SUNRISE ON YELLOW MOUNTAIN

We woke at 5am, roused by our neighbours’ excited chattering. They were moving around noisily in the next room and I knew they would be hurriedly pulling on heavy clothes and big boots. 

The rush was on. Daybreak would be at 5.45am, dawn at 6.15am. Far too early for me I decided, yet I couldn’t stay in bed either. The air of anticipation was infectious.

A thin line of brightness lit the eastern horizon. There was just enough light to make out shadows scurrying around below in the forecourt. Soon streams of people in red caps and warmly padded maroon jackets loaned by the hotel were heading for the paths that led to the various lookouts. Already I could see a bright cluster forming on a high ridge and hear the shouts and whoops of some people the sun to rise.

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This article continues with details of  the Yellow Mountains known and revered for centuries –  72 peaks in the space of 1200 square kilometres south-west of Shanghai. They are known for four special ‘wonders’: odd-shaped pines, grotesque rock formations, seas of constantly changing clouds, and crystal-clear springs.

The article includes information on accommodation provided, local food and cuisine, things to do and see.

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(finishes…)

At day’s end with those finger-slim peaks now eerily lit by the rising moon, I pinched myself. Could I have just spent a day fantasising about entering a Chinese scroll painting? No, my leg muscles aching from the endless flights of steps told me this was real.

In many ways the Yellow Mountains are a metaphor for China itself: full of wonders surreal enough to challenge belief, yet not impossible to search out and experience.

©Sally Hammond 2007

Picture Credits: ©Gordon Hammond 2007

(Sally and Gordon Hammond travelled as guests of Helen Wong’s Tours)

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