Huangshan Mountain inspired James Cameron
Hollywood director James Cameron, of the blockbuster hit Avatar, once made the public comment: "The fictional world of my film uses many Chinese elements because while creating the floating specter of Mount Hallelujah I was so inspired by the gorgeous scenery of China's Huangshan Mountain."
Sitting in southern Anhui Province, Huangshan Mountain has been honored as a world cultural heritage, a world natural heritage, and a world Geopark site, where its bizarre pine trees, exotic rock formations, majestic clouds, restorative hot springs, and enchanting winter snows all overwhelm the viewer with their beauty. As the weather is getting cooler in the south, now is the perfect time to head for Huangshan.
Besides appreciating the enchanting natural landscape of the mountain, a tour to the namesake city and local villages and towns will also reward visitors with an unforgettable experience.
What's even more charming and fascinating is the Hui-style architecture impressed many in the hit kung fu movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."
Distinctive elements of Hui architecture are the ubiquitous white color of all the buildings, the grey-tiled roof, and the horse-head wall, where the wall descends staircase style following the angle of the roof. Like northern residential architecture, Hui-style dwellings also feature storied buildings, multiple courtyards, winding corridors and upturned eaves; but all are hidden behind high horse-head walls. Externally they present tall, solid walls with only a few small windows, and inside the dwellings patios of varied kinds allow the passage of sunlight.
