Huang shan gui lai bu kan shan." 2

[johnhuangshan]

about mountains. It's like New York. If you make it there, you'll make it anywhere.
The entire mountain is about 150 square kms. in area, and the summit (Lian Hua Feng, Lotus Peak) is about 1864 meters above sea level. Huang Shan is regarded as the number one intriguing mountain in China with rare pine trees, unusual rock formations, scenery of sea of clouds, hot springs, etc. The main scenery of Huang Shan is comprised of two ponds, three waterfalls, 24 creeks, and 72 peaks. Among then, the 'Tiando Peak' or (Celestial Capital Peak) is extremely steep, with a flat top surrounded by dancing clouds. It was nicknamed the 'Gathering Place of Fairies'.
And so I made my way to Huangshan, fired by wanderlust and that stinging sensation of impending victory a la Karate Kid. Only once faced with the mammoth challenger, I felt more like a wilting flower than the young warrior-apprentice. Before me were steep ridges, the whole climb of which was estimated to take five to six hours, non-stop. Suddenly the cable car seemed a very attractive option.
Be brave, the wind suddenly whispered in chants. Yeah, in English. Only to notice I was just psyching myself up, letting the elements of nature flow through me and silencing all others.