Travel and Leisure

Mt. Huang in East China Anhui province is celebrated for having all the features of mountain scenery and known as the No. 1 Mountain under heaven. Its unique scenery of jagged peaks and twisted pines are often depicted in traditional Chinese paintings. Rocks, mist, trees, and waterfalls make it an unforgettable place. Xu XiaKe, a noted Chinese geologist and traveler in Ming Dynasty, praised Mt. Huang as the best of all mountains.

With many peaks and spectacular scenery, Mt. Huang is listed by UNESCO as a world culture and natural heritage area. There are over 400 scenic spots, making Mt. Huang one of the most spectacular areas in China.

It is characterized by the four wonders, namely, odd-shaped pines, grotesque rock formation, seas of clouds and crystal-clear hot springs. The best way to enjoy the mountain is hiking. The most popular route is to ascend via the Easter steps, and descend via the Western steps. It was about a 10-hour hike, if completed in one day and only recommended for those in excellent health.

Hiking here will include visits to unique attractions below:

Odd-shaped pines are the queer trees that exude an exquisite beauty. You will be amazed by their vitality and strength. Another feature of Mt. Huang pines is that many trees grow branches on one side only.

The Grotesque Rocks are extraordinary. Tiandu Feng (Celestial Capital Peak), Bright Top and Lianhua Feng (Lotus Flower Peak), all rise above 1,800 meters (5,600 feet). These rocks are so unusual that visitors will be struck not only by their beauty but also by the many images they represent.

The Cloud Seas seen from the peaks of Mt. Huang are truly mystical. The best time to see the cloud sea is in autumn or in winter. Lucky visitors can witness Mt. Huang spectacular sunrises. Get up early to view Beihai sunrise, you will be amazed to see a sea of low clouds blanketing the valley to the north and "island" peaks hazily reaching for the heavens.

The Hot Springs are constantly at a temperature of 42C. Visitors can have opportunity to take a soothing soak in the warm waters and have a lifetime memories of stunning mountain scenery.

Enjoy the Mt. Huang in different season:

Spring time is from March to May. You will view all flowers blossom, pines to vomit the green, the mountain bird flies and sing.

Summer time is from June to August. You will watch pines, cloud and mist and go to summer resort and has leisure.

Autumn time is from September to November. You will watch the landscapes of green pines, natural stone, red maple, yellow chrysanthemum etc.

Winter time is from December to February. You will watch flowers of ice and snow and fogs pine. In the good weather you can appreciate the strange pines and stones in Yellow Mountain; in cloudy day you can watch a sea of clouds transformation; in rainy days you can find to flow the spring waterfall and in snowy days you can see the jade tree, the breeze hears pines in empty valley.

Usually the whole Mt. Huang needs at least 3 days to go through. The perfect for many was to spend the night in the hotel on the peak.

Here we recommend hiking routes. Take the one you like and explore different elements of the Mt. Huang area: