China Travel Reference

Huangshan
	Lauded as “No, 1 Mountain under the Heaven”, Mount Hangshan is one of 10 major scenic resorts of China. The 154-sq-km Huangshan Mount scenic area in southern Anhui Province contains over 400 natural views. There are 77 peaks of over 1,000 m around the Lianhua (Lotus) Peak, the highest point, about 1,846 m above sea level. In addition, there are about 100 springs and pools. Mountain Hauangshan is noted for its “four wonders”: namely, well-shaped pine trees, grotesque rocks, ocean of clouds, and hot springs. With 83 percent of vegetation coverage, a stable ecological environment and 1,450 protophytes, it is also a treasure house of plant resources in southern China..
As a famous cultural mountain, Mount Huangshan has a long history, attracting numerous men of letters, celebrities and renowned scholars from ancient to modern times. There are over 20,000 poems in praise of it, nearly 100 extant ancient buildings, 200 stone inscriptions, and 36,000 stone steps on the 50,000 m of the ancient “rocky mountain path”, connecting all the scenic spots. In 1990 the UNESCO put Mount Hangshan on its list of the World Natural and Cultural Heritages.


Jiuhuashan
	The mountain lies 20 kilometers southwest of Qingyang County and is about 1,342 meters high. As the Bodhimanda of ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, it is regarded as one of the four molst famous Buddhist Mountains. It consists of 99 peaks. The 120-square-kilometer are is full of ridges and peaks, exotic-shaped rocks, roaring waterfalls and clear streams, which establish a reputation of “Number one Mountain in the Southeast China.” All its major scenic spots and famed temples are found within an area of 100 square km. These include 86 temples that enshrine 6,800 Buddhist statues with more than 700 monks and nuns. Among all temples, the Huacheng Temple, Corporeal Body Hall and Temple of Nectar are the most famous. On the 30th day of the 7th lunar month, a traditional temple fair is held on the Jiuhua Mountain to mark the passing away of Ksitigarbha.

Hongcun and Xidi

	Also known as Zhaoling, it got the present name from its location in northern suburbs of Shenyang city and was called “the Three Mausoleums of the Qing Dynasty out of Shanhai Pass”, along with Fuling and Yongling Tombs. Covering an area of 180,000 square meters, it was the tomb of Qing Emperor Abahai and his wife. Completed in 1651, or the eighth year of Emperor Shunzhi’s reign, it is an integration of Manchu, Han and Mongolia architectural arts.