Just back from Huangshan, here's a guide to avoid pitfalls.

[Pre-trip Preparations] ✅Tickets: Huangshan tickets CNY 190 (half price for students) + Yungu/Yuping Cable Car CNY 80–90 + Bus CNY 19 * 2. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance on the "Huangshan Tourism Official Platform" mini program. Buying bus tickets on-site requires an additional CNY 4 for insurance. ✅Accommodation: Accommodation at the foot of the mountain costs CNY 200/night and offers good value for money. Mountain hotels cost upwards of CNY 1,000 (Shilin Hotel butler service recommended). During promotions, you can find rooms for CNY 799/night. ✅Equipment: Buy a hiking stick for CNY 3 at the foot of the mountain. Non-slip gloves are a must. Wear quick-drying clothes + a jacket, and sports shoes for a 20,000-step hike. ✅Transportation: A taxi from Huangshan North Railway Station to the scenic spot costs CNY 160. It is recommended to take the "Yi Chuxing" bus, which is more cost-effective. [Full Itinerary] ▫Day 1 9:16 Shanghai Hongqiao → Huangshan North (CNY 191) 12:15 Taxi to the South Gate (CNY 55 per person) 13:00 Lunch at Dafeng Commune (CNY 64 per person) 14:00 Take the Yungu Cable Car (CNY 76) and hike up the back mountain: Mushroom Pavilion → Beginning-to-Believe Peak → Black Tiger Pine 16:15 Check in to Shilin Hotel (CNY 293 per person) 16:45 Watch the sunset at Paiyun Pavilion (led by the butler) 21:00 Stargazing near the hotel (the starry sky is amazing!) ▫Day 2 6:15 Mushroom Pavilion to secure the best spot for sunrise 8:00 After breakfast at the hotel, descend the mountain: Monkey Watching the Sea → Bright Summit Peak → One Line Sky → Welcoming Pine 13:00 Descend the mountain via Yuping Cable Car (CNY 86) 14:30 Take the bus to Tunxi Ancient Street (CNY 30) 16:30 Return to Shanghai (CNY 191) [Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls] ⚠Ascending the back mountain is easier; the front mountain is steep, so be careful. ⚠Instant noodles on the mountain top cost CNY 15/bowl. It is recommended to bring your own. ⚠The West Sea Grand Canyon is closed in winter and opens in April. ⚠To watch the sunrise at Bright Summit Peak, arrive 1 hour in advance to secure a spot. ⚠Try Huangshan biscuits before buying them. The walnut flavor is recommended. [Photography Tips] 📸A telephoto lens is a must! Use 200mm to capture the sea of clouds at sunrise. 📸The sunset silhouette at Paiyun Pavilion is superb. 📸The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye from the hotel balcony. 💰Total cost: CNY 1,300/person (including transportation, accommodation, and tickets) 💡Tips: Follow the scenic spot's official WeChat account to check real-time weather. It is recommended to cancel the trip in case of rain.