The Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder: Huangshan's Cliffside Sky Path is Absolutely Breathtaking

The Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder in Huangshan is located in the Huangshan Scenic Area of Anhui Province, serving as a crucial hiking trail connecting the Jade Screen Peak and Lotus Peak. This steep stone staircase is built along the mountainside, winding through sheer cliffs, and earned its name from the legend that it originally had about a hundred steps.

Constructed during the Ming Dynasty, the Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder began as a simple stone path and has undergone multiple renovations. The current staircase consists of 218 steps, stretching approximately 200 meters, with the steepest section at a 70-degree incline. Iron chain railings on both sides ensure visitor safety. Climbing requires using both hands and feet, making it one of Huangshan's most challenging routes.

Along the way, breathtaking views unfold, including the famous "Turtle and Snake Guarding the Cloud Ladder" rock formations. When shrouded in mist, the steps appear and disappear like a staircase to a celestial realm. Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake once praised it as "the most perilous path under heaven." While ascending, visitors experience both thrilling adventure and the unique natural wonders of Huangshan—sea of clouds, peculiar pines, and fantastical rocks.

Now an iconic landmark of Huangshan, the Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder attracts numerous hiking enthusiasts annually. Safety precautions are essential: wear anti-slip footwear and avoid climbing during rain. This rugged mountain path not only tests physical endurance but also embodies the poetic truth that "the most spectacular views are found at the most perilous peaks."

Post by NomadicNarrator | Jun 15, 2025