Qishan Sea of Clouds｜The Five Wonders of Huangshan, an Enchanted Realm, Attend a Heavenly Appointment

As a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, Huangshan’s "Five Wonders" are considered nature’s top masterpieces. Each scene carries its own poetry and awe, leading you into a real-life fairyland.

1. Five Wonders Tour: Unlock the Core Charm of Huangshan

- The Pine Symphony: Huangshan pines are born from stone and nurtured by clouds. The Welcoming Pine stretches its arms to greet visitors with a vigorous posture; the Farewell Pine nods in parting with deep affection; the Twin Pines intertwine their trunks, narrating a millennium of love. These beings rooted on sheer cliffs are like exquisite poems the earth writes to the sky.

- The Strange Stones: Huangshan’s peculiar rocks come in countless shapes, sparking imagination. The “Monkey Gazing at the Sea” quietly watches the ever-changing sea of clouds; the “Flying Stone” hangs on the mountain peak like an otherworldly object; the “Dream Pen Blossoms” resembles a divine brushstroke sketching the landscape. Each stone is a masterpiece crafted by nature’s magic.

- The Sea of Clouds Feast: When drifting clouds pass over Lotus Peak, Bright Summit becomes an island in the sea of clouds; the sea of clouds in the West Sea Grand Canyon flows like ink painting, sometimes light and stretched, sometimes surging wildly. Viewed from a drone, the entire sea of clouds looks like a fairyland, intoxicating the soul.

- Whispering Hot Springs: The 42°C sodium bicarbonate hot springs are the perfect comfort after climbing. Especially in winter, with snow drifting and steam rising from the hot springs, watching snowflakes fall into the warm pools offers a unique “fire and ice” delight, washing away all fatigue.

- Winter Snow Fairy Tale: From December to February, Huangshan is wrapped in silver. The rime and ice crystals are crystal clear; you can build snowmen in front of Yuping Building, and the sunrise after snow at Bright Summit is stunning, as if stepping into the fairy tale world of "Frozen."

2. Peak Experiences: Challenge and Beauty Combined

- Lotus Peak (1864m): Climb the 90° vertical trail, test your courage to the limit, reach the summit to touch the “Huangshan’s Highest Peak” inscription, and overlook the tiny mountains below.

- West Sea Grand Canyon: Ride the popular cable car train, cross a thousand-meter drop, and enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the cliff-like sheer walls.

- Tiandu Peak (1810m): Walk the “Crucian Carp Back” path flanked by deep chasms on both sides, earn a certificate upon reaching the summit, witnessing the journey of a brave soul.

3. Cultural Codes: Explore Huangshan’s Historical Imprints

- The Legend of the Yellow Emperor’s Alchemy: Search for the Danjing relics beneath Xuanyuan Peak, listen to the pine waves by the Xiyao Stream, and feel the mystery of ancient legends.

- Xu Xiake’s Footsteps: Stand at the Shixin Peak viewing platform and relive Xu Xiake’s awe when he said, “After returning from Huangshan, no other mountain is worth seeing.”

- Cliff Inscriptions: The “Standing Horse Facing the East Sea” and 320 other inscriptions in Sanhua Valley, written in various scripts including cursive and seal script, are historical landscapes left behind.

4. Travel Guide: Easily Explore Huangshan

- Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Huangshan North Station, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus for a 1-hour direct ride to the South Gate.

- Tickets: Peak season tickets cost 190 RMB; the West Sea Grand Canyon cable car one-way ticket is 100 RMB.

- Accommodation: For stargazing on the summit, choose Baiyun Hotel; for unique stays, the Nordic-style cave rooms at Paiyunxing Inn are a great choice.