Huangshan is tough, just got back, really don’t recommend coming in May! Because..

Babies! Just came down from the "Fairyland on Earth" Huangshan—legs are dead but eyes are super satisfied! ✨ This time I gritted my teeth to challenge a one-day quick tour, checking off the proud Welcoming Pine, the magnificent Bright Summit, and the perilous West Sea Grand Canyon! I’ve put together a super practical guide that saves time and effort while still getting great shots—perfect for early risers and fast-paced travelers 📌 Preparation before the trip: May in Huangshan is in spring, with pleasant weather, making it an excellent season to visit. At this time, Huangshan is blooming with flowers and rolling seas of clouds, showing a charming scenery different from other seasons. According to the latest weather data, temperatures in Huangshan in May are moderate, but there is a large temperature difference between day and night, so visitors are advised to bring jackets to cope with the changing climate. When traveling in Huangshan, tickets and transportation are important parts that need to be planned in advance. The Huangshan Scenic Area ticket price is 230 RMB per person, which includes the main entrance ticket and cable car ticket. To avoid queuing on-site, it is recommended to book tickets online in advance. For transportation, from Huangshan city to the scenic area, you need to take a shuttle bus, costing 20 RMB per person (round trip). For equipment, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a water bottle, and some snacks are essential. Because the mountain paths in Huangshan are steep, it is recommended to bring trekking poles to save energy. May has a higher chance of rain in Huangshan; according to the weather forecast, light to moderate rain may occur from May 15 to 20, so rain gear is also a must-have. Tour route: Although a one-day tour of Huangshan is tight on time, with a reasonable route plan, you can still experience the essence of Huangshan. The recommended itinerary is as follows: Morning: Take the shuttle bus from the South Gate transfer center to Yungu Temple, then take the Yungu cable car up the mountain (about 20 minutes). After arriving at the Beihai Scenic Area, first visit Shixin Peak, which is the representative spot for Huangshan pines, where you can see the three famous pines: "Welcoming Pine," "Accompanying Pine," and "Seeing-off Pine." Forenoon: From Shixin Peak, head to Lion Peak, one of the best spots to shoot the sunrise. Then visit Sanhua Valley near Beihai Hotel to admire the strange rock formations. Next, go to Bright Summit (altitude 1860 meters, the second highest peak in Huangshan), which is the best place to view the panoramic scenery of Huangshan. Noon: Have lunch at Beihai Hotel or Shilin Grand Hotel. Recommended local specialties include Huangshan stewed pigeon and steamed stone ear mushroom. Afternoon: From Bright Summit, go to Flying-Over Rock, one of Huangshan’s iconic sights. Then visit Aoyu Peak and Lotus Peak (the highest peak in Huangshan, altitude 1873 meters). Near Lotus Peak, you can enjoy the famous "clever stones" scenery of Huangshan. Evening: Head to the Welcoming Pine area to photograph Huangshan’s most representative pine tree. Then take the Yuping cable car down the mountain to end your one-day Huangshan trip. This route covers the main attractions of Huangshan, including strange pines and rocks, as well as sea of clouds and sunset, maximizing your experience of Huangshan’s natural beauty within limited time. Food recommendations: Huangshan food red list and black list comparison Huangshan’s cuisine mainly features Huizhou cuisine, known for its unique flavors and cooking methods. Below is a comparison of Huangshan’s food red list and black list: Red list (recommended) Huangshan stewed pigeon: Made from locally raised young pigeons, tender meat, rich soup, and nutritious, it is a traditional famous dish in Huangshan. Steamed stone ear mushroom: Stone ear is a rare mountain delicacy unique to Huangshan, with a crisp texture, steamed with meat slices for a unique flavor. Huangshan stinky mandarin fish: Although the name sounds unpleasant, the fish meat is delicious after special processing and is a representative dish of Huizhou cuisine. Mao tofu: A traditional specialty of Huangshan, crispy outside and tender inside, melts in your mouth with a unique taste. Huangshan corn cake: A special snack made from cornmeal, sweet and fragrant, loved by locals for breakfast. Lingzhi mushroom: A Huangshan specialty, can be boiled as tea or stewed in soup, with health benefits. Black list (not recommended) Huangshan grilled fish: Although it looks tempting, the taste is average, so choose carefully. Huangshan fried rice noodles: A common snack, but some restaurants serve low-quality fried noodles, so it’s better to choose well-known restaurants. Braised pig tongue: Made from pig’s tongue, may not be recommended for visitors who dislike pig tongue. Some hotel dishes: Some hotels in the scenic area may use average quality ingredients to pursue profit, so it’s recommended to check restaurant reviews in advance. In Huangshan city, food choices are richer; recommended restaurants include Laojie Diyi Lou and Meishirenjia for authentic Huizhou cuisine. For dining inside the scenic area, it’s better to choose Beihai Hotel restaurant or Shilin Grand Hotel, which are pricier but guarantee quality. Photo spots and tips: Huangshan is an excellent place for photography, with many classic shooting spots and unique natural landscapes. Here are the best photo spots and some practical shooting tips: Best photo spots Shixin Peak: The best place to shoot Huangshan pines, especially Welcoming Pine, Accompanying Pine, and Seeing-off Pine. Lion Peak: One of the best spots to shoot sunrise and panoramic views of Huangshan. Bright Summit: As the second highest peak of Huangshan, it offers an excellent vantage point to overlook the entire scenic area. Flying-Over Rock: The best spot to photograph this iconic rock is from below, capturing the entire unique rock formation. Paiyun Pavilion: The entrance to the West Sea Grand Canyon, perfect for shooting sea of clouds and canyon scenery. Gongyang Mountain: Marked by Baie Mountain Villa, facing south, it’s a great spot to shoot the peaks of the Left and Right Seas. Photo tips Lighting: Early morning and evening light are best for capturing golden sunlight and beautiful sea of clouds. It’s recommended to arrive at the shooting spot one hour before sunrise. Composition: Try different compositions such as the rule of thirds and diagonal lines to add depth to your photos. Panorama shooting: Use your phone’s panorama mode, fix the phone on a tripod, and slowly rotate horizontally to capture panoramic photos. Seasonal features: In May, Huangshan is blooming with rhododendrons and fresh green forests, showing the vitality of spring Huangshan. Sea of clouds shooting: Huangshan’s sea of clouds is ever-changing; use slow shutter speed to capture the flowing effect of the clouds. Money-saving tips: Huangshan travel costs are relatively high; here are some practical money-saving tips: Book tickets in advance: Booking tickets online in advance avoids queuing and some platforms may offer discounts. Choose off-peak travel: Although May is not the absolute off-season, compared to the busy summer months of July and August, May has fewer tourists and more moderate prices. Plan your own route: Avoid expensive guided tours; plan your route yourself using maps and signs provided by the scenic area. Bring your own food: Dining inside the scenic area is expensive; bring some dry food and water, eat at the foot of the mountain, and bring snacks up the mountain. Manage your time wisely: Taking the cable car is convenient but adds to the cost; if you have the stamina, hiking up can save money. Pay attention to discounts: Seniors over 65 can enter Hongcun/Xidi and other scenic spots for free; students and military personnel also have corresponding discounts. Avoid shopping traps: Many shops around the scenic area sell Huangshan specialties at high prices; it’s better to buy in the city or local supermarkets.