Hey everyone, Mark here! I've just returned from an incredible trip to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in Anhui, China, and let me tell you, it was an experience that will stay with me forever. As an avid backpacker and seasoned traveler exploring Asia's greatest cities and sights, I’ve been itching to share my adventure with you all. This is a story of stunning views, challenging climbs, and moments of sheer awe. Prepare to be inspired!
The Ascent of Tiandu Peak: A Test of Will
Our journey began with the ascent of Tiandu Peak, the third highest peak in Huangshan. The path narrowed dramatically, requiring us to wait for descending hikers before we could proceed. The lack of handrails on the right-hand side of the trail definitely increased the challenge. I overheard several people debating whether to turn back; the sheer vertical drop and precarious footing were enough to give even seasoned climbers pause. The mist parted slightly, revealing a breathtaking glimpse of Yùpíng Fēng (Jade Screen Peak) in the distance. The sheer drop to my left was a constant reminder of the danger, but thankfully, I could keep myself braced against a large rock face, giving me some sense of security. I'll be honest, my legs were burning by the time I reached a small plateau at 1707 meters, so I took a well-deserved break and fueled up with half a Snickers bar. The wind was fierce up here, but I found a bit of shelter to enjoy my snack.
Awe-Inspiring Views & Unexpected Challenges
The final push to the summit was another 40 minutes of intense climbing, and while the mountain was shrouded in mist, the view from below was bright and sunny. I had a feeling that Tiandu Peak would have offered an incredible panoramic view if not for the heavy fog. Fortunately, I was able to capture some amazing drone footage later showing the peak in its full glory – a sight few ever get to witness. The drone footage, however, nearly ended in disaster! The fog was so thick that I almost lost control of the drone. After making it back down, we started towards Yùpíng Lóu (Jade Screen Pavilion), home of the iconic Welcome Pine.
Huangshan's Literary Legacy & Breathtaking Scenery
Huangshan isn't just breathtakingly beautiful today; its beauty has captivated poets and scholars for centuries. The mountain holds a rich literary heritage, with numerous poems and verses commemorating its awe-inspiring landscape. I recalled some famous lines by Li Bai, which only added to the profound experience: "Huangshan's four thousand feet, thirty-two lotus peaks," "In what year did I ride a white crane, crushing the clouds on Tiandu Peak?" "Giant spirits split the stones, dividing south and north, supporting the first peak of Tiandu," and "Ten thousand blades in the sky, as dangerous as ascending the crimson ladder, entering the depths of Tiandu, looking back at the bird paths below".
The trail was lined with stunning pine trees, leading us towards Dùxiān Qiáo (Ferrying the Immortals Bridge). Passing through Yīxiàn Tiān (One-Line Sky), a narrow passage carved between sheer cliffs, created an unforgettable moment. The sheer cliffs on both sides created a natural stone gate, complete with a perpetually dripping rock. Here I also witnessed the breathtaking Pēnglái Sāndǎo (Penglai Three Islands), a cluster of three small, rocky peaks rising from a deep ravine; when shrouded in mist, they resemble a mythical fairyland.
The Iconic Welcome Pine & Beyond
Finally, we reached the pinnacle of our journey: the iconic Welcome Pine. This ancient pine tree, featured on Chinese currency and in countless photographs, is a symbol of Huangshan itself. Its many supporting poles testified to its age and the immense weight of its fame. The Welcome Pine boasts a 1,000-year history, standing tall at 10 meters. I spent some time contemplating the intricate rock carvings on the nearby boulder. The views from here were simply unforgettable; a truly breathtaking panorama.
Even though the Welcome Pine dominates attention, we explored further, venturing onto precarious, cliff-side platforms that barely accommodated a single person. The stunning views, though, were well worth the fear of heights I felt.
Huangshan's Diverse Wonders: From Tiandu Peak to the Jade Screen Cable Car
Here's a table summarizing some key locations and highlights of my Huangshan adventure:
| Location | Description | Altitude (meters) |
|---|---|---|
| Tiandu Peak | Huangshan's third highest peak, known for its challenging climb. | 1810 |
| Welcome Pine | Iconic symbol of Huangshan, featured on Chinese currency and in countless photos. | ~1670 |
| Yùpíng Fēng (Jade Screen Peak) | Another prominent peak offering stunning views. | ~1660 |
| One-Line Sky | A narrow passage between sheer cliffs, providing an unforgettable experience. | ~1600 |
| Penglai Three Islands | Three small, rocky peaks resembling a mythical fairyland. | ~1650 |
| Yùpíng Lóu (Jade Screen Pavilion) | Pavilion located near the Welcome Pine and Jade Screen Peak. | ~1650 |
| 光明頂 (Guangmingding) | Literally “Bright Summit”. | 1840 |
Descending Huangshan & Culinary Delights
Our descent via the Yùpíng Sùdào (Jade Screen Cable Car) was a thrilling experience in itself, offering a unique perspective on the mountain's grandeur. The cable car ride, covering a vertical distance of over 1000 meters in just 10 minutes, was breathtaking. At the bottom, I indulged in some local culinary delights – Huangshan’s famous sesame seed cakes filled with various meats and a flavorful mix of pickled mustard greens.
The cable car operates from 6:30 AM to 5:40 PM and costs ¥90 per ride, both up and down.
A Multi-Day Huangshan Adventure: Part 2
This detailed account covers my second day exploring the core sights of Huangshan. In the preceding 10 days, I also climbed Mount Hengshan in Hunan, Mount Wugong in Jiangxi, and Mount Lu in Jiangxi. However, Huangshan is undoubtedly the most unique and awe-inspiring. If you're looking for a truly unforgettable Asian adventure, be sure to check out my first Huangshan vlog! Huangshan is one of China's few dual natural and cultural World Heritage sites, truly a mountain unlike any other. Don't miss it!
