Yellow Mountain Travel Guide

As far as scenic areas go, there is perhaps no other place in China that can match Huangshan, also known as Yellow Mountain. Found in the Anhui province, Huangshan was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. The scenic area is simply magnificent and unforgettable with lofty and steep peaks and rocks. The landscape is in fact so inspiring that there are a number of Taoist constructions and influences in the area, providing tranquility to a beautiful religion.

Top Attractions on The Yellow Mountain

Sunrise and Sunset - The sun rises in the east as it does throughout the world. The best places to catch a sunrise in Huangshan are from Dawn Pavilion, Refreshing Platform, Lion Peak, Rosy Clouds Peak, Bright Peak Summit, Jade Screen Peak, Lotus Blossom Peak, and Heavenly Capital Peak. In the summer and autumn, the sun rises between 4:40am and 5:10am; in spring and winter, the sun wakes up between 5:30am and 6am.

Beginning-to-Believe Peak - This incredible site, stands at 1,668 meters tall and is one of the 36 smaller peaks of Huangshan Mountain which features interesting pine trees and exaggerated stones wrapped by eerie but loving grennery.

Peach Blossom Peak - This is another one of the 36 peaks of Huangshan Mountain. Every March and April, the peak blossoms with red and pink flowers due to the peach trees found here.

Lion Peak - Standing at 1,690 meters tall, Lion Peak has its name because it looks like a strong lion stretched across the range. This is one of the best places in the park to view the sunrise, Cloud Sea over the peaks, and the brightly lit moon sky.

Flying Stone -This 39-foot tall, 8 meter long, and 360 ton rock balanced on a seemingly flimsy ledge seems to defy physics. It has its name because it seems to fly from heaven itself. It is also called Feilai Stone.

Bright Summit - This is the 2nd highest summit in Huangshan and an ideal spot from which to observe Cloud Sea. Sunrise is also marvelous from this vantage point.

Sunrise on the Yellow Mountain

Top Four Natural Wonders on the Yellow Mountain

Pine Tree

If not for glacial movements, Huangshan would not exist. When the land came back to life, it also gave birth to many different kinds of pine trees. They are variants of the Chinese Pine and unique due to the special topography and climate found here. These pines grow in areas 800 meters above sea level and have a great relationship with the natural environment. How do these trees manage to grow on the steep slopes? Their seeks drop into cracks in the granite and then germinate and prosper.

Kistler Rock

Rock admiring is much like cloud watching; you can always find a shape that they resemble. There are more than 120 such rocks in Huangshan with outlines that remind viewers of people, animals, and other interesting items. These named rocks also take on different shapes when seen from various angles. Along with their pine tree neighbors, the combination really elicits the feel of a painting come to life.

Clouds Sea

Clouds and mountains come hand in hand. The cloudscapes in Yellow Mountain are famous and are beautiful throughout the year. The best time is perhaps winter, November to February, when the scenes are at their most dramatic. The best place to see the clouds as they evolve is from Lotus Peak, Heavenly Peak, and Bright Summit. A panorama of the sunrise is sure to cure your soul.

Hot Spring

Seeking a relaxing option? Visit the hot springs of Yellow Mountain which originate from Ziyun Peak. The water, about 42 degrees Celsius all year round, contains biocarbonate and can be used to bathe or even drink! It is said that the natural baths are ideal for ailing digestive problems, the nervous system, cardiovascular network, and metabolism rate.

Ancient Villages near the Yellow Mountain

Hongcun Village - Aside from the natural beauties of Yellow Mountain, visitors should also make time to admire Hongcun Village. This picturesque village is more than 800 years old and is enshrouded in the fog and mystique of the range. At a glance, it seems to be a landscape painting in the flesh; in fact, Hongcun has inspired many artists throughout the centuries. As well, many scenes from the visually celebrated film, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” was filmed here. Hongcun is surrounded by a moat that comes out of storybooks, with bridges and a half-moon shaped pond in the heart of the village completing the dram. It has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its untouched scenes featuring homes and streets that have not been updated by modernity.

Tunxi Ancient Street - Tunxi Ancient Street has century-old history which dates back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279) in which Emperor Huizong (1082-1135) shifted his throne of government to Lin'an (now is Hangzhou) when numerous architects, craftsmen and workmen were conscripted to construct it as the new capital. The street is paved with burgundy flagstones with a total length of 1,273 meters (about 1,392 yards), out of which 895 meters (about 979 yards) is the pedestrian commercial street. Along the street there are many shops that have existed for over one hundred years.

Xidi Village - Construction of Xidi Village began during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and so far it has a history of over 9 centuries. The village is famed as being the "Ming and Qing dynasties Local Residence Museum".

Tachuan Village - Compared to the well-known scenic attraction, Hongcun village in east China's Anhui Province, the neighboring Tachuan Village seems a bit off the beaten track, situated just on the tip between Hongcun and the Bamboo Sea. However, a walk in Tachuan Village will offer you a glimpse of the joys of a simple life for local residents, as well as the enchanting natural sceneries and fascinating Hui style architecture, while avoiding crowds.

Shexian County - Shexian County, a famous historical and cultural city, is situated in the southeastern part of Anhui Province, under the foot of the renowned Yellow Mountain. Surrounded by crystal clear water and green mountains, it is rich in cultural relics, memorial arches, memorial temples and residences. The county is an art museum of classical architecture.

Hongcun Village

Weather

The climate of Huangshan is mild and humid, and the temperature is agreeable during all four seasons. In July, the summer’s hottest month, the temperature falls between 70 and 80 °F. The area lies in a subtropical zone, so winter months range from 25 °F to 40 °F—cold enough to result in unmatched snow scenery, but mild enough to enjoy outdoor activity in a world draped with icicles. The white, billowy cloud cover alleviates sunrays, ensuring that guests to the mountain are always comfortable.

Spring - Huangshan has its seasonal good points all year round. In April the average temperature on range is 10C (50F). Flowers, trees and grasses emerge, making Spring in the Yellow Mountains among the best seasons to visit it.

Summer - Summer time is the tourist high season. On the mountain, Summer is cool and tranquil in cloudy weather, but beware, you may still get burnt when the clouds clear. The wettest months are May through to August. This makes Summer the best time to enjoy the Sea of Clouds, one of the famous four features of the mountain. For safety reasons during Summer thunderstorms visitors are not permitted to hold umbrellas as the wind may catch them and cause falls down the mountain. Raincoats are preferable.

Autumn - The climate is most comfortable and the scenery is stunningly beautiful in Autumn. Yellow Mountain is one of the best places to enjoy Autumn foliage in China, looking down on the deciduous trees of the ravines and valleys. The pines of course retain their verdant needles. The first week of October is another high season, being a national holiday, so Huangshan is more crowded and it costs a bit more to travel and stay at hotels.

Winter - Winter, the longest of the four seasons, is chilly without being severe, though it can be freezing up on the mountain and spectacular snow-scapes are seen every year. Many tourists recommend the Winter landscapes of Mt. Huangshan as the most spectacular. It's the low season, so the mountainside is less crowded and it is cheaper to travel. Bring warm clothes, preferably fleece or down if you plan to visit in this season.