenic Area (Beihai Jingqu)

With quite a few attractive sights gather around, North Sea Scenic Area is in the summit area of Mt. Huangshan – an ideal place to view the sunrise and sunset. Scenic spot such as Cloud Dispersing Pavilion (Pai Yun Ting), Beginning-to-Believe Peak (Shi Xin Feng) – the most elegant and refined one of the 72 peaks, Stalagmite Peak (Shi Sun Feng), and Refreshing Terrace (Qing Liang Tai). The Refreshing Terrace, for example, is the best place to view sunrise. The views around the Beginning-to-Believe Peak also feast your eyes.

Beginning-to-Believe Peak (Shi Xin Feng)

Beginning-to-Believe Peak, in the eastern summit area, attracts the greatest number of tourists. The beauty of Huangshan reaches unbelievable till you approach the peak hence the name. The deep chasm below is the home of the Huangshan monkey.

Fallen Rock from Sky (Feilai Shi)

In the western part of the summit area, there is a huge pear-shaped rock, 10 meters high, standing totteringly on top of the peak. The bottom of the rock is so separated from the ground that it looks as if it had fallen from the sky hence the name.

Jade Screen Pavilion Scenic Area

Jade Screen Pavilion

Jade Screen Pavilion, 1,680 meters above sea level, is known as the Jade Screen of the Heaven. A unique experience here is to watch white clouds drift below after rain, when picturesque mountain peaks, fantastic rock formations and green pines are enveloped in mist, with only their tops showing. In front of the pavilion there are the Guest-Greeting and Guest-Goodbye Pines.

Bright Summit Peak

At an elevation of 1,840, it is the second highest peak of Huangshan. Located in the central part of the mountain, it is the best place for seeing sunrise and the sea of clouds.

Lotus Peak

At an elevation of 1,864 meters, it is the highest peak of the mountain. Surrounded by a group of lower peaks, it looks like a lotus flower in full bloom. From the top of the peak, you can have a panoramic view of Huangshan.

Celestial Peak

This southeast peak of Huangshan faces Lotus Peak in the west and borders Boyu Peak in the east. It is 1,829 meters above sea level and is the most precipitous peak of the mountain.

Hot Springs Scenic Area

The Hot Springs in Huangshan of nationwide fame was discovered and tapped more than a thousand years ago. Gushing forth from the foot of Purple Cloud Peak, it has neither run dry during the severe droughts nor over-flooded during excessive rain period. It is of a high-temperature carbonate type, with therapeutic effects for metabolic disorder, cardiovascular disease and malfunctions of digestive, nervous and motorial systems. Its clear waters remain at 42 ¡ãC all the year round and can be used for drinking and bathing. Baths and swimming pools have been built around the springs.

Flying Rain Spring Waterfall

It was known as Flying Rain Spring (Feiyuquan) in ancient times. The present name derives from its shape like a Chinese character “Ren”. Also known as Brush Peak, it is an independent stone pillar in the shape of a writing brush in the Beihai Scenic Zone. The pine tree growing on it looks like a flower.

Cloud Valley Scenic Areas

The frequent-used telpher station and a hotel are located here with secluded setting within the pine and bamboo forest. The relics of Cloud Valley Monastery here attracts quite amount of pilgrims. This area is also used by most of the visitors as jump-off point to climb the mountain trails.

White Cloud Stream Scenic Area

It is a newly developed scenic area for overseas tourists. The major characteristics of this part are the steep cliffs, deep gullies, and gnarled pines on high peaks. Wherever you go, you will find yourself in a fairyland with marvelous scenery around you.

Cloud Dispelling Pavilion The Cloud Dispelling Pavilion attracts daily sunset crowds. Also you can contemplate the peaks thrusting up to the sky and fancy rocks.

Songgu Area

Here peaks are green and water is clear around the year. Beautiful scenic attractions include Old Dragon Pool (Laolong Tan), Green Dragon Pool (Qinglong Tai), Black Dragon Pool (Wulong Tai), White Dragon Pool (Bailong Tai) and Jadeite Pond.

Four Unique Scenes:

Huangshan is best known for its four unique scenes – unique pines, fantastic rocks, the sea of clouds, and hot springs.

They are not only mountains, but also a sea, a sea of mountain peaks, a sea of clouds, a sea of pine trees, a sea of flowers, a sea of light, a sea of poetry. It is a sea of paintings. No wonder, the mountains have also been called the Yellow Sea (Huanghai).

Beautiful are the mountains: they constantly change their appearance, graceful, wondrous, forever fresh and unconventional. There stand the towering peaks, but in an instant they will turn into islands above a sea of clouds, and the pine trees growing out of the crevices will look as if they had taken root in the clouds, reminding the tourists of the “jade foliage on golden branches” in the legend. As the year passes from one season to another, as the weather changes from rain to shine, as the sun sets and the moon rises, the mountain changes, continually taking on new looks. Even if you visit The Yellow Mountains a thousand times, each time you will discover new beauties and enjoy new experiences.

Beautiful are the mountains: they combine the real and the unreal. The peaks, rocks, pine trees, waterfalls and springs all bear descriptive names. The peaks are called by such names as Lianhua (Lotus), Tiandu (Celestial Capital), Yuping (Jade Screen) and Jiulong (Nine Dragons); the rocks by such names as “Golden Cock Crowing towards Heavenly Gate”, “Squirrel Skipping to Celestial Capital”, “Monkey Gazing at the Sea” and “Magpie on a Plum Tree”; the pine trees by such names as Yingke (Greeting Guests), Tianhai (Probe the Sea), Heihu (Black Tiger) and Wolong (Recumbent Dragon): and the waterfalls and springs by such names as the Jiulong (Nine Dragons)Waterfall, the Renzi (Inverted-V) Waterfall, the Baizhang (¡§Thousand Feet) Spring and the Mingxian (Ringing String) Spring. If you compare these fancy names with what you see, you may find that they do not really match. But, set off by the mist and tinted by light, these scenic spots, seen from the right angle, will look more real than what their names signify. They will be more lifelike and more fascinating. The Lianhua Peak will be a lotus flower rowing out of the clouds high up in the sky. The golden cock will be ready to fly towards the gate leading to Celestial Capital. The pine tree by the name of “Yingke” will be extending its arms to welcome guests from afar. And the stone lute beneath the Mingxian Spring will send out enchanting melodies.

Beautiful are the mountains: though old, not old, they are eternally youthful. Resulting from cataclysmic crust movement about 100 million years ago and named Yishan in the ancient Qin Dynasty (221-207B.C.), and later renamed the Yellow Mountains in the Tang Dynasty (618-907A.D.), the mountains are very old indeed. Yet they are young and graceful. Not relying on artificial decorations, the scenery is simple and natural, manifesting youthful vigor and heroic  grandeur. The peaks here vie with one another in thrusting into the sky. The rocks here vie with one another in being grotesque. The pine trees here compete with one  another in elegance.  The flying clouds here link up the mountain and the sky. The hot springs here, forever bubbling, give mankind an endless flow of warmth and fervor. Even the Magua trees that have comedown from glacier periods put forth new leaves every spring looking so beautiful and so young.

The mountain is situated in the south of Anhui Province and is easily accessible from most of China’s major nearby cities. The paths themselves are also, with a bit of effort, easily navigable, being few and with well-constructed steps.

A trip to the Yellow Mountain will make a perfect long weekend, taking in as many of the 72 peaks, the highest at a mere 1864m, and scattered sights as you feel up to. There are two main paths that are followed: a shorter, but less scenic, eastern route and a longer, more taxing, western route.

INFORMATION

Distance:

About 450 kilometers southwest of Shanghai.

Location:

In the far south of Anhui Province, eastern China.

Points for attention:

The Yellow Mountain is often affected by inclement weather that, although sometimes giving the mountain its misty, mysterious charm, can somewhat spoil a visit here. Check the weather reports before you go. Also, the two day walking can be a little taxing on the legs!

TRANSPORTATION

The transport links to and from Huangshan are not the most ideal for those who wish to travel after working on Friday and get back to work on Monday. For those wanting to leave later on Friday, your best bet is either to catch the train or bus from Shanghai to Nanjing, and then catch the train on to Huangshan.

Trains: There are two trains daily to and from Huangshan City and Shanghai:

Train No.K818 leaves Shanghai at 07:43 and arrives in Huangshan City at 19:14. This train only has hardseat tickets (RMB53). Train No.2182 leaves Shanghai at 15:04 and arrives in Huangshan City at 03:45. RMB45 for hardseat and RMB97 for hardsleeper.

Train No.K820 leaves Huangshan City at 07:38 and arrives in Shanghai at 19:24. RMB53 for hardseat. Train No.2184 leaves Huangshan City at 22:07 and arrives in Shanghai at 12:00 the following day. RMB45 for hardseat and RMB97 for hardsleeper.

Via Nanjing: Train No.T706 leaves Shanghai at 17:04 and arrives in Nanjing at 19:52. You can then take the 22:18 train from Nanjing to Huangshan.

Buses: There is one bus daily to Huangshan City from Shanghai, and two daily returns:

The first leaves Shanghai at 16:00 and arrives in Huangshan at 24:00 (RMB111 for a soft seat)

The return buses (Huangshan-Shanghai) leave at 05:40 and 19:10 and take around 10hrs (RMB60). Buses leave from opposite the Huangshan train station, and tickets can be bought from here

Getting There via Nanjing: Although you can leave for the Mountain on Friday morning, the best option is to get in to Nanjing for the 10pm Nanjing-Huangshan train. You can take either bus or train (see above for train times). Buses leave for Nanjing from the Hangzhou Road Bus Station, Shanghai, and take around three and a half hours. We recommend that you take the last bus at 17:30 (Daewoo RMB73, Nissan RMB86). You can then take a taxi (RMB10) to the nearby Nanjing train station (tickets can most easily be bought in the Station Square, through the train station x-ray machines). Take train No.2521 to Huangshan City/Tunxi, leaving at 22:18 (RMB21 hardseat, RMB61 hardsleeper, 8-9 hours)

Flights: You can catch a flight in the morning from Shanghai to Huangshan (China Eastern MU5511, RMB460, 07:35-08:20, Shanghai-Tunxi Airport/Huangshan). On return, China Eastern Airlines Flight MU5584 (RMB460) leaves Tunxi for Shanghai at 20:40 every day and arrives at Shanghai Hongqiao airport at 21:30. A taxi to the airport in Tunxi, 5km away from the center, should cost around RMB25. An airport bus leaves from outside the CAAC office, near the International Hotel, on Huangshan Lu. Tickets for this cost RMB5.

Getting Around: Minibuses will take you from Tunxi/Huangshan City to Tangkou, the town at the foot of the mountain (One and a half hours, a negotiable RMB10-20), then it’s another minibus (RMB 10-15) from Tangkou to either the eastern (Dong xian, Yungu si) or western (Xi xian, Ciguang ge) steps.

Suggested Itinerary

Previous Evening: Pack snacks and lunch (for 2 days since many of the restaurants on the mountain are extremely overpriced), a pair of strong shoes, a camera, 2-3 bottles of drinking water and suncream if it is hot! Itinerary below starts from when you arrive in Tunxi (Huangshan city) on the overnight train from Nanjing (No.521).

Hotels

At present finding good accommodation up the mountain is not often a problem, with a total of around 10 hotels. The problem however can be the prices here that, with their trapped audience, are excessive. Most of the hotels are either good three or two star. In bad weather, hotels can be pretty busy too, so try and book ahead if you think it will rain. The best of the hotels are on the summit area, close to the uppermost entrance of the eastern steps, or at the foot of the mountain near the hot springs. Do not expect to pay less than RMB150.

For decent rooms and great dawn views of the “northern sea of mists”, the Beihai Hotel (Beihai binguan, Tel.0559-5562555) comes recommended, prices are upwards of RMB200, while for pure comfort and some good architecture, the Xihai Hotel (Xihai fandian, Tel:0559-5562132), a joint-venture, has good service, nice restaurants, and good views of the “western sea of mists”. Prices here are in American dollars (cheapest around $100), credit cards are accepted. To get to the Beihai continue around the main path from the eastern entrance for five minutes. The Xihai is up and then down a path that leads from the right-hand side of the Beihai (as you are looking at it).

Dining

Dining up the mountain is easy if you have money to spare, although the restaurants are exclusively within the hotels. Both the Beihai and the Xihai have restaurants that serve both Chinese and Western food. Taking along a few provisions before the trip is recommended, at least for lunch (2 days) and snacks.

In Tunxi and Tangkou restaurants are plentiful and cheap. Tunxi’s main restaurants are centered on the railway station. Tangkou’s best dining is found in the market area under the large bridge.

ROUTES

The Eastern Route and Summit Area

The Eastern Route (Dong xian), although not with the best scenery, is the shortest and best way to ascend the mountain, a 7.5km long, snaking path. The climb should take around 3-4 hours, starting from the Yungusi cable car station. Some of the views here can still be spectacular, with jutting rocks and some beautiful, twisted pines. For those less active, locals can be hired to carry bags (or people) for a negotiable price, or the cable car can be taken. Once at the top you have hit around 1600m above sea-level, the Bai’e Peak (Bai’e feng). At the summit it should take no more than three hours, after booking into a hotel, to circle the peaks and sights. From Bai’e Peak, heading northwards, your first sight is the Beginning to Believe Peak (Shixin feng, 1683m), up a side track to the right. This peak has great views of the land stretched out below, glimpsed through shifting mist. Back on the main path, continuing around, you will come to the Beihai Hotel. In front of this is a path that leads up to two other peaks, one with chains clipped with lovers’ engraved padlocks and another, the popular Fresh Breeze Terrace (Qingliang tai), that at dawn has the best views of the “Northern Sea” mist and peaks. A lot further along the main path, past the Xihai Hotel and Paiyunting Hotel, is the Cloud-Dispelling Pavilion (Paiyun ting), with good views of the rocky valley below. The final sight on the summit area is a little way beyond here, a strangely shaped outcropping rock called the Far Flying Rock (Feilai shi). The path then continues around to the Bright Summit Peak (Guangming ding, 1841m), and on to the Beihai Hotel.

The Western Route

The Western route (Xi xian), best done as a descent, has by far the best of the sights, although it is almost twice as long as its eastern counterpart. The route starts from the Bright Summit Peak and winds up and then down the mountain. There are many peaks and temples here, all a little bizarrely named, among the best being, in order of appearance, the Peacock & Lotus Flower Peaks (Kongque feng & lianhua feng, 1864m), the Jade Screen Pavilion (Yuping lou, 1680m), where the cable car can be caught, the Heavenly Capital Peak (Tiandu feng, 1810m), the Half Mountain Temple (Banshan si), and, the last sight on the path, the Mercy Light Temple (Ciguang ge).

The scenery here is something to behold, with patches of stark, bare rock contrasting sharply against the flanks of the path that are heavily wooded, hiding pools and chirruping crickets. The best of the sights has to be the Heavenly Capital Peak, a little more than half way down, which rises sharply from a valley, with winding steps carved into the sheer sides. This is a slight detour from the main path, but from here you can see some of the best views of Huangshan. On the path up, chain handholds are covered in a shining armor of lover’s padlocks, and nearer the top the Crucian Ridge (Jiyu bei) has ten meters of heart-stopping sheer precipice. Acrophobics’ beware. On reaching the bottom level at the Mercy Light Temple, with shaking legs, you can catch a minibus back to Tangkou, and then another on to Tunxi.

You can, if you have time, either head to the Hot Springs (Wen quan) from the Mercy Light Temple, or spend the period before your flight, train or bus departs, looking around the old town of Tunxi, especially the Old Street (Lao jie), southwest of the railway station.