Lotus Peak of Huangshan

Lotus Peak of Huangshan

Lotus Peak is located in the central part of Huangshan, southwest of Yuping Peak and facing Tian Du Peak to the east. It is one of the 36 major peaks. With an elevation of 1,864 meters, it is the highest peak of Huangshan and the third highest in East China. Surrounded by mountains that resemble a lotus flower, it earned its name.

A winding path about one and a half kilometers long connects Lotus Ridge and Lotus Peak, and you have to pass through four caves before reaching the summit. The peak features many pine trees that resemble flying dragons or twin dragons, as well as the famous Huangshan azaleas. In the central area of Huangshan stand three main peaks—Lotus Peak, Bright Summit, and Tian Du Peak—displaying their majestic beauty. Xu Xiake wrote in his travelogue: “Lotus Peak ‘stands in the center of Huangshan, towering above all other peaks,’ and even Tian Du Peak ‘bows its head to it.’” He was able to draw such an accurate conclusion based solely on observation,

which was indeed an extraordinary discovery at the time. He was the first to identify Lotus Peak as the highest peak of Huangshan. This peak is steep and lofty, with a grand and imposing presence. The main peak stands abruptly with smaller peaks clustered around it, resembling a newly blooming lotus flower, upright and open, hence the name “Lotus Peak.” During the Ming Dynasty, Wu Chang once wrote a poem praising it: “A stalk of blue lotus emits crimson glow, standing tall and pure without flaw. From afar, clouds roll across the sky, revealing the ten-zhang blossom atop the peak.” The Qing Dynasty’s Wu Mengyin also wrote: “Lofty and peerless, Lotus Peak reigns supreme; one can’t help but cry out to reach the gates of heaven. Gazing over, rivers and mountains stretch like belts and blades; looking down, the ranges seem like children and grandchildren. The wind brings back wild geese from the sheer cliffs; the setting sun leaves no apes crossing the hanging rocks. Countless hues of green shadows and misty light—I may have reached it, but I cannot describe it all.” The peak is home to unique pines such as the Flying Dragon and the Upside-down Hanging Pine. At the very top, there is an area of about ten square meters called the “Stone Boat,” which contains a pool known as the “Fragrant Sand Pool.” Standing at the summit feels like being in the heavens, with rivers appearing as thin lines and the sky and clouds blending into one vast view. On clear days, you can

look east to Tianmu Mountain, west to Mount Lu, and north to Jiuhua Mountain and the Yangtze River. After rain clears, the sea of clouds in all directions spreads out before your eyes, a truly spectacular sight. Legend has it that ancient times saw “heavenly horses” roaming the peak. Another wonder at the summit of Lotus Peak is the numerous locks of all shapes and sizes hung on the iron chains around the edge. These are love locks fastened by young couples or spouses, symbolizing eternal unity. Huangshan love locks are not only found at the mountaintop but also all along the guardrails and chains. There are not only “twin-heart locks” where two locks are linked together on the same chain, but also “family locks” of various sizes interconnected, as well as “longevity locks” that families tie specifically for their children.

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