Huangshan

In the southmost part of Anhui province, Mt. Huangshan, in Yixian, 2200-year-county built in Qin dynasty (221B.C.), famous for its Sijue "strange pines, absurd stones, sea of clouds and hot springs"; in 1990, listed in the "Inventory of the World's Cultural and Natural Heritage"

Attractions in Huangshan

Huangshan Package Tour

Huangshan (the Yellow Mountains) City borders on Zhejiang and Jiangxi Provinces. It has under its jurisdiction three districts (Tunxi, Huangshan and Huizhou) and four counties (Shexian,Yixian, Xiuning and Qimen), which cover much of the area used to be known as Huizhou. The Yellow Mountains also reach some areas in Taiping and other nearby counties. The scenery of the Yellow Mountains unfolds as they extend. Flowing in front of the Mountains is the blue Xin'an River. On the back of the mountain lies the placid Taiping Lake. At the eastern end of the Mountains is situated the Qingliang Peak Natural Reservation. The Guniujiang Natural Reservation is located at the western end of the Mountains. On both sides of the southern slopes are the quiet and secluded Yixian County and Shexian County known for their historic and cultural heritage- Further ahead, right to the south is the river town of Tunxi District, which is the seat of the Huangshan Municipal Government. To the southwest lies Qiyun Mountain which is known as Baiyue, in Chinese: White Mountain. These picturesque scenic areas are crisscrossed by winding brooks and dotted with aged houses, streets, bridges, stone archways, pagodas, clan halls. The region is also easily accessible by air, railways. Huangshan is renowned as the national park of nature and a Museum of history- The following are sketches of the scenic spots-Houses of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (16th---19th centuries) in Yixian County. As it is hidden in the mountains, Yixian County is known as a land of peach blossoms, meaning a haven of peace in Chinese literature. On entering the county, one can hardly see any houses along the stream between the green hills. However, going through the hill passes, An open basin comes into sight where over 3,000 well-preserved pre-20th century houses are shaded on the slopes of the green hills, which are acclaimed by tourists and scholars as the most beautiful villages in the world and a treasure house of the traditional Chinese house style.

Xidi Village and Hong Village attract particular attention for the clustered houses. The topography of Xidi Village is well planned. 122 houses, in black, white and gray colors, were built in the 18th and 19th centuries. Each has white walls, with elaborated-shaped eaves and courtyards. The entrance gates and windows display typical features of local wood, brick and stone carving. Of particular interest is a glided balcony overreaching into the lane at Dafudi, the name of a clan hall, It was said that anyone fortunate enough to catch the colorful ball thrown by the young lady from the balcony could win her love. Crystal-clear water in the ditches connecting every household provide endless stream to the housewife for daily use. Standing tall at the village entrance is the Hu Wenguang Stone Archway, a single-structured and four storied building that is composed of three parts and supported by four pillars, the archway was a masterpiece of the Ming Dynasty architecture, testifying to the past prosperity of the village's history. Not far from Xidi Village is Hong Village which is also famed for its pre-20th Century buildings. What is unique about the village is that it is ox-shaped topography. The high ground is like the ox head, the ancient trees at the entrance are like ox horns and bridges like ox hoofs. The houses form the trunk and the river is like an ox tail. The 1,000 meter long zigzagging ditch is compared to ox intestines, and the Moon-shaped pond, Nanhu Lake, take the shape of ox stomach. Thanks to the endless supply of water, flowers and fruits are grown in abundance in every courtyard, with water corridors winding through them. Fish is also raised in the pond. In addition, the pre-20th Century houses in Xi Wu, clan halls also enjoy a great reputation. The historical and cultural renown town---Shexian County, Shexian County was set up back in the Qin Dynasty 0ver 2,000 years ago, which was the seat of the local government in the Tang, Song, Yuan Ming and Qing Dynasties. In those days it was also popularly known as Huizhou. Throughout history, it is the political, economic and cultural center of the southern mountain region of Anhui Province. The growth of local commerce reached its peak during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and the town became famous nation-wide for its wealth. Because of its rich historical and cultural heritage as well as the numerous scenic spots, the Chinese Government designated Shexian County as one of the cities and towns of historical and cultural renown in China.

Two pagodas of the Song Dynasty. Changqing Temple Pagoda stands high at the foot of Xigan Hill along the Lianjiang River. Filled with earth inside, it is an imposing square-shaped seven storied pagoda, with color Buddhist images painted on the wall and elaborate eaves at the pagoda top. The iron decorations hanging on the eaves sound like bell in the gentle wind. Xinzhou Pagoda is a simple and natural designed stone structure in the west fern part of the town. There are diamond shaped stone eaves on each of the five stories and Buddhist inscripti0ns on the pagoda surface. Both pagodas are over 800 years old.
Three Aged Bridges. They are Taiping Bridge, Wannian Bridge, Ziyang Bridge. These stone arch bridges built in the Ming Dynasty stand across the Lianjiang River that flows around the town. With a length of 279.87 meters, Taiping Bridge has two lanes and 16 arches. Three wonders of the traditional architecture. They refer to stone archways, ancient clan halls and age-old houses. Built in the Ming Dynasty, Xuguo Stone Archway located in the county town is under government preservation because of its cultural value. It is a well-designed big four directional stone archway supported by eight pillars, with all the beams linking one another. The three storied front archway and back archway are each supported by two pillars, and the three storied side archways are each supported by two pillars. Exquisite patterns of rare animals and birds were carved on the archway. Leaning against the pillars are 12 vividly carved stone lions. There stand seven archways (two of the Ming Dynasty and five of the Qing Dynasty) on the road in Tangyue Village in the western suburb. Also in Tangyue Village there are two ancient clan halls, one for male ancestors and other for female ancestors. And it is rare to find clan hall for female ancestors. Located on the gorgeous Purple Clouds Peak, Qiankou (now changed as Huizhou District) boasts of age-old houses and clan halls. The rugged looking houses stand in interesting contrast with the supporting poles which have delicate flower patterns carved on them. All the visiting scholars, both Chinese and foreign, consider it to be an important place to study the traditional Chinese architecture. Traditional Chinese architectural structures such as pavilions, towers, and gardens are found everywhere in Shexian County, such as the famous octagonal Pavilion, Baolun Mansion , Li Bai Povilion, Tangan Garden, just to name a few. Scenic spots like Wulao Hill, Xigan Hill, Wenzheng Hill, Qingliang Peak, the Xin'an River, Fengle Lake are all popular tourist spots. This land of cultural heritage has produced many famous artists and personalities of distinction, such as Jian Jiang, founder of the Xin'an School of traditional Chinese painting, his successors Huang Binhong and Wang Caibai and the great Chinese educator Tao Xingzhi. Naturally, One mustn't forget the renowned four treasures of the study (writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper) made in Shexian County.
The Hill Town of Tunxi. Tunxi is the seat of the Huangshan Municipal Government. The lush Huashan Hill and Yangmei Hill lie across the city. The Xin'an River which is joined by Hengjiang River and Shuai Shui River flows through the city. Hence, Tunxi is also known as a, river town. It is today a garden city as well as the tourist center of Southern Anhui. Tunxi has been a strategic location throughout the past dynasties. It became a thriving commercial city in the Ming and Qing Dynasties when trade was most prosperous in Anhui. The old street is also referred to as Song T0wn in an epitome of its glorious past. The old street is stone slab paved and about 1,000 meters long. 0n both sides of the street are shops in classical Ming and Qing architectural style, with resplendent halls, exquisite pavilions, carved doors and windows, black tiles and whitewashed walls. This plus the Xin'an River nearby provides the living history of the social life of the Ming and Qing Dynasties as well as ideal background for shooting films of classical themes. Over 20 films and TV plays based on classical Chinese stories have been shot here. Tunxi is also the birthplace of many renowned historical figures. There is located the residence of Cheng Dawei, a famous Ming mathematician as well as the magnificent residence of Cheng Minzheng, a noted Ming writer. The memorial museum for Dai Zhen, a famous Qing philosopher, is also in Tunxi. These places are frequented by visitors. What is also worth mentioning is that the factory making the famous Anhui ink stick is also located in Tunxi. The factory has over 7,800 mould plates for making ink stick, which are considered a national treasure.

Qiyun Mountain Covering an area of about 60 kilometers, Qiyun Mountain is located to the west of the county town of Xiuning. The mountain, known as Baiyue in ancient times, is noted for the Taoist activities associated with it over the last 1,000 years. There are 36 gorgeous peaks, 72 bizarre shaped rocks and a beautiful cloud rock lake on the mountain, offering a panorama of the best of hill scenery. The famous rock calligraphy carving on the mountain has attracted numerous literary figures over the centuries. Li Bai, Zhu Xi, Xu Xiake, and other famous literary figures all wrote poems or prose in praise of the mountain. While only 585 meters above sea level, It has unique attraction because of its Taoist association. The pilgrims will have to pass through three pavilions and three heavenly gates on the ascent before reaching the top. Thus, the excitement of getting closer to the Taoist God is aroused. Many scenic spots and buildings on the mountain have Taoist names, such as God Watching Pavilion, the Cave of Eight Immortals, the Immortal Bridge, the Heavenly Palace, Incense Burner Peak, Drum Peak, etc. They all add to the mystic touch of the scenery. Qiyun Mountain is also well known for its 700-odd pieces of stone calligraphy carvings of various styles that are found in the halls and peaks. On the stone archway at Arc Cave there are well- preserved inscriptions carved over 800 years ago. On the Qiyun Rock there are two huge characters of "Cloud Rock" which were carved over 750 years ago in the Song Dynasty. One also sees in front of the Yuxu Palace a stone tablet with inscriptions of 960 characters in it. The prose was written by Tang Yin, a bright young writer in the Ming Dynasty, and it took two years to have it carved on the stone tablet. The stone tablet is the biggest of its kind in the south.

The Xin'an River. The eastwards blue line one sees on the tourist map of Huangshan City indicates the Xin'an River which originated from Huaiyu Mountain in Xiuning County. The brook expands as it rolls down, joining the Hengjiang River at Tunxi. Here, it becomes the 200 kilometer long gently fIowing Xin'an River. Sailing on the river, one sees houses of Hui style with white wall and gray tiles here and there on both sides. The fir, bamboo, tea bushes, loquat and orange forests on the hills extend as far as you can see, displaying a charming water landscape in southern China. The Xin'an River is a major waterway of vital importance to the local economy, shipping out timber and local agricultural products and transporting in salt and manufactured goods. Tunxi, Yuliang Town and Shendu in Shexian County along the river used to be bustling river ports in the old days. There is still in Yuliang Town a one kilometer long Old Street which used to be the marketplace. There are numerous scenic spots along the Xin'an River. At Bingtan which is close to the river source, there is the mausoleum of Wang Youdun, an imperial minister in the Qing Dynasty who was a native of Xiuning. Standing around the mausoleum are carved stone human figures, horses, tigers, sheep and lions with graphic features. In Tunxi and Shexian County, the river embraces ancient pavilions and bridges as well as clusters of lakes. Further down the river, one can see the busy rural and urban scenes. On the lower reaches of the Xin'an River there is the pearl-like Qiandao Lake. It has never failed to impress the visitors with its breathtaking beauty. The travel route from the West Lake in Hangzhou to Qiandao Lake, Shexian and and finally to Huangshan has become a hot tourist line.
Taiping Lake. As a deep water lake, Taiping Lake is situated between the Yellow Mountains and Mount Jiuhua. It extends 80 kilometers from east to west, which is roughly the same distance down the Li River from Guilin to Yangsuo, and covers an area of about 100 square kilometers. In addition to tour yachts, one can also take a black awning boat, a fishing boat or even a bamboo raft to enjoy the lake scene. The lake is clear and tranquil all the year round. The famous Peach Blossom Pool is located at the Wan Village on the lakeside. The famous Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai once toured the lake and wrote a poem in appreciation of the hospitality 0f Wang Lun, his host (the poem is well recited today). Later, the villagers built a pavilion in memory of the great poet, which still stands. One scene in the TV series of the classical Chinese novel, the Dream of the Red Mansion, was shot here at the lakeside. Vast as the lake is, scenic spots still abound, such as the group of isles in the lake known as the 18 Immortals on Jiaoshan Hill near the lake. Tourist facilities such as holiday resorts, amusement ground, shops and swimming pools are open to public, especially to holiday seekers. And there in nothing more relaxing than drifting in a raft or boat or going angling on the lake.

The Guniujiang Natural Reserve. Literally, Guniujiang means in Chinese an ox descending from the sky. It is so named because a big rock on the peak resembles a big ox that has just landed from the sky. Straddling Qimen and Shitai Counties, the reserve covers an area of 30 square kilometers, with the Guniujiang Peak, which is the highest peak, rising 1727.6 meters high. It is one of the nature reserves of forest and wild life in China as well as an ideal place for making expedition trips. The reserve is of complex geological structure, with numerous cliffs, peaks, rocks of grotesque shapes, fails, brooks and lakes. Sometimes, Buddhist halo with rainbow colors appears around the peaks, adding to the fascination of the mountain view. The natural vegetation is well preserved here, with distinct vertical distribution of plants. At the mountain top is growth of grass. Half way up the mountain are deciduous leaf trees and evergreen broadleaf trees, Rare species of trees and plants abound, such as Xiangguo tree, which is under priority state protection, large tracts of Yellow Mountain pine, Chinese catalpa, Wild Jujube tree, Nanmu wood, Qingqian willow, languo tree, Tenghuang sandalwood and cancer- resistant Sanjian fir as weI1 as a dozen species of azalea. The reserve is also a haven of wild animals where sika, summon antelope, black muntjac, cloud leopard, macaque, short-tailed monkeys, civet, otter, white cranes, pheasant with white neck and long tail-mandarin duck, pangolin and owls roam around.
The Qingliang Peak Nature Reserve. It straddles the border areas of Anhui and Zhejiang Provinces, with Qingliang Peak, which is the summit, located in Shexian County. The reserve borders on Jixi County in the northwest and Lin'an county of Zhejiang Province in the northeast. Covering an area of 15 square kilometers, it is a major natural reserve and scenery spot in Anhui Province. Qingliang Peak is the summit of the Tian Mu Mountains, thrusting into the sky with a height of 1,780 meters. There are many enchanting scenic spots as weIl as falls and brooks on the hill. They stir up people's imagination of being in a fairy land. The reserve is rich in vegetation, with over 400 species of woody plants in 85 families and over 1,000 species of herbal plants. The rare species of trees include East China yellow fir, red bean fir, sanjian fir, gold coin pine, China catalpa, magua wood, pearl yellow poplar, Yellow Mountain plum, etc. East China yellow fir is an endangered species of the Cretaceous period. There is now only one standing near the Cloud Valley Temple in the Yellow Mountains. Yet here in the reserve one finds large tracts 0f them. Arrow bamboo, which is the main diet of panda, is also found here. Rare animals such as Maoguan deer, zibeline, golden cat, Summon antelope, macaque and black musk wander freely in the reserve. In addition to enjoying the beauty of the nature, visitors also have the opportunity to appreciate the distinctive local culture with its renowned architecture, carving, painting, epigraphy, lacquer making, calligraphy, pottery art, potted landscape, bamboo weaving as well as local opera and folk songs and dances. The architecture of the region, its economic development, medicine and folklore have become subjects of study, so have the philosophic works of Daizhen, mathematics works of Cheng Dawei and educational articles of Tao Xingzhi who were all natives of this region. The famous local teas such as Qimen black tea, Tunxi green tea, Yellow Mountain Maofeng tea and Taiping Houkui tea as well as Santan loquat, golden dates and local cuisine are all favored by tourists. No one who has visited the Yellow Mountains leaves unimpressed by its fascination.

Neighboring Areas: Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei, Henan, and Shandong provinces

Population: 1.46 million

Area: 9,807 sq km

Climate subtropical humid monsoon climate; warm and rainy, 4 seasons clearly, frost-free period of 236 days; no severe coldness in winter

Average Temperature: 15 to 16C annually

Rainfall: annual precipitation of 1670 mm with the highest of 2708 mm, concentrated on May, June, July and August

Mountains: Mt. Huangshan famed for its beautiful natural scenery, Mt. Jiuhuashan and Mt. Qiyunshan

Rivers: Xin'anjiang River, Taiping Lake, Shuxi River and Huishui River