China HuangShan (Yellow Mountain)

The Huangshan mountain range comprises many peaks, 77 of which exceed 1,000 meters in altitude.[3] The three tallest peaks are Lotus Peak (Lian Hua Feng, 1,864m, 30°07′N 118°10′E / 30.117, 118.167), nearby Bright Summit Peak (Guang Ming Ding, 1,840m) and Celestial Peak (Tian Du Feng, literally Capital of Heaven Peak, 1,829m). The World Heritage Site covers a core area of 154 square kilometres and a buffer zone of 142 square kilometres.[4]
The mountains were formed in the Mesozoic, about 100 million years ago, when an ancient sea disappeared due to uplift. Later, in the Quaternary Period, the landscape was shaped by the influence of glaciers. In many cases, stone pillar forests were formed.
The vegetation of the area varies with altitude: Below 1,100 meters, moist forest can be found; deciduous forest stretches from 1,100 meters up to the tree line at 1,800 meters; above that point, the vegetation consists of alpine grass-lands. The area has diverse flora, where one-third of China's bryophyte families and more than half of its fern families are represented. Mao feng cha ("Fur Peak Tea"), a well-known local variety of green tea, takes its name from the downy tips of tea leaves found in the Mount Huang area.[5]

Carved steps at Mount Huang
Because the mountain tops are often above cloud level, they offer views of the clouds from above and interesting light-effects. The Sea of Clouds (simplified Chinese: 云海; pinyin: yúnhǎi) and Buddha's Light (simplified Chinese: 佛光; pinyin: fóguāng) are famous phenomena which attract many tourists.[citation needed] On average, Buddha's Light only appears a couple of times per month.[citation needed] The sunrises on Mount Huang are also renowned, and watching the sunrise is considered by many to be a "mandatory" part of visiting the area.[2]
The hot springs of the area are located at the foot of the Purple Cloud Peak. the water retains a temperature of 42 °C all year.[6] Most natural pools are concentrated in the Songgu Area. Some particularly well-known water bodies in the area are the Old Dragon Pool (Lao Long Tan), the Green Dragon Pool (Qing Long Tan), the Black Dragon Pool (Wu Long Tan), the White Dragon Pool (Bai Long Tan), and the Jadeite Pond.