Hang Zhou (“Hwang-joo”) & Huangshan (“Hwang-san”)

Our hotel at the top of Huangshan, Baihai Hotel, had pictures of former Chinese premiers who have previously stayed there.  On the left is a rare photo of Deng Xiaoping in his shorts who is said to have  frequented the mountain for it's beauty.  The hotel is usually damp and cold due to high humidity.  Joanne had to sleep bundled up in hotel provided parka and mittens.  Blankets were wet and smelly from dampness.  We saw the hotel rate of 1,280 RMB (about $200) a night for a standard room.  This was the most uncomfortable hotel that we stayed in China.

One of the famous pine trees in Huangshan.  Its canopy is shaped like a tortoise's shell.

Tea plants being grown on hillside terraces.  We bought some green tea (healthier for you than coffee - less caffeine and more antioxidants) here.

A happy faced, fat bellied Buddha in Ling Yin Temple located in Hangzhou.  The temple is one of the oldest in China.

West Lake is located in the center of Hangzhou.  The guide told us this dragon shaped boat may be rented for $3,000 USD.




We arrived in Huangshan (3 hour ride by car) after spending a day in Hang Zhou. It was overcast with rain coming on and off. We headed up the mountain, hoping against all hope, that we would be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the renown mountain scenery. We practically gave up on the hope when we were told the place rarely reveals itself and the fact it was under a heavy blanket of fog on our way up. Anyway, what transpired from the time we landed at the top, and the time we decided to hike around, can not be explained but rather, can only be shared with you with our photos.