Huangshan: A Romantic Encounter with Sea of Clouds and Whispering Pines

Huangshan, known as the "Most Extraordinary Mountain Under Heaven," has long topped my travel bucket list. Finally, I set foot on this poetic land, measuring its grandeur with my steps, capturing its magnificence through my lens, and experiencing its charm with my heart. Here are my detailed notes from this Huangshan journey, hoping to inspire those who dream of visiting. I. Itinerary Planning (1) Day 1: Arrival in Huangshan City, First Taste of Hui Culture Arriving at Huangshan North Station at noon, I was warmly greeted by a tour guide who took me to the hotel for check-in. After dropping off my luggage, I eagerly explored Tunxi Old Street. The ancient street's worn smooth stone slabs and elegant Hui-style architecture with white walls, black tiles, and horse-head walls seemed to tell stories of the past. I tried stinky tofu at a street shop - its crispy golden exterior paired with special chili sauce created an explosion of flavors, with a unique fermented taste that lingered. The stinky mandarin fish, though pungent in smell but delicious in taste, with its tender and flavorful meat, is a must-try Huangshan delicacy. (2) Day 2: Core Tour of Huangshan Scenic Area, A Magical Journey Among Clouds and Pines After breakfast, we headed to Huangshan Scenic Area. Taking the Yungu Cable Car up the mountain, Huangshan's beauty gradually unfolded before us. Upon reaching the summit, we walked along the mountain path to Shixin Peak first. Here, remarkable pines stand everywhere - the Welcome Pine, Black Tiger Pine, and Love Pine... each uniquely shaped by nature's artistry. They either stand on steep cliffs or root in rock crevices, displaying remarkable vitality. Next, we visited Dreaming Pen Flower, where a peculiar pine grows from a brush-shaped boulder, resembling a blooming flower - truly amazing. We had lunch at Beihai Hotel, enjoying Huangshan pancakes and chicken soup with rock ear fungus. The pancakes were crispy outside with sweet filling, perfect for hiking snacks. The chicken soup was nourishing, clear, and richly flavored, energizing our tired bodies. In the afternoon, we challenged the West Sea Grand Canyon. Mist-shrouded with unique pines and rocks everywhere, the winding plank road seemed to lead through a fairyland. Distant peaks appeared and disappeared in rolling clouds, creating a dreamlike scene. At dusk, we watched the sunset from Paiyun Pavilion. The setting sun cast golden light across the sea of clouds, painting Huangshan in orange-red hues - breathtakingly beautiful. (3) Day 3: Sunrise, Sea of Clouds, and Ancient Hui Villages - A Journey Through Time I woke up at 5 AM to watch the sunrise from Bright Top. Standing at the peak in silence with only gentle breezes, I watched the eastern sky gradually brighten until the sun emerged from the sea of clouds, its rays illuminating all of Huangshan. At that moment, all fatigue vanished, leaving only awe and emotion. After sunrise, we visited Ao Fish Peak, Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder, and finally the Welcome Pine. As Huangshan's iconic sight, the Welcome Pine extends its strong branches as if warmly greeting every visitor. I lingered there, moved by this ancient pine that symbolizes Huangshan's spirit, still thriving despite weathering countless storms. In the afternoon, we took the Yuping Cable Car down and visited Hongcun Village. Known as "China's Village in a Painting," Hongcun preserves numerous Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. Entering felt like traveling centuries back to ancient Huizhou. South Lake's crystal-clear water reflects the white-walled, black-tiled ancient houses, while Moon Pond sits like a bright moon in the village center, surrounded by horse-head walls forming a beautiful ink painting. Walking through the village, I absorbed the unique charm of Hui architecture, where every brick and tile seemed to tell ancient stories. (4) Day 4: Cultural Experience and Departure, Leaving with Precious Memories In the morning, we visited the Huizhou Culture Museum to learn about Hui merchant history and architectural features. Hui merchants were once among China's most famous merchant groups, creating countless business legends and leaving rich cultural heritage. Hui architecture is world-renowned for its horse-head walls and exquisite brick, wood, and stone carvings - treasures of Chinese traditional architecture. Then we visited the Xie Yuda Tea Culture Museum, learning about Huangshan Maofeng tea production and tasting this renowned tea. As one of China's top ten famous teas, Huangshan Maofeng has bird tongue-shaped leaves, tender green color, subtle fragrance, and rich taste. At the tea museum, I seemed to smell Huangshan's mountain air and feel tea culture's profound depth. After lunch, we departed with wonderful memories. Huangshan's scenes replay in my mind like a movie - the magnificent sea of clouds, fantastic pines and rocks, tranquil ancient villages... all unforgettable. This magical mountain not only showcased nature's masterwork but also revealed Hui culture's rich heritage. II. Travel Tips •Transportation: Huangshan North Station is close to the scenic area. High-speed rail is recommended for convenient and fast travel. •Accommodation: Mountain-top hotels are expensive but convenient for sunrise and sunset viewing. Tangkou Town below offers many budget hotels and guesthouses with more dining options. •Food: Local specialties include Huizhou stinky tofu, stinky mandarin fish, Huangshan pancakes, and chicken soup with rock ear fungus. Mountain-top dining is expensive, so bringing snacks and water is recommended. •Equipment: Huangshan's weather changes quickly. Bring windproof jackets, raincoats (umbrellas prohibited on mountain), non-slip sports shoes. Hiking poles and knee pads are recommended for knee protection. •Time: Huangshan Scenic Area is vast - allow at least two days to fully appreciate its beauty. Huangshan offers both a date with nature and a spiritual cleansing. Here you can experience nature's grandeur and wonder while exploring Hui culture's depth and breadth. If you yearn for this magical land, pack your bags and embark on a spontaneous journey. Huangshan's beauty will surely captivate you.