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Huang Shan has a long standing reputation around the country and abroad for its four wonders-uniquely shaped pines, grotesque rock formations, the sea of clouds and hot springs. There is a saying that “one can never appreciate comprehensively the beauty of Huang Shan until he finally climbs up the mountain, otherwise, what he gets is only a confused concept of it.” I finally understood this saying after I had visited Huang Shan. Indeed, except for seeing it with my eyes and soul, it is beyond my ability to describe the wonders of Huangshan Mountain. It is works of art by nature.
On May 1, 2008, my friend and I began the trip to our yearning destination- Huang Shan. Night fell when we arrived at the train station. In order to save time, we took a taxi to Tangkou and rest in Tangkou Hotel, which is close to a hill. Our room was on the forth floor. In the evening, the hill, wrapped with darkness seemed to be reached from the window. Under the window is a river flowing down the hill. At that moment, I could not wait to climb up Huang Shan.
Early in the next morning, lots of tourists had been waiting in line at the gate of Huang Shan. Full of enthusiasm, we chose a path on the hillside to begin our trip. The beauty along the path was so appealing that we almost forgot the burden of our packs on the back. At that time, the fog unveiled suddenly, and the clouds came out to our sights. It seemed that the curtain of nature was being undrew in front of us. We could see clearly the distant hills. It was amazing. We took many photos, and almost forgot all fatigue. About 10 o’clock, we finally got to the top of Huang Shan.
When people were busy taking photos, I went to Xinfeng Mountain, walking along the stone path, breathing the fresh air and enjoying the warm sunshine. The sea of clouds wrapping the mountain was so misty that it gave people endless imagination. It seemed that I was in the dreamland.
Walking down the mountain, we got to the Emerald Valley on the foot of Huang Shan. The Emerald Valley got this beautiful name from the famous movie Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon directed by Ann Lee, the outstanding Chinese director. It is far more beautiful than seen on TV. The clear water from Huang Shan gathering here and the sunshine sprinkling on the surface, the valley looks much like a big emerald. The small waterfall flows into the valley, making some euphonious sounds of nature. In Lee’s movie it can create a romantic atmosphere to express his understanding of love. No wonder it got this beautiful name. Four Chinese characters “五彩缤纷” were carved in the huge stone beside the valley. I don’t think these characters can describe the beauty of this valley. In my opinion it is totally unnecessary here. As long as one opens both his eyes and soul he could experience this picturesque scenery. There are tens of ponds in the Emerald Valley. Some of them got their names for their shapes, colors or related legends, which are written next to them. In a word, they are all very delicate.
In order not to miss the sunrise, we got up and climbed up to the top of Huang Shan that is more than 1000meters high when it was still very dark the next morning. A great many of people had sit in the Paiyun Pavilion before we got there. They were all waiting anxiously and excitedly. Some had been holding their cameras firmly; others were talking and laughing happily. Soon the distant clouds became clearer slowly. Not long before the red sun leapt out from the hill suddenly. We were busy taking photos of this wonderful moment. At that moment I realized what a mistake I had made for a long time that the sun rises very slowly. Now I see it. I wanted my fill of beauty before I went down the mountain, so I kept sitting there to enjoy the very first morning. I felt my life was so colorful at that time.
When we got down the mountain, I was so very excited that I didn’t want to go back to the hotel at once. Then we went shopping. The people in Anhui province were renowned hundreds years ago for their history of commerce. They are good at doing business. We enjoyed bargaining with the sellers, and learned a lot from them.
Since the trip to Huang Shan was so excited and wonderful, I was looking forwards to my next travel to Beihai in Guangxi province. Cool!