Huangshan (the Yellow Mountains), formerly Yishan, is one of the most famous scenic spots in China. According to a legendary story, once Huang Di (the Yellow Emperor) made pills of immortality in this mountain, thereafter it has been called Huangshan.
Located in southern Anhui, Huangshan covers an area of 1,200 square kilometers with 40 kilometers from north to south and 30 kilometers from east to west. The scenic spot of Huangshan covers an area of 154 square kilometers; it has 72 famous peaks with Lotus Flower Peak the highest, Heavenly Capital Peak the steepest and Bright Summit the flattest. The three main peaks are higher than 1,800 meters (5,905 ft.) above sea level.
Huangshan is equally beautiful in different seasons throughout the year. As people ascend or descend the mountain, they may feast their eyes on a postcard panorama of the mountain proper in the distance and nearby. Fantastic pines, grotesque rocks, sea of louds, hot spring and winter snow are the five wonders of Mountain Huangshan. It has become an ideal year-round resort for sightseeing, holiday making, winter traveling and summer vacationing.
Xu Xiake, the great traveler of the Ming Dynasty, gave high praise of Huangshan: "He who has hiked Huangshan will be extremely satisfied with the scenery and find worthless of seeing other mountains in the world".
Huangshan is not only famous for its majestic and delicate natural landscape, but is a scenic spot and natural relics of national level which is of great value in scientific and ecological researches.
In 1990, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization officially inscribed Huangshan on the World Heritage List of Cultural and Natural Value. In 2004, it was included in the list of World Geoparks.
It is difficult to single out the most impressive spots in Shexian, Tunxi and Yixian counties at the
bottom of Huangshan because nearly every place is excellent. However, Tangyue Memorial Archways, Xidi and Hongcun Ancient Residences, Old Street in Tunxi, and Huashan Enigmatic Caverns are especially noteworthy. Tourists can gain some perspective on the splendor of China's Hui school of culture and get a feel for the rich folk customs of southern Anhui.
Along with the Yellow River, the Yangtze River and the Great Wall, Mount Huangshan symbolizes the charming and beautiful landscapes of China. Huangshan is widely considered the¡°most gorgeous mountain in the world¡±.
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