To mark the end of 2024 I did something unexpected, and possibly foolhardy. Inspired by a (fitter) friend, I climbed to the top of China's famed Yellow Mountain, Huangshan
A trick I learned is to climb the second-highest mountain in the area. Usually it is virgin, deserted, no people and nature surrounds you. Often there is no infrastructure though.
I climbed it in 2012 and the memories are still vivid (my knees have only recently forgiven me) . I was the only laowai in our small group and made to feel quite special , which is an endearing attribute of Chinese people. Three elderly ladies dressed as if to do the daily shop frequently put the rest of us to shame by constantly chattering whilst zipping way ahead and having to await the rest of us several flights up.
The views, the companionship, the physical effort, got to be up there in the top 10 things to experience in China. But oh those endless flights of unforgiving stairs…..
A trick I learned is to climb the second-highest mountain in the area. Usually it is virgin, deserted, no people and nature surrounds you. Often there is no infrastructure though.
A great idea - as long there are trails. Google Maps doesn't work in China, and the local alternatives mostly require Chinese-language skills...
I climbed it in 2012 and the memories are still vivid (my knees have only recently forgiven me) . I was the only laowai in our small group and made to feel quite special , which is an endearing attribute of Chinese people. Three elderly ladies dressed as if to do the daily shop frequently put the rest of us to shame by constantly chattering whilst zipping way ahead and having to await the rest of us several flights up.
The views, the companionship, the physical effort, got to be up there in the top 10 things to experience in China. But oh those endless flights of unforgiving stairs…..
Those stairs are really unforgiving! And yes - the locals climbing in their daily clothes put those of us dressed like 'hikers' to shame.
What a view from up there! It remains a dream to climb Huangshan.
Definitely a once in a lifetime trip, though I might consider it again if my kids want to climb too.
An interesting account of a worthy climb in a very scenic area. Unfortunately, I have yet to try this one, must give it some consideration !
It's really worth doing - just make sure you go on a weekday to avoid the crowds!
That was great 😂 you really captured the experience of “hiking” - really out stair-mastering - a Chinese mountain. 🙏