day one You will fly to Huangshan City, arriving in the evening where you will check into its finest hotel. (Huangshan Pine Golf Hotel - Duplex Suite or Executive Suite, subject to availability)   day two Waking up early to take full advantage of your day on the Yellow Mountain, you will be immediately driven from Huangshan City to the mountain itself. Having ascended three-quarters of the rugged mountain by cable car, you will still need to hike uphill for another 45 minutes before arriving at Huangshan's circuitous peak. For the next two or three hours you'll want to stroll around the peak appreciating its dramatic views. Depending on the weather, you may enjoy views of granite tusks suddenly piercing through the swirling mist, or else if it's colder, will be delighted by the famous seas of pink-tinged clouds floating between Huangshan's jagged ridges. In early/mid-afternoon, it will be up to you to decide whether to descend by foot or by cable-car. The walk down is demanding, but then again these views can be the most sensational. (B, L, D)   day three This morning you will tour some ancient, picturesque villages, conveniently located near Huangshan City. Commonly, it is the remote geography of such villages that has harbored them from the destructive force of China's turbulent history . This visit, then, will be a rare opportunity for you to experience at first hand the design and architecture of well-preserved, affluent Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) villages. Apart from enjoying curious architectural details, such as a wind shield covering a six hundred year old "window", you will also be able to appreciate the sheer ingenuity of traditional urban designs, maximizing the use of running water for aesthetic, spiritual and practical benefits. In the early afternoon, you will return to Huangshan to walk through its ancient city quarter, which features a centuries old, double-tiered shopping street, packed with intriguing wares. As evening approaches you will be whisked to the airport, from which you will return by plane to Beijing. (Peninsula Palace Hotel - Executive Suite or St. Regis Hotel - Executive Deluxe Room (B, L, D) day four A car will drive you to Beijing international airport in time for your plane home. (B)     Please note that B, L, D denotes Breakfast, Lunch Dinner. City tours are done on a private basis only. Visitors interested in a group tour of China, should view our monthly Imperial Tour itinerary.