Lotus Peak of Huangshan

　　Lotus Peak is situated in the central area of Huangshan, southwest of Yuping Peak, and faces 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 numerous mountains that resemble a lotus flower when viewed from afar, it earned its name accordingly.

　　A winding path stretching one and a half kilometers connects Lianhua Ridge and Lotus Peak. Before reaching the summit, hikers must pass through four caves. The peak features many pine trees that look like flying dragons or twin dragons, as well as the famous Huangshan azaleas. At the heart of Huangshan, three main peaks — Lotus Peak, Bright Top (Guangming Ding), and Tian Du Peak — stand tall, showcasing their majestic beauty. Xu Xiake wrote in his travelogue: “Lotus Peak ‘lies in the center of Huangshan, rising above all other peaks,’ and even Tian Du Peak seems to bow its head before it.” He was able to draw such an accurate conclusion purely through 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 towering, radiating grandeur. Its main summit juts out prominently while smaller peaks cluster around it, resembling a newly bloomed lotus — upright and wide open — hence the name “Lotus Peak.” During the Ming Dynasty, Wu Chang composed a poem praising it: “A stalk of blue lotus emits crimson glow, standing tall and pure without flaw. Gazing afar, the clouds on the horizon roll by, revealing the peak’s flowers ten zhang high.” In the Qing Dynasty, Wu Mengyin also wrote: “Lofty and elegant, Lotus Peak reigns supreme; one can’t help but cry out to reach the gates of heaven. Gazing around, the land and rivers lie like a girdle or whetstone; looking down, the rolling hills resemble children and grandchildren. The wind stirs the cliffs where wild geese return; the sun sets behind cliffs too high for apes to cross. Myriad shades of green and mist take on endless forms — though I’ve reached this peak, I still find words inadequate.” The peak is adorned with unique pines such as the Flying Dragon and Upside-down Hanging Pines. At the summit, which spans about a square meter, lies a rock formation called the “Stone Boat,” which contains a pool known as the “Fragrant Sand Pool.” Standing atop the peak feels like being in the heavens, with rivers appearing as thin lines and sky and clouds merging into one vast expanse. On clear days, you can

　　look east to Tianmu Mountain, west to Mount Lu, north to Jiuhua Mountain and the Yangtze River. After rain clears, the sea of clouds from all directions spreads out magnificently before your eyes. Legend has it that ancient times saw “heavenly horses” roaming the peak. Another wonder of Lotus Peak is the numerous locks of all shapes and sizes hung along the iron chains around the summit. These are “love locks” fastened by couples who hold hands here as a symbol of eternal togetherness. Huangshan’s love locks are not only found on the mountaintop but also on almost all the iron railings along the paths. There are “couple locks” where two locks are linked together on the same chain, “family locks” of varying sizes connected to each other, and “longevity locks” that parents tie specifically for their children.