Huangshan's diverse ecosystems support approximately 300 vertebrate species, including the Tibetan macaque, clouded leopard, and various endemic bird species. The mountain is an important habitat for several endangered species and serves as a crucial wildlife corridor in eastern China. Birdwatchers can spot numerous rare species, including the yellow-throated bunting and the Chinese bamboo partridge.
The mountain hosts over 1,450 plant species, including rare and endemic varieties. The area is particularly known for its ancient Huangshan pine trees, some over 1,500 years old, which grow directly from the rock faces in seemingly impossible positions. The mountain also features extensive bamboo forests, alpine meadows, and numerous species of medicinal plants.
Formed approximately 100 million years ago through granite uplift, Huangshan features distinctive granite peaks and outcroppings shaped by glacial and erosional processes. The mountain range consists of 72 major peaks, with the highest, Lotus Peak, reaching 1,864 meters (6,115 feet). The distinctive rock formations are characterized by their jagged profiles and smooth surfaces, created through centuries of weathering.
Known as 'Yellow Mountain,' Huangshan was named in honor of the legendary Yellow Emperor (Huang Di) in 747 CE. Originally called Mt. Yi, it has been a source of inspiration for Chinese artists and poets for millennia. The mountain became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 and has played a crucial role in the development of Chinese landscape painting and literature.
The mountain is renowned for its 'Four Wonders': oddly-shaped pines, peculiar granite peaks, the sea of clouds, and hot springs. The Xihai Grand Canyon offers spectacular views, while the mountain's numerous stone steps and paths, including the famous 'Hundred Steps Bridge,' provide access to scenic viewpoints. The area also features several historic temples and pavilions that reflect traditional Chinese architecture.
Huangshan experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters (December-February) are cool and damp with occasional snow, while summers (June-August) are hot and humid. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant temperatures but can be rainy. The mountain is famous for its 'sea of clouds' phenomenon, best viewed during early mornings or after rainfall, occurring on average 200 days per year.
China
30.1330°, 118.1670°
1990
154
Huangshan is renowned for its granite peaks, hot springs, and iconic pine trees growing from rocky outcrops. The mountain often features a sea of clouds creating ethereal landscapes. It has inspired Chinese art and literature for centuries and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.