Emerald Valley (翡翠谷), also known as “Lover’s Valley,” is located in the eastern part of Huangshan Mountain and is recognized as the longest canyon on the eastern side of Huangshan. It is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, often referred to as “the most beautiful water in the world” and the “fifth wonder of Huangshan.”
In Emerald Valley, towering peaks compete for attention, with bizarre rock formations and lush greenery creating a stunning natural landscape. Legend has it that this valley was created by the Yellow Emperor’s wife, Leizu, as a home for the celestial maidens.
The valley begins at Tangkou Town in Shanchazhen and features a trail that stretches approximately 6,000 meters. The water in the valley originates from the surrounding peaks, including Lian Dan Peak and Shixin Peak. Visitors can explore various scenic spots, which are adorned with hundreds of colorful ponds. Over 40 of these ponds exceed 100 square meters, with the largest approaching 1,000 square meters. Notable ponds include Longfeng Pond, Huajing Pond, Lvzhu Pond, Yuhuan Pond, Bailu Pond, Thunder Rain Pond, Tianchi Pond, and Swan Pond. These vibrant pools resemble a colorful melody, creating a stunning visual symphony that words cannot adequately express.
Emerald Valley is also home to cascading waterfalls, ancient towering trees, and uniquely shaped rocks and caves, such as Lion Head Rock, Sea Clam Beach, Guantian Cave, Jade Stacking Rock, Playful Rock, Crawling Cave, and Crane Dance Rock. The valley’s lush greenery and swaying bamboo create a refreshing and serene atmosphere, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its tranquil beauty.
Travel Information about Emerald Valley
Ticket Information and Opening Hours
- Ticket Price: 90 RMB
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
The summer months are the best time to visit Emerald Valley, as the area experiences abundant rainfall, keeping the valley cool and providing a perfect escape from the heat.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: Shanchazhen, Huangshan District, Huangshan City.
By Bus: The Emerald Valley is located along the route from Tunxi to Taiping. You can take a bus from Tunxi to Taiping that will drop you off directly at the scenic area entrance.
By Car: The entrance to Emerald Valley is situated in Shangzhang Village, near the G205 National Highway. From Tangkou, drive north for approximately 800 meters to reach the entrance.
Scenic Area Ratings
- Cultural Experience: ★★
- Unique Features: ★★
- Leisure Activities: ★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★★★
- Romantic Atmosphere: ★★★★★
- Adventure: ★★
Origin of Lover’s Valley
The name “Lover’s Valley” has an interesting backstory. In the autumn of 1988, 36 young intellectuals from Shanghai accidentally “wandered” into the then-unexplored Emerald Valley, where they became lost and were trapped in the canyon for three days. During this challenging time, they encouraged and supported each other, overcoming numerous difficulties before successfully finding their way out.
As fate would have it, ten couples among them formed lifelong partnerships, many of whom met for the first time in Emerald Valley. This led to the suggestion that the valley be renamed “Lover’s Valley.” The area is seen as a pure and enchanting land, exuding an aura of beauty, innocence, and romance. Countless couples have come here to express their love and share romantic moments, making it a renowned destination for love and affection.
In a heartfelt gesture, the Huangshan District of Huangshan City once issued a “missing person” notice through Shanghai media to find the couples who fell in love in Emerald Valley. It was announced that if these ten couples were located, the local government would not only honor them as honorary citizens but also grant them free lifetime access to Huangshan.
Highlights of Emerald Valley
Filming Locations of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”
The Academy Award-winning film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” which won four Oscars, features stunning scenes that were shot in the breathtaking Emerald Valley. Iconic moments such as bamboo fights, romantic encounters by the pool, sword searches in deep pools, and waterfall crossings all take place in this enchanting setting.
Art master Liu Haisu praised the valley, stating, “One who has not been to Huangshan cannot claim to have visited China; one who has not explored the colorful pools of Emerald Valley cannot claim to have been to Huangshan.”
“Love” Stone in Emerald Valley
The “Love” Stone is located on the slope of “Refining Elixir Platform” and features a large inscription of the character “爱” (love), crafted in the style of the renowned calligrapher Su Dongpo. This monumental character stands 5 meters high and wide, covering an area of 25 square meters, making it the largest “Love” stone carving in Asia. It serves as a symbolic landmark representing the declaration of love in Emerald Valley.
Adjacent to the stone is a plaque inscribed with 99 variations of the character “爱” by famous calligraphers throughout history, each displaying unique styles and vivid expressions. This spot has become a popular location for newlyweds to take wedding photos, capturing the essence of love in a picturesque setting. Additionally, visitors can enjoy thrilling high-wire performances that take place daily, adding excitement to the serene atmosphere of Emerald Valley.
Love Culture Corridor in Emerald Valley
The Love Culture Corridor in Emerald Valley features exquisite stone carvings that celebrate famous love stories from Chinese history and mythology. This enchanting gallery showcases timeless tales such as “Nuwa and Fuxi,” “Xishi and Fan Li,” “Niulang and Zhinu,” “Meng Jiangnu and Fan Xiliang,” “Jiao Zhongqing and Liu Lanzhi,” “Dong Yong and the Seven Fairies,” “Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai,” “Yang Guifei and Emperor Xuanzong,” and “Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian.” Each story is intricately depicted on blue stone carvings, creating a stunning visual narrative that highlights the themes of love and devotion throughout Chinese culture.
Huangshan Emerald Valley Inn
Huangshan Emerald Valley Inn is located within the Emerald Valley scenic area and has been designed according to the United Nations’ Best Living Award standards. It serves as a new residential community for the local village of Shanchazhen. The inn is a key component of the “Farm Stay” tourism initiative, offering visitors dining, accommodation, and leisure activities.
Capable of accommodating over 1,000 guests simultaneously, it is an excellent destination for short and long-term stays throughout the year. The inn features a series of charming couples’ rooms, designed in traditional Hui-style architecture with blue tiles and white walls. These cozy and inviting “bird’s nest” accommodations provide a perfect retreat for tourists seeking to unwind and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.
A 3-day Family Adventure in Huangshan’s Emerald Valley
Travel Overview
- Travel Date: August 2024
- Travelers: 2 adults + 1 child (4.5 years old)
- Travel Plan: Friday to Sunday; Self-drive
- Total Cost: Approx. ¥2500+ for 3 days (for 3 people)
Pre-trip Preparation
1. Booking Accommodation:
- Guesthouse: Mushan Mushui Homestay (黄山慕山慕水民宿)
- Location Details:
- Creek tracing (100m from the guesthouse)
- Emerald Valley scenic area (200m)
- Off-road motorbike & Xiangxi River Rafting (2km)
- Charging stations (500m)
- Phoenix Source Scenic Area (4km – ideal for swimming)
- Hongcun (40km), Chengkan (50km)
2. Packing List:
- Clothing: Long-sleeve swimwear for the child, extra change of clothes
- For Creek Tracing: Swimming ring or float arm bands, dry and wet bags, creek tracing shoes, water gun, fish-catching net, water bucket
- Other Essentials: Mosquito repellent, sunscreen, backup medications
Itinerary
Friday:
- 10:00 AM: Depart from home
- Lunch Stop: Quick break due to traffic
- 3:00 PM: Arrive at the guesthouse
- 4:00 PM: Off-road motorbiking (3-minute drive from the homestay)
- 5:30 PM: Change and freshen up
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the guesthouse
Saturday:
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast
- 9:30 AM: Head to Emerald Valley (翡翠谷)
- 10:30 AM: Exit the scenic area
- 11:00 AM: Creek tracing right at the guesthouse entrance
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at the guesthouse
- 1:30 PM: Afternoon nap
- 4:00 PM: Xiangxi River Rafting (香溪漂流)
- 5:00 PM: Return to the guesthouse
- 6:30 PM: Dinner at the guesthouse
Sunday:
- Morning: Breakfast and departure
Detailed Experience
Guesthouse & Environment: The homestay is located at the base of Huangshan Mountain, offering cool and refreshing air, especially in the summer. The area is dotted with numerous streams, making it a great base for exploring the outdoors. The homestay itself is cozy, and the owner is incredibly kind, offering a warm welcome. Breakfast is complimentary and includes a variety of local dishes. For lunch and dinner, meals can be pre-ordered at the guesthouse, and the food is delicious. They also offer laundry services and outdoor drying racks.
Creek Tracing at the Guesthouse: The creek tracing experience is just a short walk from the guesthouse (about 100 meters). The path is small, and a guide from the homestay is recommended. There are deeper sections of the creek where you can swim, and the water temperature is just right when visited around noon. The homestay provides camping chairs for relaxation by the water.
Off-road Motorbiking: A thrilling activity just 3 minutes from the homestay, off-road motorbiking is a great way to explore the rugged terrain. The two-seater motorbike ride costs ¥288 per vehicle, and our child enjoyed the experience while holding on to us. The ride lasts for about an hour and includes a mix of water paths and mountain roads, offering a thrilling yet safe adventure. There’s a short break midway for water play, which adds to the fun.
Emerald Valley (翡翠谷): Known for its lush scenery and crystal-clear waters, Emerald Valley is a serene escape. The valley was also a filming location for the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. After entering the park, a 200-meter walk leads you to the ticketing checkpoint, and along the way, you’ll encounter small creeks perfect for splashing around. There are also aerial performances along the route. You’ll ascend the mountain to reach the exit, and you have the option to either hike back down or take the high-altitude zip line, which costs an additional ¥40 per person. The zip line is a fun way to descend at a steady pace without feeling the weightlessness.
Xiangxi River Rafting (香溪漂流): Rafting on the Xiangxi River is another exhilarating activity. Located near the off-road motorbike site, rafting tickets are ¥100 for adults and ¥70 for children over 1.2 meters. The journey, which lasts about an hour, includes some playful water battles, so don’t forget to bring water guns and water scoops to defend yourself against the incoming splashes! The homestay offers shuttle services to and from the rafting site.