Compared to other attractions, everyone knows that the Welcome Guest Pine is the most famous here!
Anhui Huangshan Scenic Area Travel Guide
I. Preparation
Documents
Bring your ID card, student ID (if applicable), senior citizen card (if applicable), etc., for ticket purchase and to enjoy preferential policies.
Clothing
Huangshan's weather is changeable, so check the forecast in advance and prepare appropriate clothing. For spring and fall, bring long-sleeved jackets and light sweaters; in summer, mornings and evenings are cool, so bring a light jacket; in winter, be sure to bring thick down jackets, thermal pants, gloves, scarves, snow boots, etc.
Equipment
Comfortable hiking or athletic shoes; walking sticks can reduce hiking strain; backpacks for carrying water, food, and other essentials; rain gear (raincoat, umbrella) in case of precipitation.
Other
Book scenic area tickets and nearby accommodation in advance; download the scenic area map app for convenient navigation.
II. Itinerary Planning
One-Day Tour
- Route: Yungu Temple (take cable car up) → Shixin Peak → Black Tiger Pine → Dreaming Pen Flower → Monkey Watching the Sea → Lion Peak → Paiyun Pavilion → West Sea Grand Canyon (optional to return after viewing first or second loop) → Flying Stone → Bright Summit → Yuping Tower (Welcome Guest Pine) → Lotus Peak (or Celestial Capital Peak, which open in rotation) → descend via Yuping cable car.
- Description: This route covers Huangshan's classic attractions. In the morning, ascend from Yungu Temple to admire the strange pines and rocks; in the afternoon, visit the West Sea Grand Canyon to experience the canyon scenery, and finally descend from Yuping Tower via Lotus Peak or Celestial Capital Peak. This allows you to experience Huangshan's essence in one day.
Two-Day Tour
- Day 1: Yungu Temple (take cable car up) → White Goose Ridge → Shixin Peak → Black Tiger Pine → Dreaming Pen Flower → Monkey Watching the Sea → Lion Peak → Refreshing Terrace → Beihai Hotel (check in, rest briefly) → Paiyun Pavilion → West Sea Grand Canyon (explore in depth, return via ground rail cable car to stay near Baiyun Hotel).
- Day 2: Rise early to watch sunrise at Bright Summit → Flying Stone → Aoyu Peak → Hundred Step Cloud Ladder → Lotus Peak (or Celestial Capital Peak) → Yuping Tower (Welcome Guest Pine) → descend via Yuping cable car.
- Description: The first day's itinerary is relaxed, allowing ample time to appreciate the North Sea area scenery and explore the West Sea Grand Canyon in depth; on the second day, rise early to watch the sunrise, then tour the front mountain attractions. The pace is comfortable, offering a more comprehensive experience of Huangshan's beauty.
III. Attraction Highlights
Unique Pines
Welcome Guest Pine: Huangshan's iconic landscape, resembling a hospitable host extending arms to welcome guests, located to the left of Yuping Tower.
Farewell Pine: With a unique posture like bowing to see guests off, located to the right of Yuping Tower.
Conjugal Pine: Two pine trees with intertwined branches and trunks, symbolizing love, located at Shixin Peak.
Strange Rocks
Monkey Watching the Sea: On a flat-topped peak north of Lion Peak, there's a peculiar rock resembling a crouching monkey watching the sea of clouds. When the mist clears, it looks like a monkey gazing at the green fields of Taiping County, hence also known as "Monkey Watching Taiping."
Flying Stone: A huge boulder standing on a flat rock about 12-15 meters long, with minimal contact between the two rocks. It appears to be on the verge of falling yet remains firmly in place. Legend has it that it's a leftover stone from Goddess Nüwa's sky-mending project.
Sea of Clouds
Huangshan's sea of clouds is exceptional, divided into North Sea, West Sea, East Sea, Heavenly Sea, and South Sea areas. The cloud formations vary by season and weather conditions. The most spectacular sea of clouds can be observed after rain clears, creating a fairyland-like atmosphere.
Hot Springs
Huangshan hot springs are renowned, with water rich in bicarbonate that is suitable for both drinking and bathing. Soaking in the hot springs after a tiring tour can relieve body and mind.
IV. Food Recommendations
On the Mountain
- Packed food: Bring bread, sausages, chocolate, Snickers, and other lightweight, high-calorie foods to replenish energy.
- Restaurants: White Cloud Hotel, Yuping Tower Hotel, and others offer buffets with various dishes to meet basic dining needs.
Off the Mountain
- Stinky Mandarin Fish: A representative Hui cuisine dish that smells pungent but tastes delicious with tender meat.
- Hairy Tofu: Covered with a layer of fine fuzz, when cooked the exterior becomes golden and crispy while the interior remains soft and smooth, with a delicious flavor.
- Huangshan Pancakes: Crispy and fragrant, usually filled with preserved vegetables and pork, savory and portable, making them good souvenirs.
V. Accommodation Suggestions
On the Mountain
- Beihai Hotel: Located in the North Sea scenic area, surrounded by numerous attractions, convenient for travel with relatively complete facilities.
- White Cloud Hotel: Excellently located, close to Bright Summit for early sunrise viewing, with various room types.
Off the Mountain
- Tangkou Town: Rich accommodation options from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses, close to Huangshan's South Gate with convenient transportation, making it the first choice for most tourists staying off the mountain.