Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
We arrived in Huangshan city a few days ago unfortunately with me being really quite ill. We made it from the train station to the hostel just before I passed out and I woke up four days later... not so ready to take on the challenge of climbing Huangshan. We did also briefly meet the new China volunteers who are here for 6 months (Aiden and Ben) who seemed pretty cool.
Armed with banana chocolate sandwiches, water, and extremely heavy backpacks, we set out to climb the mountain. The scenic area is about an hour and a half away from Huangshan city, and when I say scenic I mean... wow... Sometimes I thought that we'd literally been put in a movie where they've been transported to another planet.... and then I saw the hundreds of Chinese tourists. In the ill state I was in I feel like I barely managed the climb, almost passing out at points and literally relying on the banana sandwiches to keep me alive. We walked up 7.5km of just steps... not quite what we were expecting, there were barely even any sloped parts, just steps. Endless steps.
However, when we did reach the top, it was all worth it. The views were undescribeable and I was really glad we had booked a hotel to stay at the top. But classic Chinese misfortune meant that the hotel didnt have our bookings in the system. Tired and not in the mood, I spent half an hour on the phone to the Chinese travel agency and everything was sorted out. We went to sleep, too tired to eat and with the realisation that inflation at the top of the mountain meant food was 10x the price at the restaurant, imagine having to spend £10 for a meal... horrific.
The next day we walked around the park, visiting the peaks (which meant more steps) and we even saw wild monkeys and especially a baby golden monkey, which was amazing. We climbed a peak for sunset and were treated not only to one of the most amazing sunsets ever but a beautiful rendition of Mulan by James and Alastair. We got back to the hotel, exhausted, again and decided to risk the restaurant. Fortunately they did have something in our price range.... Rice, 5 yuan a bowl which is still 5x the price you would usually pay but at least it wasnt 40 yuan for a bit of cabbage. We sat enjoying our rice and soy sauce when Alastair thought he would complain about how boring rice was. A nearby Chinese man overheard him and wondered over to us and inquired as to why we were eating rice. Shamefully we jumped like lions at his throat "we are poor volunteers, all we can afford is rice". Smiling with charm never seen before and he was under our spell. A short while later 6 dishes arrived at our table and we feasted... Of course we thanked him profusely, and I exaggerate our involvement, he insisted we take the food. So thanks to that man for a very tasty meal.
The next day we were up at the crack of dawn to see the sunrise. I was sure I couldnt see anything more beautiful than the sunset the previous evening but the sunrise was equally if not more stunning, purely because it was so quiet. We spent the day walking again and ended up in the restaurant again in the evening, unfortunately no kind rich chinsese people this time so we were left with rice. The next day we were up early again, but this time to leave. A 14km hike down the mountain as we went a different way. This was equally stunning and I will never forget the views, although by the time we reached the bottom we were all drenched in sweat and legs shaking from exertion, probably because we ran the last couple of kilometers.. I dont know why but a lot of the Chinese were doing it so we just joined in.
We took the bus back to Huangshan city and Chilled for a bit, I visited the Old town as I was unable to do so before, and it was pretty interesting although every shop was selling tourist stuff or paintbrushes.
All in all an out of this world experience..
- comments
Nila Bradshaw Oh Harrison you poor thing not feeling well and having to find the energy to set off but good for you making the effort. It all sounds fantastic and I am sure an experience you will never forget. I am glad you found someone to take pity on you and treat you to some tasty food - I am sure rice could become a little boring !! Take care
Judith king I had heard most of this story and seen the wonderful photos before. I can only imagine how ill you were and felt. So glad you could enjoy the breathtaking scenery. You deserve triple stars!!