Homepage > News > Travel > 

Huangshan, on cloud nine

2010-03-19 08:46 BJT

Covered in ice and snow, Huangshan in winter is like a crystal wonderland. The Chinese will have you believe there is no mountain worth visiting after you have seen Huangshan. Ou Shuyi discovers why.

Every peak is clothed in white and every rime-covered tree looks like a white coral reef. (China Daily)
Every peak is clothed in white and every rime-covered tree looks like a
white coral reef. (China Daily)
 

The temperature hovered near zero and a thick mist hung in the air. My husband and I were alone, making our way up the twisting trail to the Summit of Brightness, one of the highest peaks of Huangshan Mountain.

My face - and brain - were frozen from the biting cold wind, and as I looked at the endless steps in front of me, I felt a growing desperation.

We decided to visit this World Heritage site during the Spring Festival, hoping for a quiet hideaway far from the ear-splitting fireworks of Beijing, to usher in the Year of the Tiger by scaling the country's most recognizable peak.

But this climb was far more challenging than what we had expected.

The temperature hovered near zero and a thick mist hung in the air.
The temperature hovered near zero and a thick mist hung in the air.

We had already trekked for three hours from the cable car station to the summit, which was supposed to take about one and a half hours. Yet, we felt like we were in the middle of nowhere.

Related stories

Anhui revellers celebrate ancient sage in Huangshan Mt.

In East China's Anhui province, holiday revellers at the scenic spot of Huangshan Mountain are paying tribute to Xuan Yuan, a legendary emperor. As one of the founders of the Chinese civilization, Xuan Yuan is regarded as the inventor of the cart and wagon. Full story >>

Yellow Mountain (Mt. Huangshan) - one of Top 5 of attractive scenic spot in China

Standing straight among the mountains in south of Anhui Province, the Yellow Mountain is well-known all over the world for its four scenic spots - pine forrest,strange stone, cloud sea and hot spring. It is one of famous mountains in China. Full story >>