Hiking the Breathtaking HuangShan (黄山) West Sea Grand Canyon

on April 2, 2013

West Sea Hike in Huangshan is a thrilling hike in the less crowded West Sea Canyon (西海大峡谷), where a narrow cliff-side footpath zigzagging its way down the steep canyon. It is a must-go hike if you are in HuangShan mountain.

We couldn’t wait to depart to HuangShan after taking the buffet breakfast in hotel. This is because HuangShan is the main reason we came for this trip. We hire a taxi to take us from the hotel to the cable car station. It took an hour and we deliberately arrive very early as we have heard stories of people queuing for hours just to get the cable car ticket

The mountains themselves were carved by glaciers during the Quaternary. Vegetation on the range is thickest below 1100 m, with trees growing up to the treeline at 1800 m.

Sitting in the cable car, we could get to see the top of the peak.

The panoramic view of the HuangShan landscape.

HuangShan is a mountain range in southern Anhui province in eastern China. The range is a composed of material that was uplifted from an ancient sea during the Mesozoic era, 100 million years ago.

About 20 min later, we reached the cable car station at one of the tops. Finally, we were at HuangShan

In order to avoid massive crowds, we deliberately went up the mountain on a weekday.

There are several routes with different starting points. But most people would recommend to explore HuangShan from the front side of the mountain, for better view along the way.

Since we would put a night in HuangShan, the first thing to do was to check in our hotel and off load the foods we have put in our back pack.

HuangShan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, well known for its scenery, sunsets, peculiar granite peaks, pine trees, and view of the clouds from above.

To the kids, they knew it’s going to be another long-hour hiking trip. They took it easily, and no complaint thus far. I think they could take it well is because they have each other as good company.

There are several hotels on HuangShan, this is one of them, but not the one we have booked. Husband said our hotel is very close to this one.

The view platform in front of that hotel (forgot what it’s called).

It was not easy to take a photo without someone blocking my way. But I did it in 5 seconds when I finally got a chance

A few hundred meters from that hotel, we found ours, Shilin Hotel.

In the hotel’s lobby. As commented by many tourists, the room’s condition is quite worn out, not justifiable for its high price. But I think we can’t expect high for the hotel atop a mountain, where management & maintenance is difficult. Although pricey, the good thing is, we have bought more time to see the mountain in broader perspective.

Passing by one of the famous pine trees. This tree has 2 bodies growing side by side, like Siamese twins.

Up to this point, the walk was still pretty relax and easy.

We couldn’t lift it even with 4 hands, or 6 hands….

We were heading to Grand Canyon of West Sea, one of the best that shouldn’t be skipped.

The time was nearly 3.30 pm by then, and the place had become very foggy.

I simply don’t agree of this love-logic. Seriously, I don’t want to lock my loved one, nor be locked by my loved one. To me, freedom is one of the most important thing in life. So, it’s no way I’m going to do this.

As usual, we walked and took photos along the way…

Need to remind them not to go near to the edge again…Sigh.

I realized the stair case was not grounded, but supported by several pillars at certain distance only.

This staircase is extremely steep. I almost need to sit down in order to bring myself down..

To be honest, I felt freaking scared of it. If I ever think more, I would for sure back off.

Even though this part is very steep too, but it’s less scary, cause I feel protected at both side.

We saw this bridge hanging in the thin air, below is a 1000 m depth. Knowing we just got to cross over it, I took a very deep breath. I dare not stop on the bridge and took photos as I usually did else where, unless I know how to fly in case I fell down.