Mount Huangshan in southern Anhui is famed for its "four wonders": strange pines, odd rocks, seas of clouds and hot springs. The Ming traveller Xu Xiake declared it the finest mountain under heaven.
The Greeting Pine, about 800 years old, reaches out a "arm" to welcome visitors; Shixin Peak, Bright Summit and Lotus Peak each offer marvels, and the plank paths of the West Sea Grand Canyon are thrilling.
Cloud seas are common (especially after rain), with peaks floating above rolling white waves - the most stunning Huangshan experience, even better at sunrise and sunset.
Plan: stay one night on the summit (e.g. Bright Summit Hotel) for sunrise; take cable cars (80-100 yuan per way); many stone steps - wear grippy shoes.
Tickets: 190 yuan in high season, 150 in low season, cable cars extra; book on the official platform.
Below the mountain, Hongcun and Xidi are classic Hui-style villages of white walls, dark tiles and horse-head walls - add a day of Huizhou culture.
