Huashan, Shaanxi, China
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Hau Shan or Yellow Mountain is one of the 5 sacred mountains of Taoism, and despite the cable car that now whisks tourists up lack of space atop these beautiful steep peaks limits the tourist numbers, and the steep long climb means that for the majority of it you get some genuine peace and quiet, a rarity in overcrowded china. The 8 hour climb up to the top was tough, although lukily nowadays they have put proper steps in were before there were just rough foot and handholds in the near vertical granite cliffs. Some parts are still frankly terrifying, prompting me at one point to say "this is the most dangerous thing I have ever done". We had a beautiful misty day which meant not only respite from the baking sun, but some mystical views and an eerie silence over a lot of the mountain.
Thanks to Dave for the recommendation.....one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. :)
