One of the oldest of the nine well-known pine tree species in the Beihai zone began to wither in 1972 and eventually died in 1982. Well-known for the resemblance it bore to a dragon standing on the mountain peak, a plastic replica was made of it, and in 2004 a similar pine tree was planted on a 40-meter-tall stone pillar.

Staggered breaks from visitors are an innovative measure specifically aimed at protecting Huangshan’s natural and cultural heritage. As the mountain’s broad scope of scenic delights draw huge numbers of visitors, since 1987 accessibility to certain peaks in the Huangshan scenic area has been rotated every three to six years.

Some Huangshan locales are now amid their third break, during which natural recovery combined with human assistance renews damaged woods and vegetation and improves the eco system.

In the 20 years since introduction of the break system Huangshan’s scenic spots have retained their best possible state, as naturally luxuriant as ever, despite soaring numbers of visitors.

Development and Protection

The well-designed, scientific system of travel resource management and protection of Huangshan’s natural and cultural heritage have made it a star attraction both in China and internationally. In 1999, China became the first Asian country to be awarded the UNESCO Melina Mercouri International Prize for the management and protection of Huangshan.

Huangshan’s stunning geographical features and natural environment led to the UNWTO (UN World Tourism Organization) and UNESCO’s setting up in March 2008 of the one and only sustainable Tourism Observatory in the Huangshan scenic zone. UN staff use the observatory’s world standard equipment to gather, analyze and monitor environmental protection data and samples for global purposes.

At the end of 2011, the Huangshan scenic zone, Asia’s sole representative, was among the first designated batch of pilot world sustainable travel destinations. The zone’s management concepts appeared in the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria for Destinations. In June 2012, assessment expert on the Global Sustainable Tourism Committee Brian Mullis carried out a 10-day observation of Huangshan. He remarked in his findings that, after 22 years of observing sustainable tourism in 45 countries, he is confident that Huangshan could serve as a template for similar destinations. Mullis was impressed with Huangshan’s prospect planning and lawmaking as well as its well-rounded monitoring, volunteer service, eco protection, low-carbon travel mode and international cooperation.

Huangshan is a treasure that the Chinese share with people the world over. Building harmonious relations between man and nature has been and remains the focus of protecting and inheriting this precious tract.