Attention:
Due to some confusion about the logging requirements: You need to physically visit Huang Shan and send me the answers to the questions in order to log the cache. Any logs without providing the answers will be deleted.
To explain: There is a blogpost by geocaching.com that mentions this cache and encourages geocachers to check out the beautiful photos. I do feel honored to be mentioned there. However some people deducted some kind permission from GC to log the cache without having been there, even it clearly states at the top:
“EarthCaches and Virtual Caches are about discovering a location rather than a container. The requirements for logging these caches vary—you may be required to answer a question about the location, take a picture, complete a task, etc… In any case, you must visit the coordinates before you can post your log.”
So there is no logging exception if you don't visit Huang Shan and send me the answers first. However feel free to leave a note using "write note" instead of logging if you cannot make the trip right now :)
I hope that is clear and you can all understands why I don't allow any virtual logs.
The Huangshan mountain range comprises many peaks, 77 of which exceed 1,000 m in altitude. The three tallest peaks are Lotus Peak (Lian Hua Feng, 1,864 m, 30°07'N, 118°10'E), nearby Bright Summit Peak (Guang Ming Ding, 1,840 m) and Celestial Peak (Tian Du Feng, literally Capital of Heaven Peak, 1,829 m). The World Heritage Site covers a core area of 154 square kilometers and a buffer zone of 142 square kilometers.
The mountains were formed in the Mesozoic, about 100 million years ago, when an ancient sea disappeared due to uplift. Later, in the Quaternary, the landscape was shaped by the influence of glaciers. In many cases, stone pillar forests were formed.
The Huang Shan are a frequent subject of traditional Chinese paintings and literature. Today, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's most popular tourist destinations.
(Source: Wikipedia )
The mountain hosts an UNESCO Geopark. All over the mountain, visitors can find signs which explain the geological features and the history of the area. The signs are in Chinese and English and enable visitors to learn about the scientific facts while enjoying the beauty of nature.
As Huangshan is a very large area, I have picked 4 of those spots that are all locate along the main tourist path. However depending on the time you have and the route it might be impossible to visit all four of them. Therefore if you visit at least 2 out of the 4, you can claim a find, but I encourage you to visit all four of them if you have the chance. Also you can find many more signs along the way.
But now to the actual cache. The coordinates point to the highest peak that is currently open for the public, the Bright Summit Peak. (The highest peak, the Lotus Peak, is closed until 2010 for ecological reasons). This point is not actually a part of the cache but just for orientation. The points you need to visit for the cache are below and can be done in any order. I suggest to program them all in your GPS before you start to avoid to have to go back at some point.
Fault (N30° 08.128 E118° 09.827)
A1 What is the slope of the fault?
A2 How wide is the fracture zone?
Aoyu (Turtle) Peak (N30° 07.780 E118° 09.705)
B1 How are the granites of Aoyu Peak distributed?
B2 How was the big notch formed?
B3 What was formed by landslip?
Medium coarse granular porphyritic granites (N30° 07.765 E118° 09.770)
C1 What are the main rock type on Huangshan?
C2 For how much percent of the granites does this main rock type account for?
C3 Of which components does this main rock type consist?
Mobile phone stone (N30° 07.561 E118° 10.086)
D1 What is the "antenna" formed of?
D2 How was this peculiar stone shaped?
Once you have at least the answers from 2 of the 4 points write me an email with the answers and I will give you the ok to log if your answers are correct.
How to get to Huangshan
You can either fly, take the train or a bus to reach Tunxi (Huangshan City). From there you have to take a mini bus to Huangshan Scenic Area which takes about 1 - 1.5h
Where to sleep
There are a number of hotels and hostels in the area. Most of them are at the foot of the mountain but there are also some on the mountain itself. It is great to spend the night on the mountain but also quite expensive.
Entrance fees
The entrance fee to get on the mountain is currently 202 RMB. The cable car (one way) is 65 RMB. You can also walk up the mountain if you do not want to take the cable car.
Links
http://www.huangshantour.com/english/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huangshan_Mountains
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/anhui/huangshan/huangshan.htm