Yipinglou

　　Yipinglou is situated between Tiandu Peak and Lotus Peak, and is a prime location that embodies the most spectacular sights of Huangshan. The renowned Guest-Greeting Pine stands to the left of Yipinglou. Behind the building lies Yiping Peak, where the famous “Reclining Buddha on Yiping Peak” can be found at the summit—its head to the left and feet to the right, exquisitely lifelike. Mao Zedong’s cursive script “0” is engraved on the peak’s rocks, and marshals such as - and - have also inscribed poems here. Xu Xiake once called it the “most magnificent spot in Huangshan.”

　　To the left of Yipinglou is the Lion Stone, and to the right is the Elephant Stone—both resembling gate guards. In front stands the Guest-Greeting Pine, and behind is the Farewell Pine, both welcoming and seeing off visitors with delightful postures. This is the best place to view the sea of clouds in the Qianhai area. On clear days, you can also see nearby fantastic rock formations including “Immortals Floating on the Sea,” “A Lamb Crossing the River,” “A Golden Turtle Gazing at the Moon,” “A Squirrel Jumping Over Tiandu,” and “A Peacock Playing with Lotus,” all creating a truly enchanting and picturesque scene.
　　On the way from Hot Springs to Yipinglou, there are a continuous array of attractions such as Miaomiaoting Pavilion, Lima Bridge, Wolong Stream, One-Line Sky, Upside-Down Pine, and Yipinglou in the snow.

　　Other sites like Wenshu Cave also dot the landscape, presenting a grand spectacle. By Lima Bridge, there is a large stone inscription that reads “Standing firm, I empty the East Sea; ascending high, I gaze upon Peaceful Haven.” In front of Banshan Temple, you can see wonders like “Golden Rooster Crowing at Heaven’s Gate” and “Eagle Catching a Chicken.” When you climb to Lianrui Peak and look back, “Golden Rooster Crying at Heaven’s Gate” transforms into “Five Elders Ascending to Tiandu.” Beyond Xiaoxinpo, there are three small peaks with towering pines, known as the “Three Penglai Islands.”

　　 Tourist Highlights

　　Yipinglou is situated in one of the best spots that encompasses the finest views of Huangshan. The Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake once visited and was full of praise.
　　In front of Yiping Peak is a large flat rock platform called Wenshu Platform, which is an excellent vantage point for viewing the sea of clouds over the West Sea. To the left are the Green Lion Rock and the Guest-Greeting Pine; to the right are the White Elephant Rock, the Farewell Pine, and the Lixue Platform. From the platform, the views in all directions are extraordinarily stunning.
　　Yipinglou is located between Tiandu Peak and Lotus Peak, with Yiping Peak directly behind it. The building is 36 meters from the peak. During the Ming Dynasty, Monk Pumen built Wenshu Temple on the peak for the bodhisattva Manjushri. Today, the site is home to the Yipinglou Hotel.
　　The Guest-Greeting Pine is on the left side of Yipinglou, and the famous “Reclining Buddha on Yiping Peak” is at the summit, its head to the left and feet to the right, remarkably lifelike. Stone carvings of Mao Zedong’s cursive script “0” can also be seen on the peak.
　　To reach Yipinglou, you need to go to the central-western part of Huangshan. Take the cable car to the Yiping Cableway Upper Station. The Yiping Cable Car costs 80 RMB per person per trip (peak season) and 65 RMB per person per trip (off-peak season).