Experiencing Huangshan Mountain

As I stepped off the cable car at the uppermost cable lift station, at the top of a downward spiralling walkway, I looked around. Within 154 sq km (60 sq mi) were 72 mist-shrouded mountain peaks that dominated the landscape. As it is often described, it truly appeared to be the 'home of clouds and fog'.

I then looked below me and peered upon man-made steps that stretched under a crystalline blue sky for as far as the eye could see. I thought to myself, "It’s a good thing that we are going down, as I would never be able to climb them."

Turning to the guide, I asked, "Are we going to return on the same path?" "No!" he replied, as he ran downward, leading his flock. I had just turned 86 and feared that I would not be able to make the upward return journey. As I followed the group, I could only, to some degree, enjoy the fabulous scenery. I had to concentrate on not missing a step and tumbling into oblivion.

The mountain landscape, through which we were passing, is world famous for its enchanting and fantastically shaped granite peaks, the highest 1,800 m (5,904 ft), emerging from a sea of clouds, fine hot springs, grotesque rocks, and strange pine trees. It is also significant in Chinese art, culture, and literature - especially with regards to China’s traditional religions. Many of these peaks carry their names from ancient Chinese stories about immortals.

Immortalised in ancient and modern Chinese art, this area, about 450 km (280 mi) southwest of Shanghai, of hanging mists and steep rising ledges, is of outstanding beauty and considered by most Chinese as one of the greatest tourist destinations. It is an ideal location to travel to any time of the year. In spring, the colourful flowers cover the slopes and fill the valleys with their fragrance; in summer, it is a joy to see the foliage-clad peaks rising one upon the other and hear the whispers of gurgling springs in the distance; in autumn, the whole landscape is immersed in colour and life; and in winter, a world of magical frost and ice is created from the mountain.

The Yellow Mountain can be compared to a large botanical garden with some 1,500 species of plants, shrubs, and trees. Here too are found at least 300 medicinal herbs - a huge natural pharmacy. The mountain is also the habitat for a wide variety of wild animals and rare birds, such as the oriole and silver pheasant.

Seeing that I was having trouble in my descent and feeling sorry for me, a young lady in our group took my hand and helped to steer me down the steps. It then became easier to look around and admire the seducing mountain vistas, while the cool breeze caressed my now tired body.

Dodging tour groups as we moved along was, at times, dangerous. The steps were man-made and offered sure footing, but the twists and turns made our descent somewhat precarious. The feeling of apprehension did indeed take over me, at every turn.

After about an hour, our group stopped to rest near the mountainside and was engulfed by the cool mountain breeze. Now, feeling worried about the return journey, I again asked the guide about the route of return, "Is the return route steep? Are there steep steps to climb?" He nonchalantly answered, "Of course! More than those you have descended. If you think you cannot make it, we will arrange for a chair to carry you back. It will only cost you 500 yuan (about 75dollars). In the meantime, you can just rest in this mountain paradise hotel until we finish our journey and return." "It’s a deal," I said, as I breathed a sigh of relief.