Yellow Mountain ranks among China's most treasured scenic spots, and has inspired poets, painters, and adventurers alike to capture the spirit of the mountain throughout the ages. Its charm lies in its mystical, otherworldly landscape, and includes strange pines, fantastic rock formations, misty clouds that engulf the peaks, and hot springs.
In the Qin Dynasty (221-206 B.C.) it was known as Black Mountain and the name was changed to Yellow Mountain in the Tang Dynasty (618-917 A.D.) by the emperor Xuanzong.
Yellow Mountain is situated in the south of Anhui Province and covers an area of about 250 square kilometers. There are numerous peaks and summits, seventy-two of which have been named. The highest peak is the Lotus Flower Peak, which sits at 1,864 meters above sea level. This is one of the three main peaks that are considered to be forbiddingly steep, the other two being Bright Summit (Guang Ming Ding) at 1,860 meters, and Heavenly Capital Peak (Tian Du Feng) at 1,840 meters.
The pines on Yellow Mountain possess an impressive grace and hardiness. The best known of the pines are the Welcoming Pine and the Lying Dragon Pine. Picturesque rock formations are seen everywhere on the mountain, some of which eerily resemble humans or other objects, even animals and birds in motion. There is also a cluster of hot springs which never dries up, and whose crystal clear water has a reputation for being good for both drinking and bathing. Yellow Mountain is also noted for its variety of exotic and rare wildlife.
