Day 358: Mellow Yellow

Shanghai – Huangshan, China

Huangshan literally translates as “Yellow Mountain.”

A week ago when chatting with a local, I asked whereabout in China I would be able to see the steep mountains with pines on them like the ones so typical in Chinese paintings. I was pointed to Huangshan.

Almost six hours away from Shanghai, it requires a ride that passes through two provinces: Zhejiang and Anhui.

Once we’re at the base of the mountain, our tour guide suggested that we take the furnicular up to mid point. It is a wise idea. From the base to the mid point involves walking up thousands of steep staircases with not much sceneries, requiring about 3-4 hours. The good views are from the mid point up to the different peaks. Fear not of not having the chance to hike. There’s still about 4-5 worth of hiking up there.

The scenes found up in Huangshan did not disappoint. They’re just as magnificent as they’re unique. I have yet to see views like these elsewhere in the world.

The weather in the mountain is unpredictable. We had a lovely weather; sunny sky and milder temperature. But what we miss with the perfect weather is the fog that is commonplace and often portrayed in paintings.

The group spent the night on top of one of the peaks. Most went to bed at around 8pm due to tiredness and the fact that it’s pitch dark outside.