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The Oscar winning film Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
made many people dream of running up trees and sword fighting
among the treetops or flying off a bridge into the mist filled
mountains below. The good news for fantasists is that these
dramatic scenes can be recreated yourself (at least the scenery
bit) in the Yellow Mountains of the south China Anhui
province where much of the movie's filming actually took
place. These mountains have lured not only filmmakers but
also millions of poets, painters and the general population
for centuries that wanted to experience the awesome beauty
of the jagged rocky peaks dotted with odd shaped pines, and
mountains floating in the seas of mist. These are the peaks
that modelled for the traditional Chinese paintings and inspired
the famous poet Li Bai to write his poem:
Once I was on its lofty summit,
Admiring Tianmu Pine Below.
The place is still traceable where the immortal
Before ascending to heaven made elixir out of jade.
Since 1990, this mountain range, where the scenery changes
from minute to minute, has been declared a UNESCO World Cultural
and Natural Heritage site. With 72 peaks and numerous mountain
trails, this spot also make an ideal haunt for the adventure
and beauty seeking trekker. The temperatures are agreeable
all year round (from 60-70F) and multiple hot springs are
waiting to soothe the sore legs and feet of any trekker upon
their return from the mountain trails.
How to get started:
The entrance fee for the Mt. Huagnshan area in general
is 65 Yuan and this can be bought at the start of the eastern
steps near the Yungsui telpher stop. There are three ways
to get to the summit (Lotus Flower Peak - the highest
peak in the range at over 5,000ft):
- Eastern Steps: The moderate sloped 7 1/2 miles to
the top will take around 3 hours with chances for a stop at
the Cloud Valley Scenic Spot.
- Western Steps: This is a much more difficult route,
twice as long and strenuous as its eastern brother. It may
be tough work but the spectacular scenery and multiple scenic
spots offering a place of rest will reward you. The trail
begins from the Mercy Light Temple, about 2 miles above
the Hot Springs Scenic Area. "Locks of love"
pave your route, as this is the spot where young lovers come
to fasten their name engraved locks to the chains along the
path to symbol that they are locked together in love.
- Telphur: This is by far the easiest and least painful
way to get to the summit. Telphurs are the cable cars that
take only a matter of minutes to whisk you away to the highest
point in the mountain range and enjoy the views from there.
But wouldn't that just be cheating?
Scenic points and trails
Along the trails, many scenic spots offer spectacular views
of the various peaks and odd-looking rock formations, all
named according to the things or ideas they resemble. The
scenes change from minute to minute as the mist tides ebb
and flow offering hours of spectacular viewing entertainment.
Among the many scenic points and peaks, the Beginning
to Believe Peak is one of the most spectacular. This is
the point where they say you really come to appreciate the
incomprehensible beauty that your senses have been overloaded
with up until now. The view from this spot is exactly what
you had pictured in your mind with mountains floating in the
seas of mist and fog, obscure rock formations and lone standing
pine trees that have weathered the years of erosion.
The Cloud Valley scenic area is the jump off point for those
interested in longer than day hike. From here, various mountain
trails can offer days of trekking pleasure. Don't forget your
rain gear since the mist is unrelenting in this land of the
heavens. |
