Huangshan Lion Peak

Huangshan Lion Peak

Lion Peak refers to mountain peaks that resemble the shape of a lion. There are many Lion Peaks across China. This entry introduces several of the more famous ones: Lion Peak in Huangshan, Anhui Province; Lion Peak in Jinyun Mountain, Chongqing; Lion Peak in Jiuhua Mountain, Anhui; Lion Peak in Laoshan Mountain, Qingdao, Shandong; Lion Peak in Meiling, Nanchang, Jiangxi; and Lion Peak in Macheng, Hubei. These Lion Peaks are all renowned scenic spots.

The main landform of Huangshan is divided into two major areas: the central part consists of gently undulating mountaintop surfaces, while the vast areas surrounding the central zone feature intensely dissected terrain. Due to the large yet sparse fractures in the front mountain and the dense, varied joints in the back mountain, along with differing weathering conditions, this has created the distinct peak forest landform characteristics of “majestic front mountains and graceful back mountains.” Lion Peak, Shixin Peak, and Danxia Peak are all graceful and picturesque, serving as outstanding representatives of the scenic beauty found in the back mountains.

Lion Peak resembles a crouching male lion, hence its name. Its head faces west and tail east, with the lion’s head raised toward the skies above Danxia Peak and Tie Xian Pool; the Cool Breeze Terrace marks the lion’s waist; the Dawn Pavilion corresponds to the lion’s tail; and the spot where the lion appears to open its mouth is the original site of...

the Lion Forest Hermitage temple. Nearby, there are uniquely shaped pines such as the Pagoda Pine and Qilin Pine, as well as ancient cypresses like the Flat Round Cypresses and Phoenix Cypresses. There is also the ever-flowing One Spring and the lush Wan Song Forest. With ancient trees thriving in rich greenery, the scenery is truly a feast for the eyes. The “lion” lying atop the sea of pines adds an even more majestic and mystical charm. A contemporary poem describes it: “Having existed for countless eons, often resting atop emerald peaks. Thirsty, it drinks the rains of the southern hills; hungry, it swallows the mists of the northern seas. Thunder roars from all sides, the sun and moon circle its shoulders. Bearing the seat of Manjushri on its back, its mighty presence shakes the world.” The view of Lion Peak from the Flower Scattering Hermitage and the entrance of Beihai Hotel is the most lifelike.

Visitors who climb to the summit can take in panoramic views of Danxia Peak, Stone Drum Peak, Stone Gate Peak, Chess Stone Peak, White Goose Peak, Shixin Peak, as well as Gongyang Mountain and Bright Summit. The flat plains to the north stretch out as far as the eye can see, instantly opening one’s heart and lifting the spirit, washing away all worldly troubles. The Lion Peak area boasts numerous and densely clustered scenic spots, making it an ideal place to watch the sunrise and sea of clouds. To the right, the Flower Scattering Valley is filled with peculiar peaks and rocks, lush gnarled pines, and blooming flowers in vibrant competition—a breathtaking sight. The nearby Beihai Hotel serves as a hub for hikers ascending from various routes, leading to the folk saying: “If you haven’t been to Lion Peak, you haven’t truly seen Huangshan.”

Huangshan

Huangshan Hot Springs Scenic Area

Tian Du Peak

Shixin Peak

Huangshan Yuping Scenic Area

Yuping Tower

Huangshan Lotus Peak

Crucian Carp Back

Huangshan Beihai Scenic Area

Paiyun Pavilion

Shufen Mountain Gold Mine

Huangshan Songgu Scenic Area

Huangshan Baiyun Scenic Area

Huangshan Luohan Peak

Danxia Peak

Cool Breeze Terrace

Bright Summit

Huangshan Yungu Scenic Area