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Watch the Sunrise at Yellow Mountain in China
Published by Camilla Cheung, Writer
Country: China 
The Experience
For those of us whose idea of modern China consists of crowded, hectic cities and growing pollution, the experience of visiting Yellow Mountain, or Huangshan, is a welcome relief from the frenetic pace of modernization.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Yellow Mountain in Anhui province is the most famous natural tourist attraction in China, and has the sweeping mountain views, bamboo forests, and ancient pine trees that inspired the cinematography of movies such as “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” which was filmed on location at Yellow Mountain.
The unexpected majesty of Huangshan is truly awe-inspiring as you gaze out at the huge peaks and boulders of the mountain range around you while riding in comfort up the slopes of Yellow Mountain on a gondola. You can't have a tourist attraction in China without a gondola ride, but you can, of course, hike up and down Yellow Mountain if you prefer a more rugged experience. Some of the ancient pine trees are over 1,500 years old, such as the “Ying Ke Song,” or “Welcoming Guest Pine,” one of Yellow Mountain’s most iconic features. The most popular activity at the peak is to watch the sunrise in the wee hours of the morning. Although the best spots for doing so are usually crowded with tourists, you can easily find a more secluded location. Many of the rock formations have been named, and your tourist map will identify monkeys, dragons, and other fantastic creatures. However, you may perhaps enjoy the scenery better if you just look and absorb the beauty.
One of the most famous views at the Yellow Mountain Range is the “Sea of Clouds”. With extremely variable weather, mists constantly flow around the mountain peaks. If you're lucky, these mists will settle around the peaks so that the mountains seem to be jutting out of a sea of clouds: a popular subject in traditional Chinese paintings. Rivers, lakes, and hot springs are also plentiful around Yellow Mountain, and visits to these can easily fill up a couple of days in addition to visiting the mountain.
The village of Hongcun nearby, at the foot of the Yellow Mountain, is a popular stop. This traditional village looks much as it did a thousand years ago, and the village scenes of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” were filmed here. Today, Hongcun has surprisingly retained much of its period charm, with local villagers washing clothing in the clear channels of water flowing through the streets of the village, building wooden boats by hand, and selling quaint handmade handicrafts and local teas. Hongcun is a wonderful place to stay for the adventurous traveller. Guest rooms can be found at extremely reasonable prices, offering you the priceless experience and romance of sleeping in a traditional village.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Yellow Mountain in Anhui province is the most famous natural tourist attraction in China, and has the sweeping mountain views, bamboo forests, and ancient pine trees that inspired the cinematography of movies such as “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” which was filmed on location at Yellow Mountain.
The unexpected majesty of Huangshan is truly awe-inspiring as you gaze out at the huge peaks and boulders of the mountain range around you while riding in comfort up the slopes of Yellow Mountain on a gondola. You can't have a tourist attraction in China without a gondola ride, but you can, of course, hike up and down Yellow Mountain if you prefer a more rugged experience. Some of the ancient pine trees are over 1,500 years old, such as the “Ying Ke Song,” or “Welcoming Guest Pine,” one of Yellow Mountain’s most iconic features. The most popular activity at the peak is to watch the sunrise in the wee hours of the morning. Although the best spots for doing so are usually crowded with tourists, you can easily find a more secluded location. Many of the rock formations have been named, and your tourist map will identify monkeys, dragons, and other fantastic creatures. However, you may perhaps enjoy the scenery better if you just look and absorb the beauty.
One of the most famous views at the Yellow Mountain Range is the “Sea of Clouds”. With extremely variable weather, mists constantly flow around the mountain peaks. If you're lucky, these mists will settle around the peaks so that the mountains seem to be jutting out of a sea of clouds: a popular subject in traditional Chinese paintings. Rivers, lakes, and hot springs are also plentiful around Yellow Mountain, and visits to these can easily fill up a couple of days in addition to visiting the mountain.
The village of Hongcun nearby, at the foot of the Yellow Mountain, is a popular stop. This traditional village looks much as it did a thousand years ago, and the village scenes of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” were filmed here. Today, Hongcun has surprisingly retained much of its period charm, with local villagers washing clothing in the clear channels of water flowing through the streets of the village, building wooden boats by hand, and selling quaint handmade handicrafts and local teas. Hongcun is a wonderful place to stay for the adventurous traveller. Guest rooms can be found at extremely reasonable prices, offering you the priceless experience and romance of sleeping in a traditional village.
When to Go to Yellow Mountain China
The best time to go to Yellow Mountain is in the summer, when trails are dry and easier to walk. However, in the winter, the snowy scenery is striking and has much to offer, although the walk will be more difficult. Even in the summer, the peak of the mountain can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring warm clothing, long pants, layers, and a rainproof jacket. The weather is changeable, and you will likely be drizzled on during your trip, so a good raincoat is essential or you will be forced to buy the overpriced plastic ponchos on sale in the park. Wear walking shoes with good cushioning, for although the paths are paved, the many steps can get hard on the knees.
Staying on the peak of Yellow Mountain is recommended, especially if you want to see the sunrise. There are several hotels located at the top of the mountain at absurdly expensive prices for China, but they are affordable for Western travellers. Food is likewise expensive, about $20 a meal, so be sure to pack plenty of snacks and perhaps a meal or two.
Staying on the peak of Yellow Mountain is recommended, especially if you want to see the sunrise. There are several hotels located at the top of the mountain at absurdly expensive prices for China, but they are affordable for Western travellers. Food is likewise expensive, about $20 a meal, so be sure to pack plenty of snacks and perhaps a meal or two.
Odds n' Ends
Unfortunately, tourist infrastructure for Yellow Mountain is primarily geared towards Chinese tourists travelling in large groups, and Western tourists may find this alienating and unappealing. The main town near Yellow Mountain, Huangshan City, is a featureless tourist town offering mass accommodation, several hours from the park entrance. The town of Tangkou is located much closer to Yellow Mountain, and there are a few English-speaking tour operators there who can arrange a more personalized visit to Yellow Mountain and surrounding attractions at reasonable prices, avoiding the crowds. Just be ready to roll with the punches, and you will do all right.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Yunsong Garden Hotel is a 4 star business hotel which is located in the city center of Huangshan. The airport and railway station are not ... 1 miles away
Best Western Huangshan Resort and Spa is located at the heart of hot springs area of world renowned scenic spot, Mount Huangshan. Designed to melt ... 1 miles away
$450 CNY+
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