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HUANGSHAN
At a glance | History | Attractions | Tours originating: Huangshan

Huangshan Attractions: Mt. Huangshan Scenic Spot | Mt. Jiuhuashan Scenic Spot | Tangyue Memorial Archway | Tunxi Ancient Street | Xidi and Hongcun

Huangshan at a glance:

In the southernmost part of Anhui province, Mt. Huangshan, in Yixian, 2200-year-county built in Qin dynasty (221 BC), famous for its Sijue "strange pines, absurd stones, sea of clouds and hot springs"; in 1990, listed in the "Inventory of the World's Cultural and Natural Heritage"  Neighboring Areas: Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei, Henan, and Shandong provinces. Physical Features: mainly covered by mountains and hills, rich geothermal energy resource, within the scope of slaterite and loess and with evergreen broadleaf. Population: 1.46 million. Urban Population: 0.4 million. Area: 9,807 sq. km. Nationalities: Han, Hui, and She. Climatic Features: subtropical humid monsoon climate; warm and rainy, 4 seasons clearly, frost-free period of 236 days; no severe coldness in winter. Average Temperature: 15 to 16C annually. Rainfall: annual precipitation of 1,670mm with the highest of 2,708mm, concentrated on May, June, July and August. Mountains: Mt. Huangshan famed for its beautiful natural scenery, Mt. Jiuhuashan and Mt. Qiyunshan. Rivers: Xin'anjiang River, Taiping Lake, Shuxi River and Huishui River. Products: paddy rice, wheat, tea, flue-cured tobacco, hemp, stock raising famous tea - Huangshan Maofeng and Taiping Houkui, Huangshan Magic Fungus-glossy Ganoderma, Huangshan Xianggu Mushroom, Huangshan Air-dried Bamboo Shoots. Arts and Crafts: Huangmei Drama, Anhui Qinshu, Shen Inkstone, Hui Ink, and Jingxian Xuan Paper.

History:

Hangshan City has a history of over 2,200 years. Its two ancient counties, Shexian and Yixian, were established during Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD) when the system of prefecture and county took shape. Huangshan City was formerly called Xin'an Prefecture, and later Huizhou Prefecture until it acquired its current name in 1987. Situated in a remote and picturesque mountainous area, Huizhou escaped many wars and battles throughout history. Refugees from the Central Plains came into this area and brought with them the Han culture starting from the Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD) and Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Many refugees were famous for their achievements in art, medicine, architecture and craftsmanship. Under their influences, Huizhou has become known as a remarkable place for producing great scholars, painters, artists and merchants. The contributions of these talented and industrious people, together with the 2,200-year history, have brought about the glorious and magnificent Huizhou Culture (also known as Xin'an Culture) which can be represented by Xin'an Philosophy, Xin'an Medicine School, Xin'an Painting School, Huizhou School of Woodblock, Huizhou Seal School, Huizhou Commerce, Huizhou Opera, Huizhou Cuisine, Huizhou Sculpture and Huizhou Style Architecture. This culture, originated mainly from the Central Plains (an area which comprises the middle and lower reaches of the Huanghe River) and integrated with traces of Shan'yue Culture, is an important part of Chinese Civilization. As a matter of fact, Huizhou Culture has become one of the three main fields of the Chinese Culture (Han) Study, the other two being Dunhuang and Tibetan Cultures. This is why more and more scholars form home and abroad turn their attention to Huizhou Culture, and many visitors have come to this area to examine the historical sites and relics. So far, more than 4,900 sites and relics were found, among which, 57 sites are listed as key units under the state or provincial protection. The best known sites are the Qiankou Ancient Residence (in Huizhou District), Xugou Memorial Archway and Tangyue Archway Group (in Shexian County), Xidi Village and Hongcun Village (in Yixian County), just to name a few. The classic, elegant design of the buildings and the ingenious, magnificent layout of the landscapes are outstanding in its own way. Huangshan City is not only noted for its charming natural landscapes but also celebrated for its ancient history and culture. In fact, Huangshan City is worthy of a national park and a museum where one can enjoy to one's heart's content.