Huangshan - Yellow Mountain

Our journey to the mountain began with a van drive for an hour, a bus drive up dangerously sharp "S" turns for about 20 minutes and a steep cable car ride for another 30 minutes. It was hard to believe when we arrived at the top, that we were so high - above the clouds with beautiful granite mountains all around us.

A view of the "sea" clouds at the top

 We arrived at the top with our backpacks and small duffel only to realize we had a 40 minute uphill climb to get to the hotel. We took in the "looking points" all along the way. I was not as adventerous as Phil as the heights were astounding with low railings barely keeping you secure.

Phil on the viewing platform with some of our new friends!

One of the more remote places - I was not going out there!

As we traveled up the mountain peaks, the sea of clouds below began to move up the mountain and obscured some of the view. It was still magical.

We stopped for lunch - another delicious Chinese meal of greens, peanuts, some kind of spicy meat and rice. Yummmm. Our guide mentioned a famous artist in residence who paints scenes of Huangshan on rice paper and silk, was nearby. We sought him out and immediately fell in love with him. With limited English and Mandarin - we stumbled through an exchange that made us feel like we were old friends. We bargained hard and bought 4 of his paintings to represent each of the four seasons. 

Master bargainer and Master Painter & Calligrapher

We finally dropped our bags at the hotel and ventured out to climb some more. Every where you looked there were stunning mountains. 

As the sun went down, we settled on a peak and waited. You felt like you were on the edge of the world!

Sunset on Huangshan

The next morning we woke up to beautiful sunny skies with views better than we could have hoped for. We hiked out to Lion's Point, the highest point, to see the Monkey on a Rock. The stone really did look like a monkey looking over the valley!

Monkey Rock

 Across the canyon, we spotted a new walkway being built. We were amazed that this was even possible - evidence that safety regulations differ from those back home.

New Walkway

Our legs were beginning to ache and the mist was growing in mass. It was time to move on, but after one more climb to the top.

As the morning turned to early afternoon, the clouds began to rise and before we knew it, we were in a "milk bottle". You could not see anything in front of you - we began to wind our way back down the mountain!

Sea clouds rising

Huangshan Lovers

Huangshan left such an impression on us. The scenery was spectacular, the climb difficult and the challenge a welcomed change from the busy city life! We are ready to see more and are anxious to begin planning our next adventure.

xoxo, Kathy & Phil