Who says Huangshi is only about mines? This guide will take you to have a blast in this treasure city!
Family, stop thinking Huangshi is just about mining! This treasure city hides so many surprises that once you come, you won’t want to leave! Here’s a super detailed Huangshi travel guide 📝 Quickly save it and set off on a spontaneous trip!
Best Travel Time
Huangshi has distinct four seasons. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, with comfortable weather and beautiful scenery. In spring 🌼, everything revives and the area around Cihu Lake blooms with flowers; in autumn 🍁, the maple leaves at Huangshi National Mining Park turn red, stunningly beautiful! In summer, you can cool off at Xiandao Lake, and in winter, enjoy the warmth at Leishan Hot Springs.
Must-Visit Attractions
1. Huangshi National Mining Park: Asia’s largest open-pit mine. Stand at the edge of the “sinkhole” and feel the powerful clash between industrial civilization and ecological restoration—perfect for epic photos! Remember to wear non-slip shoes 👟 as some paths are steep. The ore locomotive sculpture, Chairman Mao’s inspection monument, and the locust flower forest in the early morning are all excellent photo spots.
2. Dongfang Mountain Scenic Area: The “First Mountain of the Three Chu” is well-deserved! The thousand-year-old ginkgo trees and the red walls of Honghua Zen Temple create a picturesque scene. The sea of clouds sunrise at the mountain peak is a must-see—get up early to hike and watch the sunrise, totally worth it! You can also walk the cliffside glass plank road to overlook the secret bamboo forest, thrilling and fun.
3. Cihu Lake Scenic Area: The emerald lake in the city. Ride a bike along the lakeside, feel the breeze, and relax. The waterside boardwalk and Chengyue Island arch bridge are classic activities. At dusk, dine at a lakeside restaurant with Yangxin Tun bird soup while watching the sunset—pure happiness! Rent a shared electric bike and ride along Hangzhou Road, you might even meet local fishermen and experience Huangshi’s slow life.
4. Xisai Mountain Scenic Area: A poetic and picturesque secret by the Yangtze River, famous for Zhang Zhihe’s poem “Egrets Flying in Front of Xisai Mountain.” From the summit, you can overlook the Yangtze River and Huangshi city. Explore Peach Blossom Ancient Cave and the Three Kingdoms iron chain sunken relics to travel back in time. Wearing Hanfu here for photos enhances the atmosphere, and the cliffside stone carving of “Egrets Flying in Front of Xisai Mountain” is a perfect backdrop.
5. Huaxin 1907 Cultural Park: Transformed from a cement factory, full of cyberpunk vibes. Graffiti on raw material silos, old conveyor belts, and quote walls make every shot a masterpiece. Don’t miss the immersive art exhibition “Dream Mirror: Classic of Mountains and Seas” with stunning light and shadow effects, like stepping into a fantasy world. It’s recommended to wear workwear or denim jackets paired with Martin boots for better photos.
Three-Day Itinerary Plan
Day 1: Industrial Wonders and Lake & Mountain Scenery
- 08:00: Arrive at Huangshi North Station, rent a car (SUV recommended for easy access to all spots)
- 10:00: Huangshi National Mining Park, check out the panoramic view of the “sinkhole” and feel the industrial charm
- 12:30: Lunch at Miner’s Canteen, try cured meat hot pot and Tieshan spicy hot pot, authentic Huangshi flavors
- 14:30: Cihu Lake Scenic Area, bike around the lake, visit the lake island, enjoy the scenery
- 18:00: Check in at Weisu Bay Huajianjing·Guilu Hotel, lake view room to watch the breathtaking sunset
- 20:00: Dinner at Weisu Canteen, must order Huangshi potato slices and lotus root soup, finger-licking good
Day 2: Buddhist Holy Land and Cultural Journey
- 07:30: Dongfang Mountain Scenic Area, climb Dongchang Pavilion to watch the sea of clouds sunrise, start the day full of energy
- 10:30: Tonglvshan Ancient Copper Mine Site, experience immersive bronze culture drama, feel the weight of history
- 12:00: Lunch at a traditional restaurant, try sweet potato noodles and Yinzi cake, a taste of Huangshi
- 14:00: Huaxin 1907 Cultural Park, shoot industrial style photos, blow up your social media
- 16:30: Xisai Mountain Scenic Area, explore Peach Blossom Ancient Cave, trace historical footprints
- 19:00: Dinner at Jiangyu No.1, fresh-caught Yangtze River fish, unbelievably fresh
Day 3: Family Fun and Departure
- 08:30: Overseas Chinese Town Dinosaur Kingdom Resort, enjoy the pterosaur roller coaster and 4D cinema, start a joyful journey
- 12:00: Lunch at Poly Times Plaza’s Xibei Youmian Village, kids’ meals come with dinosaur toys
- 14:00: Before leaving, stroll through Bell Tower Pedestrian Street, buy Laosimen Port cakes as souvenirs to bring Huangshi’s flavor home
Food Recommendations and Warnings
✅ Must-Try
- Huangshi Potato Slices: Hu Ji Potato Slices (Zongzong Road main store), sweet and spicy sauce, crispy outside and soft inside, love at first bite!
- Daye Hu Noodles: Hu Mian Wang (Wuhan Road store), thick rice noodle-like noodles with lean meat and tofu, thick and hearty, warming and comforting.
- Yangxin Tun Bird Soup: Lao Xingguo Restaurant’s free-range Tun bird stew, original flavor, nourishing and delicious.
- Prince Tofu: Chuxiang Culinary’s pan-fried stuffed tofu, golden crispy outside, tender inside, full of bean fragrance.
❌ Pitfalls to Avoid
- “Wild dried fish” sold in scenic areas are mostly wholesale goods with inflated prices, be cautious!
- Night market’s “fried crab” is often frozen and tastes poor; better to eat steamed Yuankou crab at a proper restaurant.
- Mining Park’s “ore blind boxes” are more collectible than valuable, don’t impulse buy!
Accommodation Suggestions
✅ Top Picks
- Weisu Bay Huajianjing·Guilu Hotel: A new Chinese-style Zen hotel by Cihu Lake, floor-to-ceiling windows facing the lake, perfect for photos, like living in a landscape painting.
- Grand Skylight·Yueyuanbo Hotel: Family rooms with dinosaur themes and tent toys, rooftop viewing platform for Overseas Chinese Town night views, ideal for traveling with kids.
- Cihu Lake Villa: 5-minute walk to Cihu Lake, garden-style design, beautiful environment, family-friendly with a strong vacation vibe.
❌ Avoid
- Homestays around Xiandao Lake Scenic Area have outdated facilities and double prices in peak season; staying in the city is more cost-effective.
- Farmhouses near Mining Park have uneven hygiene; prioritize chain hotels for peace of mind.
Important Pitfall Warnings
1. Transportation traps: Unlicensed cars at Xiandao Lake charge 150 RMB one way, don’t be fooled! Use ride-hailing or charter cars, round trip about 300 RMB, safer and more cost-effective.
2. Sudden weather changes: Summer days can reach 30°C, but nights may drop to 10°C suddenly; bring a windbreaker to avoid catching a cold.
3. Ticket discounts: Student and senior IDs get half price; Huangshi Tourism Annual Card costs 100 RMB and covers 31 attractions, very cost-effective, get it in advance.
4. Signal issues: Some areas in Mining Park have no network; download offline maps beforehand to avoid getting lost.
Huangshi, a city full of charm, combines industrial depth, natural beauty, and delicious food. Pack your bags and start a wonderful journey in Huangshi! Remember to like and save this guide, leave questions in the comments, and have a great time 🥳