Once, for a short time also called Fascinating Scenic Area, Xihai Grand Canyon is a new scenic area that was not opened until the first of May, 2001. Covering the highlights of Xihai Area (Western part of Huangshan Scenic Area), it starts at Cloud-dispelling Pavilion, linking White Cloud Area at Buxian Bridge, and creating a great circular sightseeing route.
Within its 25 square kilometers, there are many unique rock formations, such as Upside-down Boot, Lady Playing Piano, Dog Watching Sky, Man Walking on Stilt, and fantastic peaks; Archway Peak, Nine-dragon Peak, Double Bamboo Shoot Peak, Stone-bed Peak, Stone-pillar Peak and Pine Forest Peak, to name a few. Lush pines abound in the area and the large historic ones have names. You become immersed in your surroundings and find yourself in an amazing painting. Scenery keeps changing as you walk on steep steps usually clinging to precipices. Every step reveals a breath-taking view so you can just point your camera and take a perfect photo almost everywhere on the way. No wonder it’s called Fascinating Scenic Area.
A 4.5 km downhill walk will take you deeper and deeper in the ravine, with cliffs and peaks becoming higher and higher, arriving at Buxian Bridge. It's a real Grand Canyon! In front of you from Buxian Bridge the 3 km long steps will lead you through the White Cloud Area to the Tianhai Area. It's really a difficult climb but you will be rewarded with an impressive view.
To complete this circular trip, you will climb up another 0.7 km to Bright Summit (Peak Brightness Top, 1860m, second highest peak of the Yellow Mountain). Then continue down 1 km to an “erratic” (known as Feilai Stone, Fly-Over Stone, or A Stone Flew From Afar), and finally 1.5 km further down will take you back to the Cloud-dispelling Pavilion.
This spectacular circular route is a good option for the energetic physically fit tourist. A better option for those who are not used to strenuous activity would be walking a small section of it rather than missing it altogether.