Wulingyuan

Rain and fog is predicted for the next several days, so the prospects of getting some amazing photos are looking pretty slim.

The hotel’s breakfast buffet is amazing. Pork Buns, eggs, sweets… too many things for me to sample them all. Some nice coffee too.

This is a view of one of the walls in the hotel lobby. I should have taken more photos of the hotel.

Huangshi Village

The bus station was conveniently located next door. A brief ride into an entrance on the other side of the park near a cable car that heads up the mountain to Huangshi Village, which is supposed to have some amazing views. Unfortunately not only was it pouring rain, and covered in dense fog, it was also terribly cold.

The higher up, the colder and foggier. The easiest way up is to take the cable car, a 20 minute ride to the top of the mountains.

A map of everything that will be covered in fog today.

 

 

It’s pretty cold at this point and with the thick fog, these are some of the best views I was able to get…

 

 

 

 

 

Golden Whip Brook

Down from the mountain, next up is a 4 hour hike to get to Ten Mile Gallery.
The Golden Whip trail winds in and out of the mountains along a peaceful stream. It’s raining steadily at this point, but at least it’s warmer than up on the mountain.

 

 

 

 

Luckily the monkeys are not as rowdy as some guides said they would be. They apparently don’t like the rain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An old spring…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wish Sticks. Locals will place sticks under overhangs in the rock. Each stick is a wish. I found these everywhere.

 

 

 

 

More wish sticks

 

 

 

 

 

Wish logs?

 

In areas that flood, cobblestones help keep feet dry in small puddles, and if the water is higher, folks can walk on top of the pedestals.

Ten Mile Gallery

Unfortunately the donut shop was closed.

I passed a few vendors selling these lacquered wood carvings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then back to town…

 

BBQ Buffet!

On the way back I spotted what looked like a buffet. So after a shower and change of clothes, I went back to check it out. For one low price… all you can eat BBQ and drinks (yes, beer too)!

 

 

Raw meats to grill at the table…

 

 

Cooks in a few minutes, tastes delicious!

 

Amazing Xianxi

Down the road is a massive theater that does this elaborate show. A lot of tourist destinations do these types of shows. They are mostly pre-recorded voice and music, and rely heavily on digital sets. This particular show as ear-piercingly loud.

This is just outside the theater. There will be a bonfire and show afterwards.

The historical inhabitants of this region are said to be very primitive peoples that were looked down as more powerful civilizations encroached on their territory. Zhangjiajie is actually a modern naming of the region. It was previously known as “The Land of the Southern Savages.”
The first act of the show was based on these tribal themes.

Another act was courtship themed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the show the crowd gathered outside, and with bonfire going watched some jackass stunts and some audience participation skits.

The city is pretty tame at night.

 

 

Some signs from today

 

 

 

 

 

At this point I have a cold. Some unknown Chinese medicine from the pharmacy.