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Huangshan is a prefecture-level city centered around the Huangshan Mountains in southern Anhui province, People's Republic of China. Its urban area was originally the city of Tunxi; this now constitutes Tunxi District. Huangshan is the southernmost prefecture-level city in the province and borders Chizhou to the northwest, Xuancheng to the northeast, and the provinces of Jiangxi and Zhejiang to the southwest and southeast, respectively. Huangshan, one of the most famous mountain peak in China, is a frequent place for tourist visits. In 1990, Huangshan was listed as a World Heritage Site.
Huangshan prefecture-level city corresponds largely to the historical region of Huizhou; indeed Huangshan prefecture-level city was known as Huizhou Prefecture before 1987. The name change was made to reflect the cultural and touristic preeminence of the Huangshan Mountains.
Administration
The prefecture-level city of Huangshan administers 7 county-level divisions, including 3 districts and 4 counties.
* Tunxi District
* Huangshan District
* Huizhou District
* She County
* Xiuning County
* Yi County
* Qimen County
These are further divided into 145 township-level divisions, including 42 towns, 100 townships and 3 subdistricts.
Economy
Keemun tea is produced in Qimen County, and the tea is named for the county.
Huangshan or "Yellow Mountain" is a granite massif consisting of 36 separate peaks, rising above 1800 metres. Famous throughout Chinese artistic history, Huangshan represents the typical mountain in Chinese paintings. Frequently shrouded in mist, the many peaks appear to float on clouds and have very fanciful names such as 18 Arhats Worshipping the South Sea, Lotus Flower Peak, Celestial Capital, Paint Brush etc.
Landscape
Jagged granite peaks clothed in uniquely shaped pine trees create a spectacular landscape of great interest to artists and photographers. The development of walking tracks and cable cars makes this landscape accessible to most active travellers.
Flora and fauna
Over 1450 kinds of plant are found within the Park. The most spectacular tree is the unique Pinus huangshanensis which grows precariously clinging to rock faces. Many of the trees have names such as the Welcoming Guest and the Seeing-off Guest Pines. Carpinus, Cornus, Enkianthus, Fraxinus, Rhododendron and Weigelia are some of the species of flowering tree to be seen. 470 species of animal have been recorded. The most frequently seen ground animals are squirrels and small skinks.
Climate
Cold at night; think 1800 meters above see level. Dangerously slippery ice on paths in winter.
Get in
AIR: The nearest domestic airport is at Tunxi; TRAIN: The nearest station is at Tunxi; BUS: Frequent direct buses run to Tangkou from Shanghai, Hangzhou....
Get around
From the town of Tangkou, at the foot of the mountain, a shuttle service operates every 20 minutes to the Hots Springs Area; Yuping Cable Car and Yungu (Cloud Valley) Cable Car (10RMB). Tangkou is quite walkable but taxis are available to scenic spots around the foot of the mountain.
See
The main tourist destination is Mt Huangshan itself. From the Yuping Cable Car/Mercy Light Temple entrance the "Western Steps" lead up for about 14 Km over spectacular terrain. Allow 6-7 hours for the ascent. At present, Lotus Flower Peak is closed for track maintenance. If you are fit and have a good head for heights the steep ascent to Celestial Capital Peak is rewarding. From the Yungu Cable Car carpark the ascent by the "Eastern Steps" is easier, taking as little as 2-3 hours. If you choose to descend by the Eastern Steps you can extend the hike by including the Nine Dragon Waterfall area (Jiu Long Pu) for an additional charge.
Do
Most tourists choose to stay overnight at one of several hotels in the Beihai region of the mountain to watch the sunset & sunrise.
Buy
An English language map is available in Tangkou and is worth purchasing as signage can be confusing.
Eat
Food options are limited on the mountain. There are (expensive) restaurants in all the hotels but it is hard for a solo traveller to find cheap food. There are several small grocery stores selling snacks & drinks.
Drink
Take plenty of water as the price rises steeply on the mountain. (6RMB per 600mL bottle). Local beer costs 10-15 RMB.
