Huang Shan, the City of Yellow Mountain(631 views)

Release date:2010-10-25 16:11:36

Anhui Province that is situated in the southeast region of China has the famous Huang Shan Mountain, which is otherwise known as the ‘Yellow Mountain’. Huang Shan City is the most visited destination in Anhui Province because of Huang Shan Mountain and many other tourist destinations. Huang Shan City with thousands of years of history was known as Xin ‘an during Jin dynasty.

Huang Shan Mountain (The Yellow Mountain) was famous even during ancient times. Other places of interest like Tangyue Memorial Archway, Tunxi Street and ancient villages attract more tourists to Huang Shan City. It is said that no mountain is equivalent to ‘The Big Five’, most famous five mountains in China but the view that is unveiled to the visitors looking from the top of Huang Shan Mountain, proves different. Beautiful pine trees, interesting rocks, springs, and wreath of clouds altogether give out a dramatic setting of a typical Chinese landscape painting. Huang Shan Mountain can be visited any time of the year as each season offers a unique look different from the other. For those who like colder climate can visit during winter when mesmerizing view of the valley engulfed by mist can be viewed from the top of mountains..

Tangyue Memorial Archway situated in Tangyue village is actually seven archways built in honor of a few members of Bao family; each with a touching story to tell its visitors. You can also visit Nuci and Nanci Temple otherwise known as Qingyi and Dunben Ancestral Temple.

Tunxi Street in Tunxi District has an interesting story behind its emergence. Emperor Huizong of Song Dynasty decided to move his capital to Hangzhou, and he employed several craftsmen and architects for constructing a new capital. After construction, those who came back to Tunxi built a replica of what they constructed in the capital. Centuries later a clever business man built 47 stores to open business, which eventually became famous. It developed as a distribution center later during Qing Dynasty. Either sides of the Tunxi Street are lined with two or three storey commercial buildings constructed in typical ancient Anhui style with houses at the back. Other than strolling down this narrow street, you can also visit two famous museums in Tunxi; Tunxi Museum where calligraphy, paintings and furniture from Ming and Qing Dynasties are exhibited and Wancuilou Museum, the first private museum where ink stones, brushes, ink slabs, ink sticks are displayed and sold. The biggest ink stone that weighs 12,500 kg is also exhibited in Wancuilou Museum. Tunxi Street that has a total length of 1273 meters is a good place to buy local souvenirs and curios. Xidi and Hongcun Ancient Villages are two great examples of typical Southern Anhui villages, and they are listed among world heritage sites by UNESCO.

Xidi Village that can be dated back to Northern Song Dynasty has 124 ancient residences, three ancestral halls, garden, pavilions, and archways rich in fine carvings existed during Ming and Qing Dynasties. What makes Hongcun Village fascinating is the layout of the village. It is in the shape of ox with a hill that acts as head and two trees on it as horns. In the body made of residences, winding streams become intestines, a pond becomes stomach and to complete the picture, four bridges become four legs. Chengzhi Hall in this village is known to have used five kilograms of gold to cover carvings.

Jiuhua Mountains that covers an area more than 100 square kilometers is not only one among beautiful summer resorts known in China but also a pilgrimage for the followers of Buddhism. With 82 temples, monasteries, 3000 Buddhist statues and 300 monks on the mountain, it is also known as ‘Immortal City of the Buddhist Kingdom’. Famous temples to visit on the mountain are Huacheng, Zhiyuan, Ganlu and Baisuigong. Most of the temples can be dated back to Qing and Ming Dynasties of which Huacheng is the oldest temple. Baisuigong Temple has the 350 year old skeleton of Monk Wu Xia, who spent his life writing sutras. Fragrance of incense, chants rising from monks, and people praying with bowed heads make the atmosphere here more charismatic..

Great scenic views and nostalgic ancient streets make Huang Shan City, a famous destination for those who are traveling to Anhui.

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