Has anybody visited Huang Shan? If so, how did you find it? Is it worth a visit. I am travelling through China for 10 days starting with 4 days in Beijing, ending with 2 in Shanghai. I am looking for somwhere to visit in between time which is less urbanised and more natural. What do you think? Also, can you recommend any accommodation there?

We visited Huang Shan. There's a cable car part way up, but we walked all the way up. You can also get carried up in a sedan chair. In China, the price usually starts high to be bargained down, but the price starts low if you're buying a service and gets jacked up after they've carried you partway up and decide that you're too heavy. Another thing to be prepared for is that once you're on the mountain, you have to pay more to reach the higher peaks (ran into that at some temples, too). The mountains and unusual rocks and trees are stunning. The paths go under huge boulders and up to high peaks along steep steps which can be scary because they're either out in the open or squeezing between huge rock formations. The sunrises and sunsets are supposed to be spectacular, but it was foggy when we were there. There are two hotels at the top. Looking at a map, we stayed at the newer hotel on the right, but I think the older hotel on the left is better. At the bottom of the mountain, we stayed at a hotel with both Chinese and "western" restaurants, but I think we were the first people who had ever eaten in the "western" restaurant. We visited Huang Shan after cruising the Yangtze. Luckily, there was a family of seven on the cruise going to Huang Shan because otherwise our flight would have been canceled because they had no passengers making the return trip. It is "less urbanized and more natural," but that doesn't mean no people. Be prepared for lots of people! Have fun!

Thanks for your reply and advice Eunice. Looking forward to the visit!

The view is fantastic if clouds part. We saw nothing as we hiked, then suddenly the mist moves on to reveal peaks, pines, rock formations and everyone cheers and just as suddenly the clouds could move in again. The guide we had said that some days the mountain is all covered with clouds. Start very early in the morning before the mist rises up from the valley. I could not get enough of the place and used a lot of films; on the other hand another couple in our group was bored after 30 minutes of hiking. It was interesting too to see supplies and construction materials being carried up or down the mountain. I had found a web site with detailed information of the mountain paths, but I can't recall its url.

Try this site: <BR>http://www.hkadventurer.com/huangshan/huangshan.htm

Thanks for your replies. After visiting the website recommended by Les I'm now not sure whether to go to Huang Shan or Tian Shan. Any advice? I had heard that Tian Shan was very commercialised which is why I had chosen Huang Shan, but it doesn't look that way from the photos. Any advice? HELP!

Sorry guys, please ignore last question. I was getting confused.

Hi we just came back from Huang Shan we wrote three blog posts about it at www.sethliz.typepad.com

The mountain was crowded with tourists. At times, the path was as crowded as a Shanghai subway car during rush hour. Despite the crowds, we had a great time. If you want to see some absolutely beautiful scenery and don't mind hoards of tourists, it is a great trip.