French photographer's fascination for Huangshan

In February this year, Cornet's photographs were exhibited at the Xposure International Photography Festival in the United Arab Emirates. He says that while many visitors had never heard of the mountain before, several began planning trips after seeing his photos.

The photographer says Huangshan has offered him far more than stunning images; it has opened a window on Chinese hospitality.

He says local residents have been very friendly to international tourists like him, and he has built friendships with Chinese photographers.

He says that as Huangshan continues to gain international recognition, services have been improving to accommodate the growing number of overseas visitors. "I've also noticed that some staff at key locations now speak English, which is very helpful," he says.

He also hails China's visa-free entry policies, which made his two most recent trips to Huangshan much easier.

Currently, China grants unilateral visa-free entry to 38 countries, including France, and has extended the transit visa-free period to 240 hours for travelers from 54 countries.

Cornet says he expects the relaxed entry policies to attract more international tourists to China.

He is already planning his next trip to Huangshan. With a new cableway set to open, he says he looks forward to exploring and photographing parts of the mountain that were previously less accessible. "It will open up new creative opportunities for me."