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Winter is spectacular on Huangshan Mountain

Updated: 2010-12-08 15:22

The best reason to visit Huangshan Mountain from December to February is the snow. Because of the regions special geographical features, winter lasts a comparatively long time. Winter snow on Huangshan Mountain is one of the mountain’s five wonders, adding to the oddly shaped pines, bizarre rocks, seas of clouds, thermal springs and winter snows.

Huangshan Mountain lies in a subtropical zone, so it's not too cold in winter. The temperature ranges from 25 °F to 40 °F, which is enough to result in fantastic snowfalls, turning the mountain into a silvery world.

After a snowfall, the magic occurs when the snow settles on the ancient pines, rocks, and pools of Huangshan Mountain. The natural hot springs and pools are encircled by snow, and the rocks and pines covered in white are reflected in the water. It makes the mountain seem both tranquil and mysterious. It is no wonder that poets have been inspired for centuries by Huangshan Mountain.

The peaks of Huangshan Mountain look different when covered with snow. Lotus Peak becomes a snow lotus, and the Nine Dragons Peak turns into a serpentine jade dragon flying over a sea of clouds. The stone forest in the West Scenic Area becomes a forest of silver and jade.

Overnight winds can bring thousands of snowflakes to the mountains. Clusters of pine needles in the snow look like blooming chrysanthemums. Icicles hanging from trees are like long, transparent bead curtains. When the wind blows, the curtains clang as if nature is leading a concerto. The music resonates in the mountains, composing another gift of nature for the people who come from afar to appreciate its beauty.

Winter is also the best time to view the sunrise at Huangshan Mountain, when clouds appear as if they are ringed by golden thread. Sometimes the bright colors make the mountain seem as if it is ringed by a halo of fire. Although the colorful sight is a natural phenomenon, it is a favorable sign in the eyes of Chinese people.

By Audrey and Fu Bo