Wu Song Fights the Tiger

Wu Song Fights the Tiger

Introduction: On the right side of the waist of the peak in front of Paiyun Pavilion at West Sea, there is a rock that resembles a brave warrior standing with arms raised, looking majestic. Below it is a rock shaped like a fierce tiger, roaring with its head held high, appearing extremely vicious. The two rocks depict a scene where the tiger’s hind paws are on the ground, its front paws are pouncing on the warrior, while the warrior uses his left hand to pin the tiger’s jaw and raises his right fist as if to strike, resembling Wu Song fighting the tiger—hence the name.

Huangshan’s scenery is delightful in all four seasons, and you’ll never leave empty-handed no matter the weather.

Spring (March to May): Admire blooming flowers, verdant pine branches, and birds singing in the mountains; Summer (June to August): View pines, sea of clouds, and enjoy summer retreats; Autumn (September to November): See green pines, grey rocks, red maples, and other natural landscapes; Winter (December to February): Witness ice flowers and rime. On sunny days at Huangshan, admire the peculiar pines and strange rocks; on overcast days, observe the changing sea of clouds; on rainy days, seek out flowing springs and waterfalls; on snowy days, view jade-like trees and crystal branches; and on windy days, listen to the pine waves echoing through the valleys. Although the peak tourist season for visiting Huangshan is from March 16 to November 15, winter is regarded by many visitors as the most beautiful season. Winters in Huangshan are long, with snow usually starting to fall around late October each year. From November to March of the following year, the whole mountain is covered in snow, with the heaviest snowfall period from December to February being the best time for winter travel. In short, snow scenery can be seen as early as late October—even without snow, the beautiful “rime” (also called rime frost) can be seen, coating trees, rocks, and houses with a glistening white layer, even whiter, more transparent, and more splendid than snow, thus adding more charm. Winter is also the season when the sea of clouds appears most frequently, sometimes lasting for three days without dispersing. However, note that Tiandu Peak and Baiyun Stream are closed to visitors during this time.

Huangshan has many overcast and rainy days with frequent sea of clouds, and an average annual temperature of 7.8°C, with rainfall mostly concentrated between April and June. In the hot spring area at an altitude of 630 meters, the average summer temperature is 25°C, and the average winter temperature is above 0°C. Scenic highlights: Huangshan sunrise: With its towering peaks and myriad valleys often shrouded in mist, Huangshan offers exceptionally beautiful sunrises. The sunrise at Huangshan is majestic and spectacular. The best spots to watch the sunrise are Qingliang Terrace at Beihai and Lion Peak, followed by Guangmingding and Yupinglou. Sunrise times: Spring: 5:30–6:00; Summer: 4:40–5:20; Autumn: 4:50–5:20; Winter: 5:30–6:00.

Huangshan sunset glow: The West Sea of Huangshan often has a sea of clouds, offering uniquely beautiful scenery. At dusk, as the sun sets, the peaks and the misty clouds are bathed in beautiful rosy light. As the angle of the setting sunlight changes, the colors reflected on the peaks also shift—from crimson, scarlet, light red to dark red. When the sun nears the horizon, the glowing western sky, the fiery sun, and the distinct layers of peaks complement each other in perfect harmony, creating what ancients called a “sea of glow spectacle.” The best place to view the West Sea sunset glow is Paiyun Pavilion.

Huangshan corona: Around the sun or moon within cloud layers, a colorful halo with purple on the inside and red on the outside may appear, known as a solar or lunar corona, referred to by ancients as “unusual light.” It is formed by the diffraction of sunlight or moonlight through tiny water droplets or ice crystals in the clouds, resulting in a very beautiful ring, mostly appearing on altocumulus or cirrocumulus clouds, and sometimes on stratocumulus clouds. The size of the halo is inversely proportional to the size of the water droplets or ice crystals.

Huangshan Buddha’s Light: When you stand on a mountaintop with your back to the sun, facing thick mist ahead and clear blue sky behind, a colorful halo may appear on the misty screen before you, clearly encircling your own shadow—moving as you move, still as you stay, resembling a “Buddha.” Under strong sunlight, the halo displays seven colors, with red on the inside and purple on the outside, dazzling and magnificent. Sometimes multiple halos appear one after another, which is particularly extraordinary. Huangshan Buddha’s Light occurs about 42 times a year, mostly around 3–4 PM, and is frequently seen at Yupinglou, Tiandu Peak, and the new Baiyun path after rain.

Huangshan rime: Huangshan enters winter in late September, with a long winter lasting up to 227 days. Due to the high altitude and strong winds, snow doesn’t stay long, making it hard to see vast snowfields. But once the wind dies down, fog rises all over the mountain, creating a stunning sight. Scenic transportation: Right side of the waist of the peak in front of Paiyun Pavilion at the western end of Beihai.

Wu Song Fights the Tiger ticket prices and opening hours

For ticket prices and opening hours, please consult the staff at the scenic spot. Friendly reminder: Hiking: The paths up Huangshan are steep and rugged—wear rubber or cloth shoes. The mountain has many stone steps and several dangerous sections, so hike with your upper body slightly forward, and descend especially slowly. Travel light. Before setting off, you can store extra luggage at the baggage storage available at hotels and guesthouses at the mountain base. Winds are strong on Huangshan, and there are occasional thunderstorms in summer—avoid hiking in thunderstorms, do not grab onto the iron chains or take shelter under trees, and do not use umbrellas.

Clothing: The temperature on Huangshan is about 10°C lower than on the plains, and sun exposure is stronger—bring appropriate sun-shading clothing and hats. If you plan to stay overnight at the mountaintop, it can be difficult to find available beds during peak season, and even renting a coat can be challenging when there are too many visitors. In such cases, a raincoat becomes essential. Though not as windproof as cotton-padded clothes, it is much better than regular sweaters or jackets. Additionally, Huangshan receives abundant rainfall, with rain on seven or eight days out of ten in summer. On the mountain’s peaks, where winds are strong and paths are steep, umbrellas are not allowed—making raincoats indispensable.

Anhui Huangshan City