A Guide to Huangshan Mountain

"You won't want to see any other mountains after returning from the Five Great Mountains, and you won't want to see any other peaks after returning from Huangshan." Huangshan, a famous mountain located in southern Anhui Province, is renowned for its Five Wonders: unique pines, grotesque rocks, seas of clouds, hot springs, and winter snow. It is a true gem bestowed upon us by nature. Whether you seek to challenge yourself and conquer peaks or relax and enjoy the scenery, Huangshan caters to all your needs. Take this guide and embark on your wondrous journey to Huangshan! 1. Pre-trip Preparations Best Time to Visit: April to November is the best time to visit Huangshan. The weather is clear, the temperature is pleasant, and the probability of seeing a sea of clouds is high. All scenic spots are open during this period. June to August is summer in Huangshan, with slightly higher temperatures, but the lush greenery on the mountain makes it an excellent summer retreat. September to November is autumn, with crisp air and gradually reddening maple leaves, transforming Huangshan into a picturesque landscape. If you're chasing the spectacular sea of clouds, winter and spring are the best seasons. In winter (late October to February), you can also witness rime, icefalls, and other wonders, and enjoy off-season ticket prices. However, some scenic spots are closed during winter. Transportation: - Airplane: Arrive at Huangshan Tunxi International Airport, approximately 60 km from the Huangshan Scenic Area. An airport bus goes directly to the scenic area, taking about 1.5 hours. - High-speed Rail: Huangshan North Railway Station is closer to the scenic area. After exiting the station, take a special bus, which takes about an hour to reach the foot of Huangshan Mountain. - Self-driving: Navigate directly to the south or north gate of Huangshan Scenic Area. Check parking information in advance. Accommodation: - Mountaintop: Convenient for watching sunrise and sunset, but prices are higher and reservations are required in advance. For example, Baiyun Hotel offers an excellent location for viewing both sunset and sunrise; Shilin Grand Hotel provides attentive service and is close to many attractions. - Mountain Foot: More options and relatively cheaper prices. Tangkou Town has many homestays and hotels, close to the scenic area and convenient for travel. Essential Items: Comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, raincoat (essential due to Huangshan's changeable weather), hiking poles (to reduce fatigue), power bank (to ensure electronic devices are charged), and appropriate amounts of dry food and water (prices on the mountain are higher). 2. Recommended Classic Routes One-Day Tour (Compact Essence Version) If time is limited, it is recommended to take the cable car up the mountain and visit the essential scenic spots. - Route: Ascend via Yungu Cable Car → Beginning-to-Believe Peak (to admire the unique pine trees) → Black Tiger Pine (unique shape, perfect for photos) → Magic Brush Painting Flowers (to appreciate nature's wonders) → Paiyun Pavilion (overlooking the West Sea Grand Canyon, a fairyland when shrouded in clouds and mist) → West Sea Grand Canyon (Loop 1 and 2, to experience the canyon's depth and danger) → Flying-Over Rock (check in at the filming location of the 1987 version of "Dream of the Red Chamber") → Bright Summit Peak (to watch the sunset, with wide views and magnificent scenery) → Descend via Bai'e Ridge Cable Car. - Features: A compact itinerary that allows you to experience Huangshan's unique pine trees, grotesque rocks, and magnificent sea of clouds in one day. Two-Day Tour (In-depth Experience Version) If you have ample time, a two-day tour is highly recommended for a more comprehensive and in-depth experience of Huangshan's beauty. - Day 1: Ascend via Yungu Cable Car → Beginning-to-Believe Peak → Black Tiger Pine → Magic Brush Painting Flowers → Paiyun Pavilion → West Sea Grand Canyon (Loop 1 and 2) → Check in to a mountaintop hotel, and enjoy the sunset near the hotel in the evening. - Day 2: Wake up early to watch the sunrise at Dawn Glow Peak (be sure to wake up early, the sunrise at Huangshan is breathtaking) → Flying-Over Rock → Bright Summit Peak → Aoyu Peak → Hundred Steps Cloud Ladder (a bit steep, but the sense of accomplishment is immense) → Lotus Peak (if open, a must-visit, the highest peak of Huangshan, with unique scenery) → Yuping Tower → Welcoming Pine → Descend via Ciguang Cable Car. - Features: Allows you to enjoy both sunrise and sunset at Huangshan, experience a more complete view of Huangshan's scenery, and enjoy a relatively relaxed itinerary. 3. Recommended Scenic Spots - West Sea Grand Canyon: The most spectacular canyon in Huangshan, with grotesque rocks, clouds, and mist, resembling a fairyland. Walking along the canyon trail, you can feel the magnificence and wonder of nature. - Bright Summit Peak: The second highest peak in Huangshan, with an altitude of 1,860 meters, offering extremely wide views and an excellent location for watching sunrise and sunset and overlooking the entire Huangshan panorama. There are also a weather station and hotels here for visitors to rest and replenish their energy. - Flying-Over Rock: A huge rock with a small contact area at its base, as if it flew in from the sky, making it a marvel. It is also an important filming location for the 1987 version of "Dream of the Red Chamber," attracting many tourists to check in. - Welcoming Pine: The iconic landscape of Huangshan, with a graceful posture, like a welcoming host, embracing visitors from all directions. Many tourists take photos here to capture this unforgettable moment. - Lotus Peak: The highest peak in Huangshan, with an altitude of 1,864.8 meters. The peak is steep, and after reaching the top, you can overlook the surrounding magnificent scenery, evoking a sense of "reaching the summit and overlooking the mountains." However, Lotus Peak and Tiandu Peak are open alternately every five years, so check the opening status before your trip. - Beginning-to-Believe Peak: Famous for its unique pine trees, there is a saying, "You haven't seen Huangshan pines until you've been to Beginning-to-Believe Peak." Here you can see Dragon Claw Pine, Joined-Branches Pine, and other unique pine trees, rooted in the cliffs, demonstrating tenacious vitality. 4. Food Check-in - Hairy Tofu: A traditional Huangshan snack, the tofu surface is covered with white fluff. After frying, it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a delicious taste. Paired with a special sauce, it offers a unique flavor. - Stinky Mandarin Fish: One of the signature dishes of Anhui cuisine, it smells stinky but tastes delicious. The fish is specially marinated, making it tender and flavorful, a must-try dish in Huangshan. - Hu Shi Yi Pin Guo: Five different ingredients are layered and stewed together, allowing the flavors to blend, satisfying your taste buds. - Huangshan Sesame Seed Cakes: Crispy on the outside and savory on the inside, with various fillings such as preserved vegetables and pork floss. They are easy to carry and make a delicious snack for your journey. 5. Useful Tips - Weather: Huangshan's weather is unpredictable. It is recommended to check the weather forecast in advance and bring rain gear and warm clothing. Even in summer, the mountaintop can be quite cool at night. - Tickets and Cable Car Tickets: Book online in advance to save queuing time. Ticket discounts may be available on certain dates. Check the official Huangshan Tourism platform for information. - Prices: Prices on the mountain are higher. You can bring some dry food and water, but don't bring too much to avoid adding to your climbing burden. - Safety: Pay attention to safety, do not climb dangerous areas, and watch your step when taking photos. Do not feed monkeys to avoid being scratched. - Environmental Protection: Protect the environment, do not litter, and keep Huangshan beautiful and clean.