Huangdi Source

　　Huangdi Source is the legendary dwelling place of Xuanyuan Huangdi, the ancestor of the Chinese nation, and the birthplace of Huangshan, a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage site. The scenic area stretches through the secluded sea of clouds from Xuanyuan Peak of Huangshan down to below Bright Summit. Here, verdant mountains embrace the land, ancient trees tower above, emerald bamboo sways gently, streams murmur softly, valleys hide mysterious grottoes, and historic relics abound. The place is inherently mystical—where dragons and tigers are said to lie hidden, and immortal islands are graced by the wind. It features extraordinary caves, deep valleys, peculiar pools, and ancient lakes, bringing to life the legends of Huangdi recorded in texts such as the “Records of Wondrous Events in the Zhou Book,” “Tales of Immortals,” and “Records of the Grand Historian.” It serves as a living textbook of Chinese culture; a place where sacred temples, ancient bridges, post roads, and academies abound, leaving traces of countless scholars and poets. It is a feng shui treasure that merges imperial sanctity with natural wonder—a long-lost marvel rediscovered after more than a thousand years.

　　The legendary tales here are a vivid embodiment of Chinese culture; the area is dotted with sacred temples, ancient bridges, post roads, and academies, bearing the footprints of countless celebrities and poets. It is a feng shui treasure where imperial sanctity intertwines with natural wonders—a long-lost marvel rediscovered after more than a thousand years.

　　Attractions

　　Currently, the accessible scenic areas in Huangshan District include: Tiantai and Dinghu Scenic Area, Zizhiyuan Grand Canyon Scenic Area, Karst Cave Cluster Scenic Area, and Ancient Cultural Relics Cluster. There are dozens of major attractions. Among them are: Tiāntài Ancient Hermitage Site (known for its sacred spring and as the location where the first statue of Huangdi lying down was discovered); Dinghu (believed to be the place where Huangdi cast cauldrons and refined elixirs, and the sacred site where he ascended to heaven on a dragon); Shixian Chamber (said to be the dwelling place of Huangdi as recorded in the “Huangdi Tu Jing”); the Magical Grand Canyon (which nearly illustrates all the wondrous stories recorded in the “Huangdi Tu Jing” about Huangdi gathering purple lingzhi mushrooms to refine elixirs, consuming them, bathing, and ascending to heaven on a dragon); the Huanggu Hermitage Site, where the latest discoveries include a self-made tomb and tombstone (speculated to be the retreat site of Li Zicheng); the Huangdi Source Karst Cave Cluster (located on the eastern foothills of Xuanyuan Peak, where over ten adjacent karst caves—both over and under 100 meters in length—have been preliminarily discovered, a very rare find, with many divine palaces and treasure halls inside still untouched); Millennium Ancient Cypresses (approximately 1,500 years old, believed to be the site of the ancient Xuanyuan Temple); a well-preserved Tang Dynasty stone arch bridge (Lüliu Bridge); the former residence of Li Bai during his stay in Huangshan (the ruins of Taibai Study, where Li Bai composed the famous poem “To Hu Gonghui of Huangshan Requesting a White Cock”); ancient post roads (leading close to the Huanggu Hermitage self-made tomb), among the most mystical. Boasting the “New Four Wonders of Huangshan”—Mystic Valley, Colorful Pools, Magical Caves, and Ancient Relics—Huangdi Source is the source of Huangshan culture, another spectacular wonder of Huangshan’s culture and nature. While the Huangshan Scenic Area amazes on the mountain, Huangdi Source captivates “under the sea.” Together, they are two extraordinary highlights of Huangshan. To truly understand the essence of Huangshan, one must explore Huangdi Source.

　　Suggested Ticket Price: 30 RMB per person

　　

　　Huangdi (Yellow Emperor) (2717 BCE~2599 BCE)　　Huangdi (2717 BCE–2599 BCE): The leader of the ancient Huaxia tribal confederation and the common sovereign of the Huaxia people in ancient China. He was the foremost of the Five Emperors and revered as the “First Ancestor of Chinese Civilization.” It is said he was the son of Shaodian and Fubao, originally surnamed Gongsun, later changed to Ji, hence called Ji Xuanyuan. He resided on Xuanyuan Hill, was known as the Xuanyuan Clan, established his capital at Youxiong, also called the Youxiong Clan. Some also referred to him as “Emperor Hong Clan.” Historical records state that Huangdi was given the title Huang (Yellow) due to his virtue associated with the earth element. Huangdi is recorded in history for his great achievements in unifying the Huaxia tribes and conquering the Dongyi and Jiuli peoples, thereby uniting China. During his reign, he promoted agriculture and vegetation cultivation, vigorously developed production, and initiated... More+