Been to Shanghai thrice and each time, I would visit nearby cities. The first time was to Hangzhou where I soaked in the beauty of West Lake. The second trip was a tour of Hangzhou, Suzhou and Nanjing where I enjoyed the old water towns and grand canals.
On my third visit, a solo trip to Anhui province, I ‘climbed’ the Huangshan Mountain and visited the ancient villages of Hongchun and Xidi. That was exactly a year ago. Little did we know that COVID-19 would strike, and put all international travel to a stop.
Have always wanted to visit a national park in China because of the magnificence it promises, being one of the largest countries in the world. Looking back at my 2 days 1 night on Huangshan Mountain, what stood out for me was the vastness of the nature, the poetic beauty of the Chinese language and the imagination of the Chinese.
Did not have the opportunity to experience the other two wonders – the sea clouds and the hot spring – on this trip. Guess this gives me another reason to revisit the Huangshan Mountain, perhaps in another season.
Parting thoughts:
Surprised to see people and cable cars transporting goods up the Huangshan Mountain, which drives the costs of commodities. A bit baffled that there are walking paths but no roads on the mountain. Guess it helps to preserve the national park and to create jobs.
Engaged a local guide but would have gone free and easy if I knew how easy it is to navigate the mountain. There are walking paths with good sign posts, and many tourists with guides on loudhailers all around. Just do some homework to better appreciate the 4 wonders.
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