Yellow Mountain

A five or was it six hour bus ride landed myself and bus load of ladies at Huangshan - Yellow Mountain - one of Chinas top 10 sites.  The bus journey was fun - how could it not be with Sharee Grant as the DJ, myself as the barlady - fun fun fun.

Bevan had been several weeks previously. He returned with stunning photos of the shear drops and granite peaks wth amazing views which looked breathtaking.  The journey up the mountain consisted of a gondala ride to one point and then a 2 hr walk to our very basic accommodation.  Shared a room with 9 other ladies and a toilet that did NOT flush.  The hotel had every inch of its foyer, ballroom and bar covered in bodies.  They pack em in thats for sure.

The weather was misty on the first day but we were still optomistic of what the next day may bring.  The following day - which started at 5am brought more mist and as such the views were not exactly spectacular but the company was great.  The decent was epic as we were jostling down the mountain with thousands upon thousands of chinese people and at some points the traffic came to a complete halt.  It was entertaining to say the least and memorable for the views that were not encountered and can only be seen on google images.

I purchased a padlock which I attached to a fence at the highest peak.  Goodness knows what becomes of these locks as time goes on.  I don't think I will be venturing back up to find out.  My legs were killing me for a couple of days after but fully recovered after that.

Bevs trip to Yellow Mountain

Tongli

We visited the historial old water village of Tongli together with a smaller water village with the Turners.  An easy day excursion.  This village is quite well preserved being only 18km away from Suzhou.  It has quaint cobblestoned streets while the buildings have traditional white washed facades together with black tiled roofs.  Time here is best spent meandering through the various walled gardens and streets exploring the diversity that it has to offer.