Huang Shan

(by Suzanne)

When I went to China in 1986, I intended to go to Huang Shan. Then I found out that Tibet had just officially opened to foreigners, so I went there instead. Tibet was totally worth it, but I've been pining to see Huang Shan ever since. So when we were planning this trip, and Tom asked, "Are we going anywhere pretty on this trip? I don't want to spend the whole time in big polluted cities", I immediately suggested Huang Shan.

According to our guidebook (Lonely Planet), there are three ways up the mountain: the short hard way (the Eastern Steps), the longer harder way ( the Western Steps), and the short easy way (the cable car). Guess which way we took.

From the top of the Yuping cable car, we climbed many flights of stairs up to a large plaza where there is a hotel, a tea shop, snack stands, and trinket vendors. Even on a Monday in the off season, it was mobbed. One reason is the presence here of the Welcoming Guest Pine, posssibly the world's most famous tree, as it is pictured on the 5 yuan bill.

The Tree itself

Tree on 5 yuan bill

For a stiff price, you can have your picture taken in front of it, otherwise you are not allowed to approach The Tree.

Other images from the mountain:

Three happy hikers

Uh...no comment

A staircase on a nearby peak

More stairs

Pretty