[2025 Huangshan Hotels] Travel Guide for Guangmingding Hotel (Updated Oct)

📅 Itinerary Day 1: Arrive at Huangshan → Climb and stay on the mountain top Morning: Take high-speed train to Huangshan North Station, then take the scenic area shuttle bus (💰30 RMB/person) directly to Tangkou Town Noon: Lunch in Tangkou Town (Recommended: fermented tofu + stinky mandarin fish, about 💰50 RMB per person) Afternoon: Take the Yungu Temple cable car up the mountain (💰80 RMB/person), visit Shixin Peak → Black Tiger Pine → Dream Pen Blossoms Evening: Watch the sunset at Bright Summit Peak / Paiyun Pavilion Accommodation: Mountain top hotel (💰600-800 RMB/night, recommended Baiyun Hotel / Bright Summit Peak Villa) Day 2: Huangshan Sunrise → Hongcun Early morning: Watch sunrise and sea of clouds at Bright Summit Peak / Lion Peak (free) Morning: Hike the West Sea Grand Canyon (popular small train 💰100 RMB/one way) or Ao Fish Peak → Welcoming Pine Noon: Take Yuping cable car down (💰90 RMB/person), then bus to Hongcun (💰25 RMB/person) Afternoon: Explore Hongcun (entrance fee 💰94 RMB, half price for students), check in at Moon Pond + Nanhu Academy Experience Huizhou-style sketching, try Meigan vegetable baked cake (💰5 RMB) Accommodation: Hongcun characteristic guesthouse (💰200-300 RMB/night) Day 3: Hongcun → Return trip Morning: Take photos of Hongcun morning mist, or visit Xidi Village (entrance fee 💰94 RMB, more original ecology) Noon: Try bamboo shoot stewed pork + stone ear mushroom stewed chicken (about 💰60 RMB per person) Afternoon: Take bus back to Huangshan North Station (💰30 RMB/person), high-speed train back 💰 Budget Details (per person) Item Cost (RMB) Notes Transportation 400-500 High-speed train + scenic shuttle bus + cable cars Tickets 284 Huangshan 190 + Hongcun 94 Accommodation 800-1000 One night on the mountain + one night in Hongcun Meals 300-400 Simple meals on the mountain + Huizhou specialty dishes Others 100-200 Small train / souvenirs / snacks Total 2800-3200 Off-season / booking in advance can save 300 RMB ⚠️ Practical Tips ✅ Money-saving tips: Book mountain top accommodation one week in advance (on-site prices may double) Bring your own self-heating hot pot / chocolate, instant noodles on the mountain 💰15 RMB/bowl Hongcun tickets allow multiple entries within 3 days, keep your ticket stub ✅ Equipment recommendations: Must bring: trekking poles, windproof jacket, non-slip shoes, power bank Optional: raincoat (weather on the mountain changes frequently) ✅ Route optimization: If less fit, take the back mountain cable car up and front mountain cable car down (easier) Skip Hongcun and go to Jade Valley (Lover’s Valley, entrance fee 💰60 RMB) 📸 Must-visit spots Huangshan: Bright Summit Peak sunrise, West Sea Grand Canyon, Welcoming Pine Hongcun: Moon Pond reflection, Wang Family Ancestral Hall Hidden spot: Qishu Lake outside Hongcun (free, stunning morning mist) 🍜 Must-try foods Stinky mandarin fish: Huizhou’s signature dish, smells bad but tastes great Fermented tofu: mold-fermented tofu, best pan-fried or grilled Huangshan baked cake: filled with Meigan vegetable, 💰10 RMB/bag 🌄 Off-season recommendation (November to March) Discounted tickets (Huangshan 💰150 RMB + Hongcun 💰80 RMB) High chance of winter snow + sea of clouds, fewer crowds and better experience

Here's a meticulously crafted 3-day, 2-night itinerary for an in-depth exploration of Huangshan. Combining springtime highlights with the latest travel updates, this plan covers the area's famed pine trees, unusual rock formations, seas of clouds, breathtaking sunrises, hidden canyons, and unique Huizhou culture. It also takes into account physical exertion and cultural experiences: 🌟 Trip Highlights - Seasonal Exclusives: Mid-April is the peak blooming season for azaleas in Huangshan. The West Sea Grand Canyon and Tiandu Peak will be open during this time. We've included stargazing on Guangming Top and viewing the sunrise over the sea of clouds. - Optimized Transportation: We'll use a combination of high-speed rail and direct shuttle buses. The high-speed train from Guiyang North to Huangshan North is a direct route (approx. 9 hrs), and transfers within the scenic area are seamless. - Cultural Immersion: This itinerary connects the three core areas of Huangshan: the steep front mountain, the beautiful back mountain, and the wondrous West Sea area. It also includes a Huizhou cuisine experience and a rejuvenating hot spring visit. - Photography Guidance: We've marked the best photo spots (like sunrise at Qingliang Terrace and sunset at Paiyun Pavilion) and included recommendations for telephoto lenses and tripods. 📅 Daily Itinerary Day 1: Guiyang → Huangshan - Front Mountain Exploration - Morning ✔️ Guiyang North → Huangshan North (G1536, 07:30-16:30): Direct high-speed train, enjoy the idyllic scenery of the Jiangnan region along the way. ✔️ Huangshan North Station → Tangkou Town (Shuttle bus, 1 hr, CNY 30): Check in to your hotel at the foot of the mountain upon arrival. We recommend the "Huangshan Fuhua Lirang Resort," which includes hot springs and family-friendly facilities. - Afternoon ✔️ Ciguang Pavilion → Yuping Lou (Yuping Cable Car ascent, 10 mins, CNY 90): ▶️ Key Attractions: Greeting Guest Pine, Seeing Guest Off Pine, Yuping Reclining Buddha. Capture the unique sight of "Squirrels Leaping to Tiandu Peak." ▶️ Hidden Gem: Enjoy Huangshan Maofeng tea at the Yuping Lou Hotel viewing platform, overlooking the peaks of the front mountain. - Evening ✔️ Tiandu Peak Night Exploration (Optional): ▶️ Limited Access: Entry to Tiandu Peak closes at 15:00 daily. If you're feeling energetic, challenge yourself with a hike to "Carp's Back" (3 hrs round trip). ▶️ Safety Tips: Bring a headlamp and non-slip gloves. Avoid slippery sections after rain. 🍽️ Dinner Recommendation: Stinky Mandarin Fish and Hairy Tofu at "Lao Jie Di Yi Lou" in Tangkou Town, paired with Huangshan baked buns. Day 2: West Sea Wonders - A Feast in the Clouds - Early Morning ✔️ Guangming Top Sunrise (05:30-06:00): ▶️ Best Spot: Guangming Top Hotel viewing platform. Arrive 30 mins early to secure a good spot. ▶️ Equipment Recommendation: Bring a tripod for star trail photography. Wear a windbreaker for warmth (summit temperature is approx. 8°C). - Morning ✔️ West Sea Grand Canyon (Paiyun Pavilion → Monorail): ▶️ Hiking Route: Paiyun Pavilion → West Sea Grand Canyon Loop 1 → Loop 2 → Canyon Bottom (2 hrs). Experience the "Walking on a Fairy Bridge" suspended walkway. ▶️ Monorail: Canyon Bottom → Tianhai Station (One-way CNY 100, 5 mins). Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the canyon's vertical drop. - Afternoon ✔️ Beihai Scenic Area: ▶️ Key Attractions: Beginning-to-Believe Peak (Black Tiger Pine, Joined-Branches Pine), Lion Peak (Qingliang Terrace, Monkeys Watching the Sea). ▶️ Photography Tip: Use a telephoto lens to capture a vertical panorama at the "Magic Brush Painting Flowers" viewing platform. - Evening ✔️ Stargazing and Night Chat at Baiyun Hotel: ▶️ Special Activity: Participate in the hotel's "Huangshan Geology Science Lecture" to learn about the formation of karst landforms. 🍽️ Dinner Recommendation: Baiyun Hotel buffet (CNY 160/person), paired with Huangshan Ganoderma wine. Day 3: Back Mountain Stroll - Return Journey - Morning ✔️ Cloud Valley Temple → Descent (Cloud Valley Cable Car descent, 8 mins, CNY 80): ▶️ Easy Route: White Goose Ridge → Cloud Valley Temple. Admire unique rock formations like "Immortal Drying Boots" and "Wu Song Fighting the Tiger" along the way. ✔️ Emerald Valley Exploration (Optional): ▶️ Hidden Gem: Explore "Lover's Valley," photograph the 108 emerald pools, and participate in the "Chain of Love" blessing activity. - Afternoon ✔️ Tunxi Ancient Street Cultural Tour: ▶️ Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience: Make your own Huangshan baked buns at "Hu Xing Tang" and learn about Huizhou ink production at the "Huimo Su" workshop. ▶️ Souvenir Shopping: We recommend Xie Yu Da Huangshan Maofeng tea, Huimo Su pastries, and Huangshan dried bamboo shoots. ✔️ Huangshan North → Guiyang North (G1537, 17:00-00:30): End of the trip, return to Guiyang. 📌 Practical Tips 1. Transportation: - There is one daily high-speed train from Guiyang to Huangshan. It is recommended to book tickets 15 days in advance. The last shuttle bus within the scenic area departs at 18:30. - West Sea Grand Canyon Monorail operating hours: 08:00-16:00 (normal season). Operation may be temporarily suspended due to rain or snow. 2. Tickets: - Huangshan entrance ticket: CNY 190 (April is normal season). Seniors over 60 enjoy half price with valid ID. - Cable car combo ticket: Yuping + Cloud Valley + Monorail combo ticket CNY 270 (CNY 20 discount when booked on Trip.com). 3. Accommodation: - High-end: Guangming Top Hotel (Standard room CNY 1200/night, including breakfast), 5-min walk to Guangming Top. - Cost-effective: Baiyun Hotel (Standard room CNY 800/night), next to the West Sea Grand Canyon entrance. 4. Food: - Breakfast: Huangshan baked buns (Cheng Ji), Crab Shell Pastry (Lao Xie Jia Tea Dried Tofu). - Night Market: "Wang Yi Tiao Wonton" and "Wu Ji Hairy Tofu" in Tunxi Ancient Street. 5. Other: - Photography equipment: Wide-angle lens (for seas of clouds), polarizing filter (to reduce glare). - Emergency supplies: Bring stomach medicine (for adjusting to the rich Huizhou cuisine) and sunscreen (UV index 10+). 🌿 Trip Features - Immersive: Through intangible cultural heritage crafts, geology lectures, and other experiences, you'll deeply appreciate the natural and cultural charm of Huangshan. - Flexible: Each day's itinerary includes 2 hrs of flexible time, allowing you to adjust the pace based on your physical condition (e.g., skip Tiandu Peak and enjoy the hot springs instead). - Seasonal Exclusives: The probability of seeing azaleas and seas of clouds in Huangshan in April is as high as 70%. Miss it, and you'll have to wait another year! We hope this plan helps you create unforgettable memories atop Huangshan and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of "Climbing Huangshan, there are no other mountains in the world"! ⛰️

🔔After returning from the Five Great Mountains, one does not look at other mountains; after returning from Huangshan, one does not look at the Five Great Mountains. Huangshan is world-famous for its 'Five Wonders': peculiar pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, hot springs, and winter snow, earning it the title of 'the most peculiar mountain under heaven'. 🗺Travel Guide👏🏻 ✈️Plane: Reach Huangshan Tunxi International Airport, then take a bus or taxi to Huangshan Scenic Area. 🚃Train: Arrive at Huangshan Station or Huizhou Station, both have buses or taxis to Huangshan Scenic Area 🎫Ticket🎫It is recommended to buy tickets one day in advance during peak season: 190 yuan/person, ➡️Yungu Cableway: 80/person. ➡️Yuping Cableway: 90/person. ➡️Taiping Cableway: 80/person. ➡️Internet-famous Little Train: one-way 100/person. ⛩️Enter through Huangshan South Gate➝Take Yuping Cableway up➝Welcome Pine➝Lotus Peak➝Hundred Steps Cloud Ladder➝Aoyu Peak➝Round trip on the West Sea Internet-famous Little Train➝Guangming Summit➝Flying Rock➝Paiyun Pavilion➝Unity Pine➝Dream Pen Produces Flowers➝Black Tiger Pine➝Beginning-to-Believe Peak➝Stone Bamboo Shoot Peak➝Take Yungu Cableway down➝Exit through Huangshan South Gate 🌟Highlights: ✅Guangming Summit: The second highest peak of Huangshan, where you can watch the sunrise🌅 and sea of clouds☁️. From here, you can overlook the entire beauty of Huangshan, making it a favorite spot for photographers. ✅Welcome Pine: The iconic landscape of Huangshan, located to the left of Yuping Pavilion. ✅Lotus Peak: The highest peak of Huangshan with an altitude of 1864 meters. There is a Lotus Platform on the top of the mountain, shaped like a lotus, hence the name. ✅Sea of Clouds: The sea of clouds of Huangshan is magnificent, especially at sunrise when the clouds and the glow of the sky reflect each other, creating an incomparably beautiful scene. ⬛Recommended Sunset Viewing Spots🌇: ✅Guangming Summit, Beginning-to-Believe Peak, Lion Peak, Danxia Peak, Yuping Peak, Aoyu Peak, and the foot of Lotus Peak ⬛Recommended Sunrise Viewing Spots🌅: ✅Aoyu Peak, Guangming Summit, Lion Peak, Danxia Peak, Gongyang Mountain, Yuping Pavilion 🏡About Accommodation ⛩️On the mountain: Guangming Summit Villa, Baiyun Hotel, etc., convenient for watching the sunrise🌄 but more expensive. ⛩️At the foot of the mountain: Tangkou Town, with many homestays and hotels, relatively cheaper. 📝Tips: ❗Book tickets and accommodation in advance. ❗Pay attention to the weather forecast, bring appropriate clothing and equipment. ❗Prices are higher on the mountain, consider bringing some food and water. ⚠️【Opening Times for Lotus Peak and Tiandu Peak】 These two peaks are opened alternately every five years, with Lotus Peak being the one recently opened.

Mount Huangshan, a World Heritage Site in Anhui Province, offers breathtaking views you won't find in Japan. Of the mountain's several peaks, Guangming Peak is located at an altitude of 1,860 meters. It's a famous sunrise🌅sunset spot that climbers visit at least once. At Guangming Peak, you'll find a restaurant🍽️ where you can enjoy a buffet-style dinner. This clean and plentiful restaurant even offers fruit🍉 and desserts. During my climb, I saw many people working hard to carry such heavy food and drinking water to places where the only way to climb is by foot. I ate my meal with gratitude, remembering their hard work. Why not stop by this restaurant for dinner, where you can soothe your tiredness and hunger from the climb? Staying overnight is also available. The adjacent meteorological observatory is still in operation. ⛰️Guangmingdingshanzhuang Restaurant 1st floor, Guangmingding Summit Hotel, Huangshan Scenic Area, Huangshan District, Anhui Province 👟Ropeway🚡The shortest route from the landing point is 1 and a half hours ⏰16:00〜20:00 #Huangshan #Guangmyeongsanzhuang Restaurant

1. Quick Pre-Trip Overview (Take Notes!) 👉Best Seasons: March-May🌸, September-November🍁 (Peak sea of clouds and sunrise period, comfortable temperature around 20℃) 👉Transportation Guide: 📍High-speed train to "Huangshan North Station" → transfer to scenic area shuttle bus 20 RMB/40min direct to 📍Tangkou Town (South Gate of Huangshan Scenic Area) 👉Ticket Tips: 💰190 RMB, half price for students! Be sure to book in advance on the "Huangshan Tourism Official Platform" and enter with your ID card 👉Lazy Traveler Must-Have: Buy cable car tickets too! YunGu 80 RMB / YuPing 90 RMB. Recommended to go up from the back mountain (YunGu) and down from the front mountain (YuPing) to save 50% effort! 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations: ① Summit Fans: Guangmingding Mountain Villa 📍(Guangmingding, Huangshan Scenic Area 0559-5586555) Window view of the sea of clouds, 400-600 RMB per person ② Budget Travelers: Homestays in Tangkou Town 📍(near Tangchuan Road, Huangshan District) Around 100 RMB per person, early cable car at 5:30 AM next day is totally doable 🎒2. Packing List (Super Practical Version!) ✔️Documents: ID card + student ID (half price! half price!) ✔️Clothing: Non-slip hiking shoes👟 + lightweight down jacket🧥 (Big temperature difference at the summit, only 10℃ at dawn!) ✔️Gear: Hiking poles (5 RMB rental at the base), raincoat, 20,000mAh power bank🔋 ✔️Supplies: 1L water + self-heating pot (instant noodles at the summit 15 RMB, hot water free🆓) ✔️Sun Protection: SPF50+! UV intensity increases 10% for every 100 meters elevation☀️ 🌈3. Classic Route (Tested and Reliable!) Day 1 Back Mountain Summit｜Check off all the sea of clouds and strange pines ⏰08:00 Tangkou Transfer Center → Yungu Temple (scenic bus💰19 RMB 20min) ⏰08:30 Take Yungu Cable Car up → Shixin Peak to photograph Black Tiger Pine🌲 (Get the cover photo spot!) ⏰10:00 Beihai Hotel → Monkey Watching the Sea🐒 (The swirling mist is breathtaking!) ⏰14:00 West Sea Popular Mini Train🚂 (One way 100 RMB, recommended to take the uphill ride) ⏰17:00 Danxia Peak for sunset🌅 (Reserve your spot 1 hour early! The golden sea of clouds is stunning) ⏰18:30 Check in at Guangmingding, open the window to see the Milky Way sea of clouds✨ Day 2 Front Mountain Hike｜Must-visit Guest-Greeting Pine ⏰05:20 Guangmingding for sunrise🌄 (Check the schedule, east side rock spot is best) ⏰08:00 Feilai Stone → Paiyun Pavilion (Second round of sea of clouds from a different angle) ⏰10:30 Yuping Building Guest-Greeting Pine🌲 (Arrive before 10 AM to avoid tour groups) ⏰12:00 Take Yuping Cable Car down → Treat yourself to stinky mandarin fish😋 💰4. Money-Saving Tips (Student Party’s Blessing!) ✅Tickets + Cable Cars: 190 + 170 = 360 RMB ✅Summit Shared Room: Four-person room 150 RMB per person ✅Transportation + Food & Accommodation: 200 RMB at the base is enough 👉Total Cost: Around 700+ RMB! (30% more on weekends and peak season) ⚠️Hidden Perk: Bring your own instant noodles + sausage, hot water at the summit is free and refillable! 🍜5. Food Recommendations (Stuff yourself for 50 RMB per person!) 📍Tangkou Town Recommended: Old Street First Building (Stinky mandarin fish 128 RMB each, unbelievably fresh!) Must-try snacks: Huangshan baked flatbread 3 RMB each, Mao tofu 5 RMB per skewer, eat while hot! 💡6. Important Notes (Learned from hard experience!) ❗Weather: Check the "Huangshan Scenic Area Weather" app in advance, rain >5mm may mean no sea of clouds ❗Safety: West Sea Grand Canyon is closed in winter❄️ Hold the handrails firmly when taking photos ❗Environment: Littering will really get you fined 500 RMB! (Seen it with my own eyes) ❗Physical Fitness: Equivalent to climbing about 200 flights of stairs, recommended to bring knee pads + two hiking poles Nearby Add-ons (Add 1 Day): 1. Hongcun📍(Hongcun Town, Yixian County, ticket 100 RMB) Walk through a traditional ink painting 2. Emerald Valley📍(Tangkou Town, Huangshan District, ticket 90 RMB) Perfect for summer water fun 3. Xidi Night Tour📍(Xidi Town, Yixian County, free after 7 PM) Hui-style architecture forever classic "After visiting the Five Great Mountains, no other mountains compare; after visiting Huangshan, no other peaks compare" — Quickly save this fairyland trip for around 400 RMB per person!💕

Hidden in the folds of the southern Anhui mountains, Huangshan holds the totem of Chinese landscape—here, ancient pines have rooted on cliffs for 800 years, bizarre rocks shift shapes in the mist, the sea of clouds surges like a fairyland, and hot springs flow with millennia of warmth. This guide helps you avoid the crowds and fully experience the natural wonders and Huizhou flavor of the "Number One Marvelous Mountain Under Heaven." 1. Pre-trip Tips: Decoding Huangshan’s Practical Secrets Best Travel Periods - Spring and Autumn Golden Period (April-May, September-November): Temperatures stay between 10-25°C, with little rainfall and over 60% chance of sea of clouds. Rhododendrons bloom in April, and in October, maple leaves and pine needles create layered autumn colors—perfect for photography and hiking. - Winter Snow Season (December-February): After snowfall, Huangshan is draped in silver, with frost hanging on branches. Visitors drop by 30%, but some plank roads may be closed, so check park announcements in advance. Transportation and Accommodation Tips - Transportation: Prioritize high-speed rail to Huangshan North Station, then take a 1-hour tourist shuttle bus to Tangkou Town (the park’s transfer center) for 20 RMB. Inside the park, a "bus + cable car" system connects core areas via three cable cars: Yungu, Yuping, and Taiping. In 2025, a new "electronic queue system" will allow advance QR code reservations to avoid 2-hour lines during peak season. - Accommodation Choices: - Mountain Top: For sunrise lovers, choose Bright Summit Pavilion Lodge, where floor-to-ceiling windows open to the rolling sea of clouds. Standard rooms average 680 RMB/night, with higher prices for bottled water (15 RMB/bottle). Beihai Hotel and West Sea Hotel offer fewer crowds and quiet scenery with exclusive canyon views. Popular hotels require booking 30 days in advance; some packages include luggage transfer services directly from the foot of the mountain. - Mountain Foot: Tangkou Town offers the best value. Dexin Cultural Boutique Hotel’s "Sunrise Package" includes early shuttle, breakfast, and down jacket rental for about 80 RMB per person, making it easy to catch the early sunrise. The hotel’s shuttle takes 5 minutes directly to Yungu Temple cable car station. Must-Bring and Avoid List - Must-Bring: Lightweight windbreaker (day-night temperature difference over 15°C), professional hiking shoes (non-slip for wet steps, avoid flat shoes), folding trekking poles (save 30% energy), sunscreen and sunglasses (strong UV at the summit); carry ID and reservation code as the park enforces real-name entry. - Avoid: Power banks (charging stations are sufficient at the summit, reduce weight), excessive snacks (park food is pricey but acceptable; West Sea Hotel’s Huizhou fried rice is 45 RMB and very filling). 2. Core Itinerary: Fully Experience Huangshan in 3 Days Day 1: Leisurely Back Mountain Tour, Unlocking Strange Pines and Rocks Take the cable car from Yungu Temple in the morning, reaching Bai’e Ridge in 10 minutes. Follow the gentle trail to Shixin Peak, the "exhibition hall" of Huangshan’s strange pines—Black Tiger Pine, Twin Pines, Dragon Claw Pine all with unique shapes. The viewing platform near Beihai Hotel offers great shots of pine branches and bizarre rocks together. In the afternoon, explore Monkey Watching the Sea. On clear days, you can see a stone monkey crouching on the cliff gazing afar; on misty days, it becomes "Monkey Watching the Clouds." Note there is a hidden camera spot here—ask your guide in advance to avoid crowds. At dusk, climb Danxia Peak; around 6:00 PM, the sunset dyes the sky golden-red, and the glow spills over the West Sea Grand Canyon’s cliffs, creating stunning light and shadow layers. Stay overnight at Beihai Hotel, a 25-minute walk from the next day’s sunrise spot. Day 2: Canyon Trekking, Chasing Sea of Clouds and Sunrise Depart at 5:30 AM, take the secret passage beside West Sea Hotel to Danxia Peak viewing platform, saving 40% energy compared to the usual route and securing front-row spots for sunrise. In October, sunrise is between 5:45-6:15 AM; when sunlight pierces the sea of clouds, the entire mountain is bathed in golden light. In the morning, challenge the West Sea Grand Canyon. The cliff plank roads of Loop 1 and Loop 2 are thrilling, with deep valleys below and strange peaks beside. If energy is low, take the popular small train (100 RMB one way) directly to the valley bottom. In the afternoon, climb Bright Summit Pavilion, the second highest peak of Huangshan and the best spot to watch the sea of clouds. Around 2 PM, the mist moves fastest, sometimes cascading like a waterfall, sometimes dancing like light veils. At dusk, head to Paiyun Pavilion to see bizarre rocks like "Immortal Drying Boots" gradually changing shape in the twilight. Stay overnight at Bright Summit Pavilion Lodge. Day 3: Front Mountain Sightseeing, Farewell and Reflection Early morning, catch the Bright Summit Pavilion sunrise again (arrive early as it’s crowded). Then follow the trail via Aoyu Peak and Hundred-step Cloud Ladder to the summit of Lotus Peak (Huangshan’s highest peak at 1864 meters). From the top, enjoy panoramic views of Huizhou villages and Qiandao Lake. Arrive at Yuping Building by 10 AM to take photos with the welcoming pine tree over a thousand years old, a symbol of Huangshan. Avoid the 9 AM tour group rush. Then take the Yuping cable car down to end the mountain journey. In the afternoon, rest in Tangkou Town and reward yourself with a Huizhou cuisine dinner. 3. Huizhou Flavors: Tastes Hidden Among Mountains and Waters Must-Try Classic Dishes - Huizhou Stinky Mandarin Fish: Signature dish at "Big Fool Huizhou Cuisine Garden" on Tunxi Old Street. Peach blossom mandarin fish fermented in wooden barrels, braised until the meat flakes like garlic cloves. Smells pungent but tastes delicious, best paired with homemade rice wine. About 73 RMB per person. - Mao Tofu: A must-visit stall by an elderly lady at Liyang in Alley Night Market. 5 RMB per skewer, freshly fried and eaten on the spot. Crispy outside, soft inside, dipped in spicy sauce for an explosive flavor. Said to have been praised by Emperor Qianlong. - Huangshan Double Stone Soup: A rustic delicacy at Tangkou farmhouse restaurants. Stone chicken and stone ear mushrooms slow-cooked over fire for 4 hours, milky white broth rich in flavor. About 50 RMB per person for a hearty meal. - Huangshan Baked Flatbread: Freshly baked at Hu Xingtang theme store, 12 RMB per bag. The combination of preserved vegetables and fatty pork is crumbly and delicious. New flavors like spicy and seaweed are great snacks. Pitfall Warnings - Beware of "599 RMB all-inclusive" low-price tours, often involving room downgrades or canceled guide services. Choose reputable agencies and confirm "double compensation for substandard accommodation" clauses. - Be cautious buying "wild specialty products" at park entrances. Authentic souvenirs include Wucheng tea cakes from Xie Yuda Tea Shop and kudzu starch balls from Wang Yitiao Wonton Shop. - Stay on marked trails, do not climb over railings. Undeveloped areas lack safety guarantees. For disputes, call complaint hotline 0559-12345 for protection. From Danxia Peak’s sunset to Bright Summit Pavilion’s sea of clouds, from the sturdy welcoming pine to the rich stinky mandarin fish, Huangshan’s beauty goes beyond landscapes. Here, every step is a scene, every bite a story. Slow down to truly understand the mountain’s millennia-old spirit.

Huangshan City 4 Days 3 Nights In-Depth Travel Guide (Budget 5000 RMB) Theme: Mountains, Water, Culture + Huizhou Ancient Villages + Food Experience Suitable for: Couples/Friends traveling, preferring deep nature and cultural trips 📅 Itinerary Overview Day 1: Arrive in Huangshan City → Tunxi Old Street → Liyang in Alley → Overnight in the city Day 2: Huangshan Scenic Area (Yungu Temple Cableway → Beihai Scenic Area → West Sea Grand Canyon → Bright Summit) → Overnight on the mountain top Day 3: Huangshan Sunrise → Welcoming Pine → Descend → Hongcun Village → Overnight in Hongcun Day 4: Xidi Ancient Village → Return trip 💰 Budget Allocation (Total for 2 people: 5000 RMB) Item Cost (2 people) Notes Transportation 1200 RMB High-speed train/self-driving + scenic area transport Accommodation 1500 RMB 3 nights (1 night city + 1 night mountain top + 1 night Hongcun) Tickets 1000 RMB Huangshan + Hongcun + Xidi combined ticket Meals 800 RMB Including specialty Huizhou dishes (stinky mandarin fish, Mao tofu, etc.) Others 500 RMB Cableway, souvenirs, etc. 🚗 Daily Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Tunxi Old Street & Liyang in Alley Morning: Arrive at Huangshan North Station by high-speed train, taxi to city center (about 50 RMB) Afternoon: Tunxi Old Street (free): Huizhou architecture + stationery shops, recommended to buy Huimo pastry Liyang in Alley (free): Blend of modern and ancient style, great coffee shops and night views Dinner: First Floor of Old Street (80 RMB per person, must-try stinky mandarin fish, bamboo shoot braised pork) Accommodation: Boutique hotel in city (300 RMB/night, recommended Yujian Huizhou) Day 2: Huangshan Scenic Area (Back Mountain Route) 7:00: City → Huangshan South Gate (carpool 50 RMB/person) Route: Yungu Temple Cableway (80 RMB) → Shixin Peak → Beihai Scenic Area (Dream Pen Blossoms) → West Sea Grand Canyon (small train 100 RMB) → Bright Summit (sunset) Lunch: Bring your own food or simple meal on the mountain (50 RMB per person) Accommodation: Bright Summit Lodge (standard room 1000 RMB/night, breakfast included) Day 3: Huangshan Sunrise → Hongcun 5:30: Watch sunrise at Bright Summit → Welcoming Pine → Descend by Yuping Cableway (90 RMB) Afternoon: Carpool to Hongcun (50 RMB/person), visit Moon Pond, South Lake Painting Bridge Dinner: Hongcun Deyuelou (60 RMB per person, recommended steamed bamboo shoots with cured meat) Accommodation: Boutique guesthouse in Hongcun (400 RMB/night, recommended Shilili Qingmei Society) Day 4: Xidi → Return Trip Morning: Hongcun → Xidi (carpool 30 RMB/person), experience a more original Huizhou village Lunch: Xidi farmhouse cuisine (40 RMB per person) Afternoon: Return trip (Huangshan North Station high-speed train) ⚠️ Notes Huangshan Hiking: Travel light, bring a windbreaker (large temperature difference on the summit), raincoat essential. Ticket Discounts: Buy tickets in advance on official platforms (Huangshan ticket 190 RMB, Hongcun 94 RMB, Xidi 94 RMB). Off-peak Tips: Fewer people on weekdays, shorter cableway queues. Food Recommendations: Mao tofu, stone cake, Huangshan sesame cake (cheaper in the city). 🌟 Experience Upgrade Suggestions (optional if budget allows) Add visit to Mukeng Bamboo Sea (filming location of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," 15 minutes from Hongcun) Switch to business car: Private car tour for more freedom (about 500 RMB/day) Following this itinerary, you can check off Huangshan’s highlights and immerse yourself in Huizhou culture, with excellent value at 2500 RMB per person! Adjustments can be made for other needs~ 🌄

🌄 Huangshan Adventure | Encountering a Fairyland on the Cloud Peak Rocks When the dawn kisses the sea of clouds, when the strange pines stretch gracefully in the mist, Huangshan slowly opens a flowing ink scroll that has lasted for thousands of years. Every stone here hides a story, every breeze sings of eternity. 🗺 Three-Day Hiking Route Day 1: First Exploration of the Wonderland → Take the Yungu Cableway up the mountain → Shixin Peak (Explore the Sea-viewing Pine) → Black Tiger Pine → Dream Pen Blossoms → Wait for a glassy sunset at Lion Peak in the evening → Overnight at Bright Summit or Baiyun Hotel for stargazing Day 2: Peak Journey → Sunrise at Bright Summit (reserve spot at 5:30) → Aoyu Peak → Lotus Peak (open on alternate days) → Cross the Hundred-step Cloud Ladder → Take a photo with the Welcoming Pine → Optional West Sea Grand Canyon mini train (e-tickets available on Trip.com) Day 3: Seeking Serenity in the Valley → Morning mist at Danxia Peak → Paiyun Pavilion → North entrance of West Sea Grand Canyon → Take the Taiping Cableway down in the afternoon → Soak in Huangshan hot springs before heading back to relax 📸 Must-Visit Photo Spots · Sea of Clouds at Shixin Peak (appears after rain) · Monkey Watching the Sea silhouette · Welcoming Pine with the skyline · Light and shadow in West Sea Grand Canyon 🏠 Accommodation Guide · Bright Summit Villa: Best spot for sunrise viewing · Baiyun Hotel: Excellent location · Yupinglou Hotel: Next to the Welcoming Pine · Remember to book in advance on Trip.com! 🍁 Helpful Tips · Large temperature difference between day and night on the summit, bring a light down jacket · Bring self-heating food to replenish energy · Manage your stamina wisely, Lotus Peak is quite steep · Follow Trip.com local guide services to avoid crowds When the last ray of sunset fades into the peaks, you will understand why Xu Xiake said, "After climbing Huangshan, there is no other mountain in the world." Every step here leads to a fairyland, every cloud and mist hides a poem. Lock your city troubles beneath the sea of clouds, let the jagged rocks awaken your sleeping courage. Huangshan is waiting to meet you at the most beautiful cloud peak with its most magnificent gentleness.

Anhui Province Four Days Three Nights In-Depth Travel Guide (Budget 5500 RMB) Trip Highlights: ✅ Climb Huangshan and experience the grandeur of "After visiting the Five Great Mountains, you won’t look at other mountains; after visiting Huangshan, you won’t look at the Five Great Mountains." ✅ Stroll through Hongcun Village and experience the ink painting-like Hui-style ancient village ✅ Take a boat on Xin’an River and enjoy the stunning scenery of the "Landscape Gallery" ✅ Taste Hui cuisine specialties like stinky mandarin fish, Mao tofu, and Huangshan sesame seed cake 📅 Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Huangshan city, visit Tunxi Old Street 🚗 Transportation: Arrive at Huangshan North Station/Tunxi International Airport, taxi to city center (about 30 RMB) 🏨 Accommodation: Hotel near Tunxi Old Street (about 300 RMB/night) 🍜 Food recommendations: Lunch: Old Street First Building (representative Hui cuisine, about 80 RMB per person) Dinner: Wang Yitiao Wonton (specialty snack, about 20 RMB per person) 🎫 Attractions: Tunxi Old Street (free): Hui-style architectural street, great for photos and souvenirs Liyang in Alley (free): Artsy district, beautiful night view 💰 Expenses today: Transportation 30 RMB + Accommodation 300 RMB + Meals 100 RMB = 430 RMB Day 2: One-day tour of Huangshan Scenic Area 🚗 Transportation: Tunxi → Huangshan Scenic Area (bus 30 RMB/person, about 1 hour) 🏨 Accommodation: Hotel on Huangshan summit (Baiyun Hotel/Guangmingding Mountain Villa, about 800 RMB/night) 🎫 Tickets: Huangshan entrance ticket 190 RMB (peak season) Yungu Temple Cableway 80 RMB (one way) Yuping Cableway 90 RMB (one way) 🚶‍♂️ Recommended route: Take Yungu Temple Cableway up → Shixin Peak → Black Tiger Pine → Beihai Hotel → Lion Peak → West Sea Grand Canyon (popular small train 100 RMB/person) → Bright Summit Peak (watch sunset) Overnight on the summit, watch sunrise next day 💰 Expenses today: Transportation 60 RMB + Accommodation 800 RMB + Tickets + Cableways 360 RMB + Meals 100 RMB = 1320 RMB Day 3: Huangshan → Hongcun, experience ink-wash Hui culture 🚗 Transportation: Huangshan → Hongcun (carpool 50 RMB/person, about 1 hour) 🏨 Accommodation: Homestay inside Hongcun Scenic Area (about 400 RMB/night) 🎫 Tickets: Hongcun entrance ticket 104 RMB (valid for 3 days with multiple entries) 📸 Recommended spots: South Lake: Most beautiful in early morning mist, reflections like a painting Moon Pond: Center of Hongcun, classic Hui-style architecture photo spot Chengzhi Hall: Hui merchant mansion with exquisite wood carvings 🍜 Food recommendations: Stinky mandarin fish (about 80 RMB per person) Mao tofu (10 RMB per serving) 💰 Expenses today: Transportation 50 RMB + Accommodation 400 RMB + Tickets 104 RMB + Meals 100 RMB = 654 RMB Day 4: Hongcun → Xin’an River Landscape Gallery → Return 🚗 Transportation: Hongcun → Shendu Town, Shexian County (carpool 60 RMB/person, about 1.5 hours) 🎫 Tickets: Xin’an River boat tour + scenic area ticket 138 RMB 🛥️ Recommended activity: Boat tour of the "Landscape Gallery," passing rapeseed flowers, ancient villages, and Hui-style residences Recommended route: Shendu → Miantan → Zhangtan → Shendu (round trip about 3 hours) 🚄 Return: Shendu → Huangshan North Station (carpool 80 RMB/person, about 2 hours) 💰 Expenses today: Transportation 140 RMB + Tickets 138 RMB + Meals 50 RMB = 328 RMB 💰 Total Budget (for 2 people) Transportation: 30+60+50+60+80 = 280 RMB Accommodation: 300+800+400 = 1500 RMB Tickets: 360+104+138 = 602 RMB Meals: 100+100+100+50 = 350 RMB Others (shopping, snacks, etc.): 300 RMB ✅ Total about 3032 RMB per person (about 5500 RMB split between 2 people) 🌟 Travel Tips Huangshan weather changes quickly; bring a windbreaker, raincoat, and wear non-slip shoes Hongcun is less crowded early morning, great for photos; free entry before 7 AM (ticket checks are strict) Xin’an River boat tours are recommended in the morning for better lighting Hui cuisine tends to be salty; you can request less salt when ordering Wish you a pleasant journey! 🌄

After visiting the Five Great Mountains, no other mountains compare⛰️ After visiting Huangshan, no other peaks compare! Once you reach the summit, you'll instantly understand why Xu Xiake praised it so highly~ 📍Address: National Highway 205, Huangshan District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province 🚌 Travel Tips: After arriving at Huangshan North High-Speed Railway Station, take a taxi for 1 hour or take the scenic area shuttle bus directly 📸 Must-visit photo spots: 1️⃣ Bright Summit Peak: The prime viewing platform for Huangshan sunrise! 360° unobstructed sea of clouds view 2️⃣ Shixin Peak: Popular pine tree photo spot, perfect combo of morning mist + unique pines 🎒 Pitfall Prevention Guide: ✅ To watch the sunrise, you must stay on the summit! Baiyun or Bright Summit Peak Lodge are the best locations ✅ Reserve your spot by 4:30 AM, bring a windbreaker (summit temperature is 5℃+ lower than forecast) ✅ Avoid going up on Saturdays! Cable car lines start at 2 hours 🌅 Secret Viewing Times: Summer 5:10 | Autumn 5:40 | Winter 6:30 (Check the Huangshan Scenic Area official website for real-time sunrise times in advance) 🏞️ Classic Route Recommendations: Day 1: Take the Yungu Cableway up → Shixin Peak → Black Tiger Pine → Beihai Hotel (drop off luggage) → West Sea Grand Canyon Day 2: Bright Summit Peak sunrise → Aoyu Peak → Welcoming Pine → Yuping Cableway down 🍲 Food Bonus: Average price for summit fast food: 60 RMB/serving Recommended to bring: self-heating hot pot + electrolyte water, always reliable!

Among the strange peaks and bizarre rocks, shrouded in mist and clouds, this is a dreamland hailed by countless netizens as a "must-visit in this lifetime"! 01 Location: U-shaped canyon, two entrances and exits West Sea Grand Canyon is located in the western part of Huangshan Scenic Area, forming a "U" shape. The canyon is surrounded by strange peaks and rocks such as Stone Pillar Peak, Stone Bed Peak, Thin Knife Peak, and Flying Rock. There are two entrances and exits here: the North Entrance at Paiyun Pavilion and the South Entrance at Tianhai. It takes about 2 hours on foot from the North Entrance at Paiyun Pavilion through the first and second loops to the valley bottom; walking from the valley bottom to the South Entrance at Tianhai takes about 3 hours, while the sightseeing cable car only takes 5 minutes. 02 Scenic Features: Changing views with every step, unpredictable transformations Unlike Tiandu Peak, Lotus Peak, and Bright Summit Peak which require climbing up, West Sea Grand Canyon is more about "exploration." The viewing angle changes from looking down to looking up, offering a completely different and fascinating perspective. After rain when the sky clears, the layers of mountains appear faintly through the mist and clouds. Riding the sightseeing cable car feels like traveling through a fairyland. This sea of clouds scene is rare and highly sought after, and it is the most popular footage on Douyin. From mid-April to late May in spring is the best time to admire Huangshan’s alpine rhododendrons. Along the winding mountain trails in the canyon, you may unexpectedly encounter a rhododendron tree, adding a touch of joy. Starting in September, the colorful autumn hues slowly seep from the mountaintops to the foothills. By mid-October, the valley bottom presents a magnificent scene of red mountains and richly colored forests. 03 Touring Experience: Dreamlike scenery, popular cable car The trails in West Sea Grand Canyon are mostly built along sheer cliffs, suspended above the precipitous cliffs. Walking on the plank roads, beside you is an unfathomable canyon, thrilling and breathtaking. The canyon air is rich in negative ions and very fresh. Here, you can fully "refresh your lungs" and enjoy nature’s gift. The popular "little train" (ground rail cable car) is a must-try in West Sea Grand Canyon. The cable car takes only 3 minutes from the valley bottom to the canyon top, with scenery along the way unfolding like movie scenes. 04 Touring Routes: Multiple options, each with unique features Recommended one-day tour route: Take the Yungu Cableway up in the morning → Shixin Peak → Beihai Hotel → Paiyun Pavilion → West Sea Grand Canyon North Entrance → First Loop → Second Loop → Valley Bottom → Take the West Sea sightseeing cable car → Tianhai (lunch) → Aoyu Peak → Hundred-step Cloud Ladder → Take the Yuping Cableway down from Qian Mountain. Recommended two-day tour route: D1: Take the Yungu Cableway up, visit back mountain spots such as Shixin Peak, Lion Peak, and Danxia Peak, have lunch at West Sea Hotel or Paiyunlou Hotel, tour West Sea Grand Canyon in the afternoon, stay overnight at Baiyun Hotel or Bright Summit Villa; D2: Watch sunrise at Bright Summit → check out from hotel → Aoyu Peak → One Line Sky → Hundred-step Cloud Ladder → Welcoming Pine → Take the Yuping Cableway down from Qian Mountain. 05 Practical Information: Ticket prices, opening hours Huangshan Scenic Area ticket prices: Peak season 230 RMB/ticket (March 1 to November 30), winter 150 RMB/ticket (January, February, December). Cableway ticket prices: Peak season: Yungu and Taiping Cableways one-way 80 RMB/ticket; Yuping Cableway one-way 90 RMB/ticket; West Sea Grand Canyon sightseeing cable car one-way 100 RMB/ticket; Winter: Yungu and Taiping Cableways one-way 65 RMB/ticket; Yuping Cableway one-way 75 RMB/ticket; West Sea Grand Canyon sightseeing cable car 80 RMB/ticket. To ensure winter travel safety, West Sea Grand Canyon is closed for winter maintenance from December 1 to March 31 of the following year each year, with specific dates subject to scenic area notices. After rain when the sky clears, the layers of mountains appear faintly through the mist and clouds. The sightseeing cable car shuttles through, as if heading to a fairyland train. This is West Sea Grand Canyon, a place that makes you forget your worries and feel as if you are in a magical world.

🚌｜Transportation Guide: Direct routes to the scenic area without detours • External Transportation (Choose the right entrance to save 2 hours) ◦ Airplane: Prefer Huangshan Tunxi International Airport, then take the direct shuttle bus to the scenic area (25 RMB/person) for 1.5 hours to the South Gate, saving over 50 RMB compared to a taxi ◦ High-speed Rail: Huangshan North Station is the top choice! Turn left after exiting the station to take the “North Station - Huangshan Scenic Area” bus (20 RMB/person, 1 hour direct), don’t trust unlicensed taxis at the station entrance • Internal Transportation (Must-see money-saving tips) ◦ Scenic Area Shuttle Bus: A must-buy! 21 RMB/person for a pass covering South Gate - Cable Car Stations - all transfer points, walking is impossible to cover it all ◦ Cable Cars: For autumn trips, prioritize the Yungu Cable Car (up) + Yuping Cable Car (down). The Yungu Cable Car route is full of red maples, and the Yuping Cable Car offers views of the Welcoming Pine. Don’t take the wrong direction! 🏠｜Accommodation Recommendations: Stay in the right place to catch the sunrise • Mountain Accommodation (Must choose if you want to shoot the sunrise) ◦ High-end option: Bright Summit Villa (Guangmingding Mountain Villa): 50 meters from the door to see the sunrise, heated in autumn and winter, downside is expensive (1000+ RMB/night), book 1 month in advance ◦ Cost-effective option: Paiyunxing Inn: 10-minute walk to Paiyun Pavilion, can watch the sunset, off-season prices start at 600+ RMB including breakfast • Accommodation at the foot of the mountain (for limited budgets) ◦ Stay in Tangkou Town: Closest to the South Gate, guesthouses 150-300 RMB/night, authentic Huizhou cuisine available, recommended around “Tangkou Old Street,” very pleasant for evening strolls 🍱｜Food Recommendations: Must-try Huizhou dishes without risk • Must-try signature dishes (local favorite restaurants) ◦ Stinky Mandarin Fish: Choose “Old Street First Building,” the fish is fermented for 7 days, firm texture. Avoid street vendors selling under 100 RMB, they might be frozen fish ◦ Mao Tofu: Must eat freshly pan-fried! Recommended “Huizhou Renjia,” crispy outside and tender inside, perfect with chili sauce. If hesitant, try a small piece first • Snacks & Souvenirs (Don’t overpay) ◦ Huangshan Sesame Seed Cake: Buy at “Zhan’s Sesame Seed Cake” in Tangkou Town, 10 RMB/bag, the preserved vegetable and meat filling is the most fragrant. Don’t buy in the scenic area (15 RMB/bag) ◦ Qimen Black Tea: Look for the “Tianzhi Hong” brand, tea shops outside the scenic area offer tastings. Don’t buy from tour guide-recommended “specialty shops,” you might get scammed 🗺️｜Autumn Viewing Routes: 3 routes for different travelers • 1-day Highlights Tour (for tight schedules) South Gate → Yungu Cable Car up → Shixin Peak (dense red maple area) → Lion Peak (best spot for sea of clouds photos) → Paiyun Pavilion (watch sunset) → Yuping Cable Car down → Return • 2-day In-depth Tour (must see sunrise and sunset) ◦ Day 1: South Gate → Yungu Cable Car up → Shixin Peak → Beihai Scenic Area → Paiyun Pavilion (sunset) → Overnight at Paiyunxing Inn ◦ Day 2: 5:30 AM sunrise at Bright Summit → West Sea Grand Canyon (take the popular small train) → Aoyu Peak → Welcoming Pine → Yuping Cable Car down • Off-the-beaten-path Autumn Spots (avoid crowds) ◦ Mukeng Bamboo Sea: In autumn, red maples dot the bamboo forest, few people and beautiful scenery, 20 minutes by taxi from Tangkou Town ◦ Tachuan Village: Less crowded than Hongcun! From late October to mid-November, the Chinese tallow trees at the village entrance turn fully red, perfect for ancient-style photos ⚠️｜Pitfall Avoidance Guide: Don’t fall for these traps! • Tickets: Book in advance on the “Huangshan Tourism Official Platform,” don’t trust “agent discount tickets,” most are fake. Peak season (Oct-Nov) limits visitors, no reservation means no entry • Gear: Don’t bring too much luggage! Mountain porters charge 10 RMB per jin (0.5 kg). Bring a lightweight down jacket for autumn and winter (it’s 5-8°C colder on the mountain), wear non-slip sports shoes, and bring trekking poles on rainy days • Expenses: Bottled water inside the scenic area costs 10 RMB/bottle, better to buy a 1.5L bottle at the foot of the mountain; don’t buy “Huangshan specialty jade,” mostly fake • Guides: Unless you don’t know the way at all, don’t hire unofficial guides (charge 200-300 RMB). There is a free audio guide in the scenic area, just scan the QR code to listen

【Sunrise Golden Mountain Prime Spot】 📍Location: Bright Summit Peak (towards Yupinglou, Huangshan Scenic Area) ⏰Best Time: 4:00 AM - 5:30 AM (half an hour before sunrise) 🌅Shock Factor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "The wind at 5 AM carries the scent of pine into your arms, and after waiting 3,780 seconds, the clouds finally clear—look! The entire Huangshan is gilded in 24K gold foil✨ Couples crowding the viewing platform at 4 AM, remember to bring down jackets!" 🌸【Four Seasons Check-in Guide】 Spring: Rhododendron Sea at West Sea Grand Canyon (March-May) Summer: Sea of Clouds at Beihai Scenic Area (recommended after rain in August) Autumn: Red Maple at Paiyun Pavilion (late October) Winter: Rime Ice at Shixin Peak (December-February) "The beauty of Huangshan is like an Easter egg💐 In spring, rhododendrons burst from the cracks in the rocks; in summer, the sea of clouds flows like cotton candy; in autumn, the red maples dye the steps like a red carpet; in winter, the rime ice turns Huangshan into a crystal palace~" 🥾【Hiking Route Recommendations】 🚶Classic Route: Ciguang Pavilion → Welcoming Pine → Lotus Peak → Bright Summit Peak (6-8 hours) ⚠️Note: West Sea Grand Canyon shuttle train stops running at 16:30! "Don’t believe the 'easy cable car tour' nonsense! When your sweat drips on the Hundred-Step Staircase, when the sea of clouds churns beneath your feet like spilled milk, that’s the real way to unlock Huangshan💪 Legs sore? It means you’ve had a deep connection with Huangshan!" ❤️【Emotional Copy Easter Egg】 "Couples proposing at Bright Summit Peak, best friends reconciling under Welcoming Pine, families taking group photos at Paiyun Pavilion... Huangshan’s stones remember more clearly than cameras📸 👉🏻Must do: Hang a lock on the Love Lock Bridge with someone important (remember to throw the key far away)" (Attached) Practical Information: 🏨Accommodation Recommendation: Bright Summit Peak Lodge (perfect for sunrise viewing) 🚠Cable Car Operation: Peak season 6:30-17:00 🎒Essentials: Trekking poles + windbreaker + self-heating hot pot

First Encounter with Huangshan: A Three-Day Autumn Painting This autumn, I chose Huangshan in Anhui as my destination, and the experience completely exceeded my expectations! This place, known as the "Number One Wonder Mountain Under Heaven," thoroughly conquered me with its strange pines, peculiar rocks, sea of clouds, and sunrise and sunset. Huangshan is located in Huangshan City, Anhui Province, famous worldwide for its "Five Wonders": strange pines, peculiar rocks, sea of clouds, hot springs, and winter snow. It is a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site. The Ming dynasty traveler Xu Xiake once praised, "Climbing Huangshan, there is no other mountain under heaven, the view is unsurpassed." Only after experiencing it personally can one understand the weight of this statement. 📍 Detailed Itinerary 🚡 Day 1: Yuping Cableway → Welcoming Pine → Tiandu Peak → Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder → Aoyu Peak Sunset No need to get up early on the first day; going up the mountain around 9-10 am is just right. I chose to ascend via the Yuping Cableway, which is less crowded and offers a better experience. The one-way cable car ticket costs between 80-100 RMB. After ascending, the first stop is the Welcoming Pine, the symbolic landmark of Huangshan. Since I took the reverse route, there were fewer tourists at this time, allowing a quiet appreciation of this thousand-year-old extraordinary pine. In the afternoon, I challenged Tiandu Peak, one of Huangshan’s three main peaks, standing at 1810 meters and known for its steepness. Although the climb was tough, the strange rock formations and excellent views along the way made me forget the fatigue. Arriving at Aoyu Peak before dusk, I waited for the sunset here. Aoyu Peak is 1780 meters high with a broad view, making it an excellent spot to watch the sunset. When the sunset’s afterglow shines on the strange pines and rocks, the entire Huangshan seems to be coated in gold—truly spectacular. 🌅 Day 2: Bright Summit Sunrise → Flying-Over Rock → West Sea Grand Canyon → Paiyun Pavilion → Qingliang Terrace → Monkey Watching the Sea Early on the second day, I went to Bright Summit (Guangmingding) to watch the sunrise (elevation 1841 meters), the second highest peak of Huangshan and one of the best sunrise viewing points. Be sure to arrive at least half an hour early to secure a good spot. Sunrise times vary daily, so check in advance. After sunrise, I headed to Flying-Over Rock, a magical giant rock seemingly flying in from the sky, standing atop the peak. It was also a filming location for the opening of "Dream of the Red Chamber." In the morning, I explored the West Sea Grand Canyon (also called the Dreamland Scenic Area), known for its steep and unique mountain formations. It is one of Huangshan’s newest developed scenic spots. You can choose to hike or take the popular small train (100 RMB per person) for the tour. In the afternoon, I passed Paiyun Pavilion and Qingliang Terrace, finally reaching Monkey Watching the Sea. This is a famous rock formation shaped like a monkey squatting and watching the sea, one of Huangshan’s renowned stone sights. 🍁 Day 3: Shixin Peak Sunrise → Shisun Peak → Yun Valley Cableway Descent → Taiping Lake Scenic Area On the third morning, I watched the sunrise at Shixin Peak, famous for its strange pines. There is a saying, "If you don’t go to Shixin Peak, you haven’t seen Huangshan pines." The light after sunrise is perfect for photographing pine tree silhouettes. Then I visited Shisun Peak before descending via the Yun Valley Cableway. In the afternoon, I took a bus to Taiping Lake Scenic Area (about 0.5 hours by car). The lake’s water is clear and turquoise, with rolling green hills and numerous islands scattered like stars. I chose to take a boat to the islands for sightseeing (boat ticket about 80 RMB per person), ending the three-day journey amidst the beautiful lake and mountain scenery. 💡 Practical Information and Tips 🎫 Tickets and Opening Hours: - Huangshan Scenic Area Ticket: 190 RMB/person in peak season, 150 RMB/person in off-season - Scenic Area Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 5:30 PM - Cableway Operating Hours: 6:00 AM - 5:40 PM 🏨 Accommodation Suggestions: It is recommended to stay on the mountain for convenient sunrise and sunset viewing. There are several hotels on the Huangshan summit: - Bright Summit Hotel: Best location, convenient for sunrise viewing - Baiyun Hotel: Near Bright Summit, good value for money - Paiyun Lodge: Near West Sea Grand Canyon, suitable for photographers; mountain top accommodation is expensive (500-1500 RMB/night) and requires advance booking. 🍜 Food Recommendations: - Stinky Mandarin Fish: Smells bad but tastes delicious, Huangshan’s most representative dish - Mao Tofu: Unique tofu with white mold on the surface - Huizhou Sesame Cake: Slightly spicy with preserved vegetable and meat filling, crispy and tasty; mountain dining is expensive, so it’s advisable to bring some snacks and water. 👕 Gear Suggestions: - Clothing: Hiking boots + windproof jacket (temperature difference is large on the summit) - Equipment: Trekking poles, raincoat, sunscreen, power bank - Food: Bring your own snacks (mountain dining is costly) 🌤 Tips for Watching the Sea of Clouds: Huangshan has an official sea of clouds forecast you can check in advance. After rain the previous day, if the next day is clear, the chance of sea of clouds is very high. The sea of clouds appears more frequently in autumn and winter than in spring and summer. 🚌 Transportation Information: - After arriving at Huangshan North High-Speed Railway Station, transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus (about 1 hour) to Tangkou Town - From Tangkou Town, take the New National Line bus (19 RMB/person) to Ciguang Pavilion or Yun Valley Temple trailheads ✨ Highlights of the Experience What impressed me most on this Huangshan trip were: 1. Diverse natural landscapes: Huangshan combines the beauty of China’s famous mountains, with the grandeur of Mount Tai and Mount Dai, the steepness of Mount Hua, the mist of Mount Heng, the waterfalls of Mount Kuanglu, the clever rocks of Mount Yandang, and the elegance of Mount Emei. 2. Sea of Clouds spectacle: Huangshan experiences foggy weather over 200 days a year. The sea of clouds is renowned for its beauty, grandeur, uniqueness, and magic, especially stunning in winter. According to the distribution of the sea of clouds, the mountain has East Sea, South Sea, West Sea, North Sea, and Heaven Sea. 3. Perfect blend of culture and nature: Huangshan not only has natural wonders but also a rich cultural heritage, with over 200 historical sites including temples, pavilions, winding paths, ancient bridges, and cliff inscriptions. 4. The tranquil beauty of Taiping Lake: As the final stop of the Huangshan trip, Taiping Lake offers a perfect place to relax. The water is as clear as a mirror, islands are scattered like stars, and boating on the lake feels like being in a fairyland. 💭 Summary Huangshan is truly a place worth visiting multiple times, with different scenery in every season. Autumn’s Huangshan is ablaze with colorful forests and clear weather, making it the best season to watch the sea of clouds. The reverse route I chose effectively avoided crowds, and the timing for key spots was very reasonable. If you only have three days, I recommend the same itinerary; if you have more time, you can add a day to visit Hongcun and Xidi, ancient Huizhou-style villages. The beauty of Huangshan cannot be fully appreciated in just one visit. I have already started planning to come again in winter to enjoy another wonder of Huangshan—its "winter snow" scenery!

Save this guide for the most beautiful sea of ​​clouds and Welcoming Pine! 🚶‍♂️ Itinerary: Day 1: 📍Huangshan Scenic Area South Gate (uphill from Yungu Temple) → Baie Ridge → Shixin Peak → Black Tiger Pine → Dream Brush → Paiyun Pavilion → Xihai Grand Canyon (round-trip train ride) → Check into a mountaintop hotel (Guangmingding Mountain Villa is recommended for a great sunrise view). Day 2: 📍Guangmingding Sunrise → Flying Rock → One Line Sky → Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder → Welcoming Pine → Cable Car Down from Yuping Station → Savor Anhui Cuisine in Tangkou Town 🍜Food Recommendations: 1. Stinky Mandarin Fish - A Huizhou specialty, smells stinky but tastes delicious (Lao Xie Hui Cuisine Restaurant in Tangkou Town is recommended) 2. Mao Tofu - Unique texture, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside 3. Huangshan Shaobing - The preserved mustard greens filling is super delicious (makes a great souvenir) 4. Stewed Chicken with Stone Ear Mushrooms - Replenishing Qi and nourishing your body, the soup is delicious. 🏠 Accommodation Guide: 🔸 Mountaintop Hotels (Guangmingding/Yuping Tower): 600-800 RMB/night in off-season, 1200-1800 RMB/night in peak season 🔸 Tangkou Town B&Bs: 200-500 RMB/night (We recommend Youdoufu Inn, which is close to the scenic area entrance). 💡 Practical Tips: 1. Essential Items: Trekking poles, gloves, and a thermos (hot water can be collected at the summit). 2. Remember to purchase round-trip cable car tickets in advance (80 RMB for the Yungu Temple ascent, 90 RMB for the Yuping Station descent). 3. Check the weather forecast! Sunny days increase your chances of seeing the sea of ​​clouds. 4. Avoid holidays as it's incredibly crowded. 5. It's recommended to plan two days to explore the area; one day isn't enough to cover it all. 📸Must-see photo spots: ▫ Welcoming Pine (recommended before 9 AM for the least crowds) ▫ Bright Summit Peak sunrise (absolutely stunning) ▫ Xihai Grand Canyon's popular train (recommended between 3 and 4 PM for the best light)

Essential Guide for Visiting Huangshan 🌤️ A One-Day Tour in the Cloud Wonderland! Crossing mountains just for this moment, the view from the summit is definitely worth the ticket price~ The misty clouds are poetic and picturesque, the strange peaks and unique rocks look like a fairyland. No wonder they say "After climbing Huangshan, no other mountain compares"! 📍Must-Visit Route: Start early at 6 AM and head straight to the cable car station (choose between Yungu or Yuping Cableway) → Shixin Peak to see the famous pine trees → Black Tiger Pine → Dream Pen Blossoms → Paiyun Pavilion to watch the sea of clouds → West Sea Grand Canyon (the little train is super thrilling) → Bright Summit Peak to watch the sunset 🌄 📸 Recommended Photo Spots: 1. Shixin Peak: Classic Huangshan pine photo spot 2. Paiyun Pavilion: Best viewing platform for the sea of clouds 3. Flying-over Rock: Filming location for "Dream of the Red Chamber" 4. Bright Summit Peak: 360° panoramic platform 💡 Useful Tips: ✅ Be sure to bring a windbreaker! The temperature difference on the mountain is big ✅ It’s recommended to buy a trekking pole, it makes going downhill much easier ✅ Self-heating hot pot tastes much better than instant noodles ✅ Free admission on Wednesdays saves you 190 RMB on the ticket 🍲 Summit Food: Recommended Baiyun Hotel buffet (128 RMB/person), and grilled sausage at 10 RMB each is just right for replenishing energy~ 🏨 Accommodation Suggestions: If budget allows, choose Bright Summit Peak Lodge (perfect for watching the sunrise), students can stay at Bai’e Ridge dormitory (around 200+ RMB per person)

Anhui·Huangshan "Climb Huangshan, no mountain compares" is true! But the exhaustion from climbing Huangshan... no one talks about it! 😭 ✨Best Travel Time: March-May｜September-October: The most beautiful seasons! Spring with blooming mountain flowers🌺, autumn with colorful forests🍁 June-August: A summer resort💦, but! Crowded with people𠈌... November-February: A magical combo of sea of clouds + rime ice + snow scenery❄️ (some spots may be closed) 💰Ticket Saving Tips: 📍Huangshan Scenic Area (Address: Tangkou Town, Huangshan District, Huangshan City) 📆【Winter Travel】12.20-1.20: Ticket ¥150｜🚠Cable Car ¥65-75｜🚠Sightseeing Cable Car ¥80 📆【Peak Season】1.21-12.19: Ticket ¥190｜🚠Cable Car ¥80-90｜🚠Sightseeing Cable Car ¥100 💰Half price for students/seniors｜Free for under 6 years old 🚠Two-Day Essential Route: DAY1: Yungu Cableway up → Shixin Peak (lots of photo spots📷) → Lion Peak (monkeys watching the sea🐒) → Paiyun Pavilion (overlooking West Sea Grand Canyon) → Bright Summit Peak sunset🌅 🌟Accommodation recommendation: Baiyun Hotel / Bright Summit Peak Lodge DAY2: Watch sunrise🌄 → West Sea Grand Canyon (take the small train🚂) → Yuping Cableway down 💡Tips: Non-hikers can take cable cars both ways! 🏡Hui-Style Ancient Village Check-in: Hongcun Scenic Area (Address: Hongcun Town, Yi County, Huangshan City) 💦Must visit: Nanhu Painting Bridge → Moon Pond → Wang Clan Ancestral Hall 🎫Ticket ¥104/person｜Recommended to stay overnight to enjoy morning and evening views 🍜Top 3 Must-Try Foods: 1️⃣Huizhou Stinky Tofu: Crispy outside, tender inside, seriously delicious! 2️⃣Mao Tofu: Perfect with chili sauce🌶️ 3️⃣Stone Ear Mushroom Scrambled Eggs: Mountain delicacy to boost energy🥚 ⚠️Notes: 1. It’s 10℃ colder on the mountain than at the foot! Thin down jacket is a must❄️ 2. Cable cars stop running at 5 PM⚠️ Plan your time well 3. Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen!🌞 4. Sneakers + hiking poles = life-saving combo👟 💬Interactive Topic: Which spot do you most want to check in at when you visit Huangshan?

After visiting Mount Yue, you no longer look at other mountains; after visiting Huangshan, you no longer look at Mount Yue🌄 This autumn, I finally experienced the poetic world described by ancient poets! When the stone steps are still wet with morning dew💦, carrying a backpack and climbing step by step with heavy breaths, you suddenly encounter the dreamlike sea of clouds☁️ The mountain breeze brings a touch of fairy aura, instantly sweeping away all the heat~ Take a deep breath, as if having a remote conversation with literati from a thousand years ago📜 Looking afar at the forest of strange peaks🏔️ and up close at the welcoming pines, every spot is a stunning natural painting🎨 Recommended must-visit spots: - Shixin Peak: the best viewpoint for the sea of clouds - Welcoming Pine: the cliffside wonder of the ancient thousand-year-old pine - Bright Summit: the best spot for mountain climbing photos📸 Helpful tips: ✅ Best viewing time: 5-7 AM ✅ Climbing route: cable car up - walk down recommended ✅ Clothing advice: warm and windproof jacket essential ✅ Accommodation recommendation: book the mountaintop hotel in advance (Bright Summit Hotel) At Huangshan, every turn is a surprise, every step is a fairyland🏞️ No wonder the ancients said, "The best place in a thousand miles of streams and mountains, the most suitable time of year is autumn"~ This autumn, come and encounter this poetic and picturesque fairyland together!

**Smart Off-Peak Timing**: Enter the park early in the morning and visit less crowded spots in the afternoon to cleverly avoid crowds and enhance your experience. - **Diverse Accommodation**: Includes 1 night at a mountaintop scenic hotel (convenient for sunrise viewing) and 3 nights at distinctive guesthouses at the foot of the mountain, balancing experience and cost-effectiveness. - **Authentic Cuisine**: Carefully selected local-favorite restaurants to taste genuine Huizhou cuisine with a reasonable budget allocation. - **Worry-Free and Cost-Saving**: The mentioned guide services can help you save queue time and may even get you some insider prices. 🧳 Preparation Before the Trip - **Documents**: ID card, student ID/military officer ID/teacher qualification certificate, etc. (some attractions offer discounts). - **Clothing**: Huangshan’s weather is changeable with large temperature differences between day and night. It is recommended to bring a **windbreaker** (or windproof jacket), **quick-dry clothes**, comfortable **non-slip hiking shoes**, and a sun hat. - **Gear**: - **Trekking poles** (sold at the foot of the mountain, wooden sticks about 5 RMB each), - **Raincoat** (it’s windy on the mountain, umbrellas are not recommended; disposable raincoats are more convenient), - **Power bank** (within 20,000 mAh). - **Medicines**: Band-aids, motion sickness medicine, stomach medicine, mosquito repellent spray (mosquitoes are common in bamboo forest areas). - **Others**: Thermos cup (mountaintop hotels or rest stops usually provide free hot water), a small amount of cash (some areas may have poor signal). 🗓️ Huangshan 5-Day Itinerary Overview Here is a straightforward overview of the entire itinerary to help you quickly understand the five-day plan. ```mermaid flowchart TD Trip[Huangshan 5-Day Itinerary] subgraph Day1[Day 1: Arrive at Huangshan, First Experience at Tunxi Old Street] A1[Afternoon
Arrive at Huangshan North Station] --> A2[Evening & Night
Stroll Tunxi Old Street & Liyang in Alley
Try local snacks] end subgraph Day2[Day 2: Huangshan Core Scenic Area, Stunning Wonders] B1[Morning
Yungu Cableway up → Shixin Peak → Dream Pen Flower] --> B2[Noon
Lunch at Beihai Hotel or bring your own food] --> B3[Afternoon
West Sea Grand Canyon → Popular Mini Train] --> B4[Night
Watch sunset at Bright Summit → Stay at mountaintop hotel] end subgraph Day3[Day 3: Huangshan Sunrise and Sea of Clouds, Descend and Rest] C1[Early Morning
Sunrise at Bright Summit or Danxia Peak] --> C2[Morning
Aoyu Peak → Hundred-Step Ladder → Welcoming Pine] --> C3[Noon
Lunch near Yuping Building] --> C4[Afternoon
Yuping Cableway down → Stay in Tangkou Town → Hot spring soak] end subgraph Day4[Day 4: Ink-Wash Hongcun, Picturesque Countryside] D1[Morning
Head to Hongcun → Moon Pond → Chengzhi Hall] --> D2[Noon
Lunch at Deyuelou or Tiandeng Canteen] --> D3[Afternoon
Nanhu Academy → Leisurely photo walk] --> D4[Night
Stay at guesthouse inside Hongcun Scenic Area → Experience tranquil night] end subgraph Day5[Day 5: Huizhou Culture Finale, Return Trip] E1[Morning
Huizhou Ancient City → Xuguo Stone Archway → Huizhou Prefecture Office] --> E2[Noon
Enjoy the last Huizhou meal] --> E3[Afternoon
Buy souvenirs → Return at a suitable time] end Trip --> Day1 Day1 --> Day2 Day2 --> Day3 Day3 --> Day4 Day4 --> Day5 ``` 💰 Budget Plan (Total about 4800 RMB) | Expense Category | Cost (RMB) | Notes | | :--------------- | :--------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Round-trip Transportation** | 1500 | Round-trip high-speed train/airfare, please book in advance according to your departure location. | | **Local Transportation** | 300 | Mainly for shuttle buses and transfers between scenic spots. | | **Accommodation** | 1400 | **Mountaintop**: 1 night scenic room (about 800-1200 RMB/night) **Foot of the mountain**: 3 nights budget hotels/distinctive guesthouses (about 200-300 RMB/night) | | **Tickets + Cableways** | 700 | Huangshan 190 + Yungu/Yuping Cableway 170 + Hongcun 104 + others. Discounts may apply with student ID, etc. | | **Meals** | 700 | About 140 RMB per day, including several specialty meals (like stinky mandarin fish) and snacks. | | **Other Experiences** | 200 | Hot spring experience, Hanfu rental for photos, etc. | | **Emergency/Souvenirs** | 200 | Reserved funds for buying specialties like shaobing (baked flatbread). | 🍜 Food Recommendations - **Authentic Huizhou Cuisine**: - **Stinky Mandarin Fish**, **Mao Tofu** (representative Huizhou dishes, recommended at Laojie Diyi Lou or Laoma Tucaiguan). - **Huizhou One-Pot** (Deyuelou), **Stone Ear Mushroom Stewed Chicken** (nourishing mountain delicacy). - **Braised Bamboo Shoots with Pork** (Laoma Tucaiguan). - **Special Snacks**: - **Huangshan Shaobing** (Crab Shell Yellow, crispy and delicious, at Jiali Shaobing Shop on Tunxi Old Street). - **Lingshan Fermented Rice Wine** (sweet but not greasy). 💡 Helpful Tips - **Weather is Key**: Always check the Huangshan Scenic Area weather forecast before your trip; **mountaintop weather is highly changeable**. - **Off-Peak Visits**: If possible, **enter the park early** (before 7 AM) or visit popular spots during noon when tour groups are having lunch to improve your experience. - **Save Energy**: Huangshan hiking routes are long; **using cableways wisely** (Yungu cableway up, Yuping cableway down) is a smart choice. The West Sea Grand Canyon has a long walking route, consider taking the **scenic mini train** to save energy. - **Accommodation Choices**: - **Mountaintop hotels** (such as Bright Summit Hotel, Baiyun Hotel) are pricier but offer great convenience for sunrise viewing. - **Foot-of-the-mountain lodging** (Tangkou Town, inside Hongcun Scenic Area) offers more options, better value, and different atmospheres. - **Guide Services**: If you worry about complicated planning or want to deeply understand the culture, consider hiring a reliable local guide (like Alin, highly recommended by many online users). They can provide **explanations, help plan routes, and get group prices for tickets or accommodation**, which may save you time and money. Hope this guide helps you plan a perfect Huangshan trip🌈! The beauty of Huangshan goes beyond its strange pines and rocks—it lies in the immersive experience. Wishing you a pleasant journey and the chance to encounter the most beautiful sea of clouds and sunrise!

Huangshan, known as the "Number One Marvelous Mountain Under Heaven," is famous worldwide for its "Four Wonders": peculiar pines, strange rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs. Preparation Before the Trip Documents: Bring your ID card. Students, seniors, and other groups eligible for discounted tickets should remember to bring relevant certificates. Clothing: The temperature on the mountain is 8-10°C lower than at the base. Even in summer, windproof and warm jackets like fleece or light down jackets are necessary. Also, prepare a lightweight raincoat and avoid bringing umbrellas. Shoes: Wear non-slip, well-fitting sports shoes or hiking boots. Do not wear new shoes, leather shoes, or sandals. Other Items: Trekking poles can save energy, a thermos can be used to get hot water on the mountain, and bring a small amount of high-energy snacks like chocolate or beef jerky. Transportation Guide External Transportation: You can take a high-speed train to Huangshan North Station, then transfer to a tourist shuttle bus to the South Gate, about a 1-hour ride; or fly to Tunxi International Airport and take the airport shuttle bus to the scenic area; self-driving visitors can navigate to the South or North Gate of Huangshan Scenic Area but should be aware of the rugged mountain roads. Internal Transportation: Huangshan Scenic Area uses a unified shuttle system. Private cars cannot drive directly to the trailheads. Visitors must transfer at the Zhaixi Transfer Center at the South Gate or the Songguan’an Transfer Center at the North Gate and take the scenic area shuttle bus to the trailheads. The fare is 19 RMB per one-way trip. Itinerary Routes One-day tour: From the South Gate, take the Yuping Cableway up the mountain, visit attractions in order such as the Welcoming Pine, Lotus Peak, Hundred-Step Stairway, and Ao Fish Peak, then take the popular West Sea mini train round trip, finally pass through Bright Summit and Flying-Over Rock, and take the Yungu Cableway down. From the North Gate, take the Taiping Cableway up, visit Paiyun Pavilion, West Sea Grand Canyon, and other spots, then pass through Bright Summit and take the Yuping Cableway down. Two-day tour: South Gate route—Day 1: Take the Yuping Cableway up, visit Welcoming Pine, Lotus Peak, then take the West Sea mini train down to explore the West Sea Grand Canyon, stay overnight at the summit; Day 2: Wake early to watch the sunrise at Danxia Peak, then visit Unity Pine, Cool Terrace, and other spots, finally take the Yungu Cableway down. North Gate route—Day 1: Take the Taiping Cableway up, visit West Sea Grand Canyon and other attractions, stay overnight at the summit; Day 2: Watch the sunrise at Dawn Pavilion, then visit Bright Summit and other spots, take the Yuping Cableway down. Accommodation Recommendations On the mountain: Bright Summit Villa has an excellent location for watching sunrise and sunset but is relatively expensive; Baiyun Hotel is centrally located in Huangshan, convenient for visiting various attractions, with moderate cost performance; Paiyun Lodge is near Paiyun Pavilion, convenient for enjoying sunset and strange rocks. At the base: Tangkou Town is close to the scenic area, convenient for dining and shopping, with a wide range of accommodations; near Tunxi Old Street, you can experience local life, stroll the old street, try local food, and enjoy convenient transportation. Must-Visit Attractions Welcoming Pine: The iconic symbol of Huangshan, located in front of Yuping Building, a perfect spot for photos. Lotus Peak: The highest peak of Huangshan at 1864.8 meters. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of surrounding peaks. It alternates opening with Tiandu Peak every five years; Lotus Peak will be open in 2025. Bright Summit: At 1860 meters elevation, it is flat and an excellent place to watch sunrise, sunset, and the sea of clouds. West Sea Grand Canyon: Filled with strange peaks and rocks, riding the popular mini train through it feels like entering a dream world. Shixin Peak: Home to many famous Huangshan pines like the Guiding Pine and Black Tiger Pine. There is a saying, "If you don’t climb Shixin Peak, you don’t know Huangshan pines." Food Recommendations Stinky Mandarin Fish: Smells bad but tastes delicious, with tender and firm fish meat, a representative dish of Huizhou cuisine. Try it at "Old Street First Building" in Tunxi. Mao Tofu: Covered with a layer of white fuzz, pan-fried to be crispy outside and tender inside. The street stalls on the old street make a good version. Huangshan Sesame Seed Cake: Crispy on the outside, savory filling inside, available in flavors like preserved vegetables and pork floss, commonly found on Tunxi Old Street.

📍 Why Choose Huangshan? Known as the "World's Most Unique Mountain," Huangshan is famous for its "Four Wonders": Peculiar Pines, Strange Rocks, Sea of Clouds, and Hot Springs. In just 2 days and 1 night, you can visit the core attractions: the cloud-surging Bright Summit Peak, the breathtaking West Sea Grand Canyon, the iconic Welcoming Pine, and even experience the popular small train passing through cliffside plank roads. All this for about 600 RMB per person, offering excellent value for money! 🚗 Transportation Options (2025 Latest) 🚄 High-Speed Rail - Huangshan North Station → Tangkou Town: Scenic area shuttle bus 30 RMB/person (50 minutes direct) - Hidden Route: Visitors from Hangzhou/Hefei can take the high-speed train to Huangshan South Gate Station, then walk 10 minutes to the scenic area entrance 🚗 Self-Driving - Navigate to "Huangshan South Gate Parking Lot," 50 RMB/day (arrive before 8 AM in peak season recommended) - Tip: If you have limited stamina, buy a shuttle bus ticket (38 RMB/person) to Yun Gu Temple cableway ⚠️ Notes - Last cableway down the mountain closes at 5:30 PM; recommended to reach Yupinglou by 4:30 PM - Driving inside the scenic area is prohibited; transfer to scenic area buses is required 🏨 Accommodation Guide (High Cost-Performance Recommendations) ✅ Best for Views - Baiyun Hotel: 15-minute walk to Shixin Peak, standard room 800 RMB/night (book 2 weeks in advance) - Bright Summit Peak Lodge: Window views of the sea of clouds, dorm bed 200 RMB/person (book 1 month in advance) ✅ Budget Options - Tianhai Scenic Area Inn: Bed 150 RMB/person, convenient for next day sunrise viewing - Tangkou Town Homestays: About 80 RMB/person, recommended inn near "Old Street Stinky Mandarin Fish" (convenient dining) 🗺️ 2-Day Itinerary (Lazy Version) Day 1: Peculiar Pines & Strange Rocks + West Sea Sea of Clouds 🌅 Morning: Yun Gu Cableway Light Hike - Yun Gu Cableway: 80 RMB one way (opens at 7:30 AM, short lines) - Shixin Peak: Visit the "Huangshan Peculiar Pines Museum," must-photograph Black Tiger Pine and Twin Pines - Paiyun Pavilion: Entrance to West Sea Grand Canyon, misty and fairy-tale-like🌉 Afternoon: Popular Small Train Through the Canyon - West Sea Grand Canyon Loop: 1-hour walk, jagged strange rocks along the way - Popular Small Train: 100 RMB round trip (glass viewing platform is thrilling) - Bright Summit Peak Sunset: Arrive before 6:30 PM, overlook peaks glowing gold🍱 Lunch: Self-heating rice + chocolate (mountain top restaurants about 80 RMB/person, bringing your own recommended) Day 2: Sunrise Sea of Clouds + Classic Check-ins 🌄 Early Morning: Wait for Sunrise at Bright Summit Peak - Arrive 30 minutes early, sunrise around 5:30 AM in summer, 6:30 AM in winter - Photography tip: Use telephoto lens to capture the surging sea of clouds 🌿 Morning: Quick Tour of Highlights - Aoyu Peak: Steep ridge like a fish leaping over a dragon gate (filming location for "Flying Fox Outside the Story") - Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder: 168-step steep ladder tests courage (hold handrails and walk slowly) - Welcoming Pine: Group photo in front of Yupinglou, ticket includes this spot🚠 Afternoon: Descend via Yuping Cableway - 90 RMB one way, arrive at Ciguang Pavilion before 5 PM - Bonus: The ancient trail from Ciguang Pavilion to Banshan Temple is quiet and great for photos 🍲 Tangkou Town Food - Stinky Mandarin Fish: "Old Street Neighborhood Hui Cuisine" 88 RMB/portion (mildly spicy is more fragrant) - Mao Tofu: 15 RMB/piece, crispy outside and tender inside, dip in chili sauce - Huangshan Sesame Cake: 5 RMB/bag, crispy with preserved vegetable filling 💰 Expense List (600 RMB per person) Item Cost Notes Tickets 190 RMB Buy on Trip.com 3 days in advance to save 20 RMB Cableways 180 RMB Yun Gu + Yuping round trip Small Train 100 RMB West Sea Grand Canyon round trip Accommodation 200 RMB Baiyun Hotel standard room (per person) Meals 150 RMB Simple meals on mountain + proper meals below Transportation 60 RMB High-speed rail + scenic area shuttle bus Total 600 RMB Student ID gets half-price tickets! 📸 Photo Hotspots List 1️⃣ Shixin Peak: Peculiar pines with sea of clouds in one frame (best in early morning mist) 2️⃣ West Sea Grand Canyon: Small train passing cliffside plank roads (wide-angle lens) 3️⃣ Bright Summit Peak: Sunset "Sunlight on Golden Mountain" (10-second long exposure) 4️⃣ Welcoming Pine: Ancient pine echoing mountain ridges (shoot from below for grandeur) 🎒 Must-Have List (Newbies Must See) ✔️ Gear: Non-slip hiking shoes, windbreaker (big temperature difference at the summit), trekking poles (rent for 15 RMB each in scenic area) ✔️ Documents: ID card, student ID, some cash (no signal in some areas) ✔️ Supplies: Thermos (hot water available at summit), energy bars, band-aids ✔️ Others: Raincoat (umbrella prohibited), power bank (under 20,000 mAh) ⚠️ Pitfall Guide ❗ Cableway Choice: Going up from Front Mountain and down from Back Mountain saves energy; beginners beware of the steep Front Mountain route ❗ Shopping Trap: Bottled water on the mountain costs 8 RMB/bottle; fill your water bottle below ❗ Time Management: West Sea Grand Canyon requires 3 hours; do not enter after 4 PM ❗ Wednesday Benefit: Free tickets on the first Wednesday of each month (book in advance on "Huangshan Tourism Official Platform") 🌟 Ultimate Experience Upgrades - ✅ Starry Sky Camping: Watch the Milky Way from Baiyun Hotel terrace (198 RMB venue fee) - ✅ Private Hot Spring: Experience Banyan Tree Huangshan Hot Spring after descending (298 RMB/2 hours, relieves fatigue) - ✅ Huizhou Night Tour: Tangkou Town "Huizhou Ancient City Night Tour" (88 RMB ticket, watch iron flower performance) Follow this guide to unlock Huangshan’s breathtaking scenery with excellent value! From sea of clouds sunrises to peculiar pines and strange rocks, from cliffside small trains to ancient village nightlife, every moment is a hit on social media. Save it now and start your fairyland journey!

Tickets and Transportation Guide 👉Tickets and Cable Cars - Tickets: 190 RMB/person; half price for students/seniors with ID; free for high school and college entrance exam students. - Cable Cars (one-way): - Yuping Cable Car (Front Mountain): 90 RMB - Yungu Cable Car (Back Mountain): 80 RMB - West Sea Grand Canyon Sightseeing Cable Car: 100 RMB - **Combo Ticket Discount**: Ticket + Cable Car + Small Train combo ticket (book in advance on the "Huangshan Tourism Official Platform"). 🚝 🛩️Transportation - **High-speed Rail/Airplane**: Arrive at Huangshan North Station/Tunxi Airport → transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus to Tangkou Town (1-hour ride, fare 23-30 RMB), then transfer to the scenic area bus to the cable car station (19 RMB/person). - **Self-driving**: Navigate to "Huangshan South Gate Transfer Center", 🚶 **2. Highlight Route Planning (Tested Easy Version)** **One-day Tour (Quick View of Core Attractions)** **Route**: South Gate → Yungu Cable Car up the mountain → Shixin Peak (Famous Pines) → Black Tiger Pine → Dream Pen Blossoms → Paiyun Pavilion → West Sea Small Train → Bright Summit → Yuping Cable Car down the mountain → Welcoming Pine. **Duration**: 6-8 hours, suitable for moderate fitness, focusing on famous pines, strange rocks, and sea of clouds. **Two-day Tour (In-depth Sunrise and Sea of Clouds Viewing)** - **Day 1 (Back Mountain + Canyon)**: Yungu Cable Car → Shixin Peak → Monkey Watching Sea → Paiyun Pavilion → West Sea Grand Canyon (hiking loop 1/2) → take small train up to Tianhai → Bright Summit for sunset → stay overnight at the summit. - **Day 2 (Front Mountain + Sunrise)**: Bright Summit sunrise → Aoyu Peak → Hundred-step Cloud Ladder → Welcoming Pine → Tiandu Peak (advance reservation required, daily limit 3,000 people) → Yuping Cable Car down the mountain. **Accommodation Recommendations**: - Bright Summit Lodge (sunrise view from window, standard room 1200-1500 RMB) - Bai'e Lodge (cost-effective, dorm bed 288 RMB/person including breakfast). **Three-day Leisure Tour (Including Surroundings)** Add Hongcun (ancient Hui-style village) and Jade Valley (filming location of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"), both within 1 hour by car. 🌄 **3. Must-visit Attractions and Experiences** 1. **Bright Summit Sunrise**: Huangshan’s second highest peak, arrive before 5 AM to secure a spot, the golden sea of clouds is worth the ticket. 2. **West Sea Grand Canyon**: Ride the popular small train through the canyon, thrilling cliff ladder walkways (not recommended for those afraid of heights). 3. **Welcoming Pine**: Iconic famous pine, fewer people in the early morning for great photos. 4. **Tiandu Peak**: (requires walking the "Crucian Carp Back" dangerous path) not recommended for those afraid of heights. 5. **Surrounding Attractions**: Hongcun (ink painting village), Tunxi Old Street (Hui culture + cuisine). 🎒 **4. Gear and Pitfall Avoidance Guide** **Essential Items** - Non-slip hiking shoes, windbreaker (temperature difference up to 15℃ at the summit), trekking poles (rent for 3 RMB at the base), raincoat (umbrella prohibited), power bank. - Self-heating rice/energy bars, thermos (free hot water available). 👉 **Pitfall Avoidance Tips** - **Avoid Peak Entry**: Arrive before 6:30 AM to avoid crowds. - **Safety Tips**: Some sections of West Sea Canyon have no guardrails, avoid high places during thunderstorms; cable cars stop operating at 5 PM, descend early. - **Avoid Scams**: Purchase tickets through official platforms, reject scalpers; supplies are expensive at the summit, buy in advance in Tangkou Town. 🍜 **5. Food** - **Specialties**: Stinky Mandarin Fish (Hui Xiang Yuan Restaurant), Mao Tofu (Tunxi Old Street), Braised Bamboo Shoots with Pork.

1. Tickets & Transportation 1. Ticket Prices Peak/Regular Season: ¥190/person (includes shuttle bus from main gate to Shixin Peak) Winter Season: ¥150/person Student/Senior Discount: Half-price (valid ID required) 2. Cable Car Prices (One-way) - Yuping Cable Car (Front Mountain): ¥90 - Yungu Cable Car (Back Mountain): ¥80 - Taiping Cable Car (North Gate): ¥80 - Xihai Grand Canyon Sightseeing Tram: ¥100 3. How to Get to Huangshan? High-Speed Rail: Suzhou → Huangshan North Station (4 hrs) → Direct shuttle to scenic area (1 hr, ¥25) - Self-Drive: Navigate to "Huangshan Scenic Area South Gate," parking fee ¥20/day - Flight: Tunxi International Airport → Downtown → Scenic area bus (1.5 hrs) 2. Classic Itinerary Recommendations 1. One-Day Tour (For time-limited travelers) Route: Yungu Cable Car up → Shixin Peak → Black Tiger Pine → Dream Brush Flower → Paiyun Pavilion → Xihai Grand Canyon train → Yuping Cable Car down → Welcoming Pine Highlights: Unique pines & rocks, sea of clouds, Xihai Grand Canyon train 2. Two-Day In-Depth Tour (Recommended) Day 1: Yungu Cable Car up → Shixin Peak → Bright Summit → Flying Rock → Paiyun Pavilion → Xihai Grand Canyon → Overnight at summit (Bright Summit Hotel) Day 2: Sunrise at Bright Summit → Lotus Peak (if open) → Tiandu Peak → Yuping Cable Car down → Welcoming Pine 3. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Welcoming Pine (Iconic Huangshan landmark) 2. Bright Summit (Best sunrise/sea of clouds viewpoint) 3. Xihai Grand Canyon (Essence of Huangshan, don't miss the train) 4. Lotus Peak/Tiandu Peak (Huangshan's highest peaks, rotational closure; Tiandu reopens 2025) 5. Flying Rock (Filming location for "Dream of the Red Chamber") 6. Paiyun Pavilion (Panoramic views of Xihai Grand Canyon) 4. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Summit Stays (For sunrise views) Bright Summit Hotel (Where we stayed) Baiyun Hotel (Near Xihai Grand Canyon) 5. Pro Tips & Warnings ✅ Book Early: Purchase tickets 3 days in advance via Huangshan official platform to avoid queues ✅ Combo Tickets Save Money: ~¥300 for entry + round-trip cable cars + train (saves ¥100) ✅ Hiking Gear: Non-slip shoes, trekking poles, windbreaker (big temperature drops), power bank ✅ Best Seasons: May-Oct (more sea of clouds), Nov-Mar (possible snow closures) ❌ Avoid Pitfalls: - Limited summit dining (mostly burgers/instant noodles; bring self-heating meals/energy bars) - Take cable cars down before 5 PM to avoid night hiking - Check Lotus/Tiandu Peak opening status (rotational closure) 6. Food Recommendations Stinky Mandarin Fish (Huizhou specialty) Hairy Tofu Huangshan Sesame Cakes "After seeing the Five Great Mountains, no others impress; after seeing Huangshan, even the Five Great Mountains pale." Pack this guide and embark on your Huangshan adventure!

Family! Just returned from “dehydration” on Huangshan! Admit it, hiking Huangshan in August is not about sightseeing, it’s about participating in a triathlon + high-temperature sauna + human canned experience camp! 🏃‍♀️💦 Going with the reputation of “After visiting the Five Great Mountains, no need to see other mountains; after Huangshan, no need to see other peaks,” I just want to say after coming back: August! Take the advice! Seriously think twice before going! Pure, brutally honest sharing with shattered filters! (Including practical, blood-and-tears survival tips) 📅 My (unfortunate) itinerary: Day 1: Various places → Huangshan North Station → Scenic area shuttle bus to Tangkou Town → Stay in Tangkou (acclimate) Day 2: Hardcore core day! Depart Tangkou at 5:30 AM → Yungu Cableway up the mountain → Shixin Peak → Black Tiger Pine → Dream Pen Flower → Paiyun Pavilion → West Sea Grand Canyon (dreamlike scenic area) loop 1/loop 2 → Take the popular small train from the valley bottom → Bright Summit Peak → Flying Rock → Stay at mountaintop hotel (life-saving) Day 3: Desperate early wake-up to watch sunrise (failed) → Aoyu Peak → Lotus Peak (or give up) → Welcoming Pine → Yuping Cableway down → Exhausted return trip 💥💥💥 August Huangshan, brutally honest checklist (heart bleeding): 🔥 Hot! Humid! Stuffy! Free sauna experience card! Tangkou at the foot of the mountain is hot, and on the mountain? 100% humidity and high temperature! No escape anywhere! Sweating like rain the whole way 💦, clothes never dry! Sunscreen mixed with sweat stings the eyes! Visibility depends on luck? Wrong! It depends on heat waves! The air is steaming, distant strange pines and rocks all come with a “blur effect,” fairy-like? That’s heat haze! Smog feeling! 😤 Water you bring is never enough! Bottled water on the mountain costs 10-15 RMB per bottle, and Red Bull over 20 RMB per bottle is normal! Worried about money? Then carry like a camel! 👫👫👫 People packed like sardines, paths become intestines! Queues are the main theme! Cableway queues: Early morning going up? Think you’re early enough? No! 1.5 hours+ queue is the entry ticket! No air circulation, people packed with sweat smell attack! Afternoon going down Yuping Cableway? Queues make you question life! Popular spots: West Sea Grand Canyon plank road (especially loops 1 and 2), One-line Sky, Lotus Peak summit, Welcoming Pine… all are flowing crowds! Narrow dangerous paths only allow one person? That’s a “human traffic jam”! Photo backgrounds are always other people’s backs and heads! Mountaintop viewing: Bright Summit Peak, Lion Peak platform, Flying Rock? Don’t expect good photo spots, all human walls! ☀️🌧️ Weather changes faster than flipping pages! Watching sunrise and sunset is pure blind box! Sunrise and sunset? A game of chance! August is foggy, cloudy, and rainy frequently! We arrived at Bright Summit Peak at 4 AM in the dark to reserve spots, only to watch loneliness (cloud and fog theater). Sunset? Where’s the sunset? It was eaten by moisture! Sudden heavy rain is common: Weather forecasts are for reference only! Raincoat is not just for emergencies, it’s a must! When rain and fog come, all scenery is wasted. Thunderstorm risk ⚠️: Afternoon showers often come with thunder and lightning, mountaintop is extremely dangerous without shelter! Broadcasts will announce stopping and closing outdoor areas (we experienced this, forced to stay in the hotel). ⛰️ Hiking until you question life! Maximum steepness! Stairs! Endless stairs! Up and down without end! Going down to the valley bottom of West Sea Grand Canyon? Continuous steep descent, knees warning of damage! Climbing back up? Leg and life draining! Lotus Peak/Tiandu Peak (alternating open): The stairs to the summit are almost vertical! Narrow! Dangerous! When crowded, people get stuck halfway, unable to move forward or backward, high safety risk ⚠️ huge psychological pressure! Carrying luggage? Try it yourself! Even the lightest backpack is weight training, mountain prices force you to carry heavy loads. 🏠 Mountaintop accommodation: Paying to suffer? Expensive! Expensive! Expensive! Double rooms with conditions like a guesthouse, peak season easily 1300-2000+ RMB per night! And still hard to get a room! Old facilities: Don’t expect anything! Damp, poor sound insulation (noisy corridors with people coming and going), unstable hot water supply is normal. No soundproofing! You can clearly hear the neighbor snoring, sunrise special forces start stirring at 3 or 4 AM… 🍜 Food recommendations (lower expectations! Just fill your stomach): Don’t expect amazing food on Huangshan! On the mountain, just fill your stomach; at the foot, replenish energy. 📍 Mountaintop restaurants: Extremely expensive! Ordinary taste! A bowl of noodles/fried rice 50-80 RMB is normal! Buffet 120-160 RMB per person, few choices! Strongly recommend bringing your own food! Self-heating rice, bread, energy bars, beef jerky to stave off hunger! 📍 Tangkou Town (foot of the mountain): Huizhou fermented tofu: Must-try specialty! Crispy outside and soft inside after frying (a bit fermented with a special taste, not everyone accepts it). Stinky mandarin fish: Huizhou cuisine’s signature! Smells bad but tastes good (garlic meat), but not cheap, small restaurants cost 70-100 RMB per person. Dried bamboo shoots with braised pork / stone ear mushroom scrambled eggs: Local mountain specialties, home-style taste. Huizhou small wontons / wrapped dumplings: Breakfast or light meal options. Supplement supplies: Buy enough water and snacks at Tangkou supermarket before going up! Prices double on the mountain! 🏠 Accommodation strategy (painful choice): 📍 Mountaintop hotels (Bright Summit, Baiyun, Paiyun-type inns): Pros: Convenient for watching sunrise and sunset (theoretically), reduces repeated climbing. Cons: Extremely expensive! Extremely poor! Book months in advance! Terrible experience but have to choose for sunrise? 📍 Tangkou Town at the foot: Pros: Much cheaper (200-600 RMB with many options), convenient for food and lodging, many choices. Cons: Cannot see sunrise or sunset! Requires two cableway rides up and down + shuttle bus in and out of the mountain (extra cost + time + queue torture!), very tiring! Conclusion: To see sunrise → grit your teeth and stay on the mountain (book early + keep calm). Not watching sunrise / saving budget → stay in Tangkou (prepare for sun exposure and queues). 🚗 Transportation tips (none are easy): Long-distance transport: High-speed train/plane: Arrive at Huangshan North Station / Tunxi Airport. More trains at North Station. North Station/Airport → Tangkou Town: Official scenic area shuttle bus (New National Line) directly to Tangkou transfer center (about 50 minutes, 20-30 RMB). Beware of unlicensed taxis! Scenic area transport: Tangkou transfer center → Cableway station: Must take! 19 RMB one way, private cars cannot go up! Queue hotspot! Go early! Cableways (lifesaver): Strongly recommend taking cableways both ways! Save energy to see core scenery! Back mountain (Yungu Cableway): Relatively fewer people (just relatively!). Front mountain (Yuping Cableway): Near Welcoming Pine, huge queues going down! Popular small train (West Sea Grand Canyon cable car): 100 RMB one way, a few minutes. From valley bottom up to Tianhai Station (near Bright Summit Peak). Energy-saving magic but short and expensive experience! 🏞️ Sightseeing selection strategy (survival version): ⛰ Must-see (since you’re here): Shixin Peak / Black Tiger Pine / Dream Pen Flower: Classic back mountain representatives, relatively easy to reach. West Sea Grand Canyon: Core beautiful scenery! Recommended to only do loop 1 or 2 (upper half) to experience the steep and magical views, going down to the valley bottom and back up will exhaust you! The small train can be used for return (from valley bottom up). Know your limits! Bright Summit Peak: Huangshan’s second highest peak, transportation hub, main gathering place for sunrise and sunset (but crowded). Welcoming Pine: Iconic! Near Yuping Building, front mountain core, huge crowds but not going means missing out? Take photos and leave quickly! ❗ Consider carefully (non-warriors don’t touch): Lotus Peak / Tiandu Peak: Huangshan’s highest peaks! Alternating open, summit routes extremely dangerous, steep, and time-consuming (4-6 hours), crowded with high risk in peak season! If open and you have super stamina, challenge it (go early!), otherwise admire from afar or give up! Full traverse of West Sea Grand Canyon: Takes huge time (5+ hours) up and down, extremely exhausting, be cautious in August heat! Most people choose upper half + small train up. 🌅 Sunrise and sunset: Zen mindset! Check weather in advance (though unreliable), choose good spots (Bright Summit Peak, Lion Peak, Danxia Peak, etc.), reserve spots at least 1-2 hours early! Be prepared for failure!

🎫 Ticket Perks: Half-price (¥95) for students/seniors, free for teachers/medical workers (ID required) 🚌 Transport Hub: Direct shuttle from Huangshan North Station (¥30) saves ¥100+ vs. taxis 🍚 Budget Eats: ¥30 mountaintop meals, ¥10 street feasts – no tourist traps 🏕️ Lodging Hacks: Hostel beds (¥50/night), summit dorms (¥150) – sunrise views without splurging 🗺️ 【3D2N Budget Itinerary】 Day 1: Free ancient village + hostel stay 09:00 Chengkan Village (¥107 ticket → free entry hack) 🚶♂️ Enter via back trails (ask hostel hosts), capture Dad, Where Are We Going? moments by Yongxing Lake 14:00 Tunxi Old Street (free) 🍡 Munch ¥10/3-snack Huangshan crisps, visit "300 Inkstone Studio" for She-inkstone carvings 🏨 Sleep at Huangshan Yunhai Hostel (¥50/bed) – free trekking poles + maps Day 2: Huangshan Core Zone Trek 06:30 Yungu Cableway (¥80 → hike instead) 🧗♂️ Back-mountain 3.5hr hike saves money + reveals wild "Stone Bamboo Shoots" scenery 12:00 Beihai Hotel (BYO food) 🍞 ¥10 self-heating meals + free hot water = cloud-sea dining with tears of joy 15:00 Xihai Grand Canyon (¥100 train → hike) 🚶♀️ Take gentle right-loop trail to Paiyun Pavilion (2hrs), skip overpriced "instagram train" 🏨 Baiyun Hotel dorm (¥150/bed) – sleep under falling Milky Way Day 3: Sunrise + Free Bonus 05:30 Bright Summit Peak (free) 🌄 Claim Aoyu Slope spot for crowd-free sunrise timelapses 09:00 Guest-Greeting Pine (free) 🌲 Descend via Half Hill Temple trail (2.5hrs), touch "Penglai Three Islands" weird rocks 15:00 Emerald Valley (¥90 → free alternative) 💧 Play in Fengle Lake’s jade waters (mini Jiuzhaigou) + catch tiny fish 🏠 【Free Stay Tricks】 Summit Options: 🛏️ Baiyun Hotel/Bright Summit dorms (¥150-200) – book 3 days ahead ⛺️ BYO tent (rentals ¥200) – camp at Paiyun Pavilion to avoid wind Budget Hostels: 💤 Yunhai Hostel (¥50), Koala Int’l Hostel (¥40) – free luggage storage Temple Stay: 🙏 Cuiwei Temple (book ahead) – ¥30 monk quarters with bell-chime ambiance 🚌 【Transport Savings】 Intercity: 🚄 High-speed rail via Hefei/Hangzhou saves 50% 🚌 Grab ¥9.9 shuttle tickets via "Huangshan Official Tourism" Local Transit: 🛺 Free Tangkou Village shuttles (ask hosts for QR codes) 🚶♂️ Hike Yungu Temple→White Goose Ridge (3.5hrs) instead of cablecars 💡 【Pro Tips】 Ticket Recycling: 🎫 Huangshan tickets valid 3 days – get re-entry stamps in Tangkou Secret Vistas: 📸 Shixin Peak sunrise > Bright Summit (fewer crowds + better pine shots) Gear Hacks: 🧤 Rent crampons (¥5/day) – 80% cheaper than summit 🌂 Grab free raincoats at hostels (avoid ¥15 scenic-area junk) ⚠️ 【Scam Alerts】 ❌ Skip paid trekking poles – hostels loan free ones ❌ Avoid unlicensed taxis – Tangkou→Hongcun shared vans (¥30) save ¥80 ❌ Ditch instant noodles – heavy + need hot water (summit meals = better value) ❌ Skip Tiandu Peak (closed Dec-Apr) – hike Lotus Peak instead

On the second day at Huangshan, we hiked for about 7 hours, covering more than 18 kilometers. It was sunny at the foot of the mountain, but it rained halfway up the entire way 🌧. The mountain was shrouded in mist, with a brief clearing at Bright Summit Peak. The West Sea Grand Canyon is truly beautiful, and the vastness of Huangshan’s scenery is breathtaking. It’s so spectacular that next time I’ll definitely check the weather before climbing again 😂 Must-visit Attractions 1️⃣ Welcoming Pine: The iconic symbol of Huangshan, this thousand-year-old pine stretches its "arms" to welcome visitors. Located beside Yuping Building, you have to queue for photos but it’s absolutely worth it. The backdrop of endless mountains is stunning! 2️⃣ Bright Summit Peak: The second highest peak of Huangshan at 1,860 meters elevation. It’s the best spot to watch the sunrise and sunset with an incredibly wide view. When the sea of clouds rolls in, it looks like a fairyland. There’s also a weather station on top. 3️⃣ West Sea Grand Canyon: Known as the "Dreamland of Huangshan," the canyon is deep with steep stone walls. You can hike the loop trail or take the popular small train (100 RMB/one way). The view overlooking the layered mountains is thrilling! 4️⃣ Shixin Peak: Famous for its strange pines, including the "Black Tiger Pine" and "Lianli Pine." The mountain path is gentle, perfect for a slow stroll and photos. It’s a great place to see unique rock formations. 5️⃣ Flying-over Rock: A huge rock perched on the edge of a cliff, looking like it flew from the sky. The contact point with the mountain is small but it’s as stable as Mount Tai. It was featured in the opening scene of "Dream of the Red Chamber," making it a great photo spot. 6️⃣ Paiyun Pavilion: The northern entrance to the West Sea Grand Canyon, excellent for watching the sunset and sea of clouds. The pavilion has a simple, ancient design, surrounded by strange rocks, perfect for zoning out and enjoying the view. 7️⃣ Monkey Watching the Sea: A rock shaped like a monkey squatting on the mountaintop, gazing at the sea of clouds. On clear days when the clouds disperse, you can see the "monkey" outline; on cloudy days, the mist makes it even more mysterious. 8️⃣ Hot Spring Area: One of Huangshan’s "Four Wonders." After hiking, soak in the hot springs (198 RMB/person). There are many types of pools, including fish therapy pools, which are very relaxing! Food Recommendations 🍲 Stinky Mandarin Fish: A classic Huizhou dish where mandarin fish is marinated in wooden barrels. It smells strong but tastes delicious, with firm meat shaped like garlic cloves. The soup mixed with rice is amazing! Recommended at "Lao Jiefang Huicai Lou." 🥠 Mao Tofu: Tofu covered with white mold on the surface, pan-fried to golden and sprinkled with chili. Crispy outside, tender inside, with a cheese-like texture. Not for those who dislike strong flavors! Available at "Hao Zai Lai Shaobing Dian." 🍙 Huangshan Shaobing: Baked flatbread stuffed with preserved mustard greens and pork belly. Thin, crispy crust, bite-sized, best eaten fresh from the oven. 5 RMB per bag, great as a snack. 🍜 Yipin Hotpot: A Huizhou specialty hotpot with layers of egg dumplings, tofu, meatballs, and dried bamboo shoots, slow-cooked over charcoal. The broth is fresh and flavorful, perfect for warming up in winter! 🍚 Wucheng Tea Tofu: Tofu marinated in tea juice, salty and fragrant with a tea aroma. Thin and chewy, great as a snack or with porridge. Available at small shops in the scenic area. Transportation ✈️ Fly to Huangshan Tunxi International Airport, then take a taxi to Tangkou Town (South Gate of Huangshan) about 1 hour, fare around 100 RMB; or take the airport shuttle bus (20 RMB/person) to Huangshan Bus Terminal, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Huangshan North Station, where there is a direct tourist shuttle to Tangkou Town (30 RMB/person, 1 hour), or carpool (50 RMB/person). 🚌 Self-driving: Navigate to "Huangshan Scenic Area South Gate Parking Lot." Private cars are not allowed up the mountain; you must transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus (19 RMB/person, 20 minutes to Yungu Temple/Ciguang Pavilion). Accommodation 🏨 Summit Hotels: Bright Summit Peak Villa, Baiyun Hotel, Paiyun Hotel. Convenient for watching the sunrise but expensive (1000+ RMB/night), book at least 1 month in advance! 🏨 Tangkou Town Hotels: Close to the South Gate and walking distance to the transfer center. Recommended "Huangshan Yiju Hotel," 200-500 RMB/night, good value. 🏨 Hongcun/Xidi Guesthouses: For visiting nearby ancient villages, prices range from 150-400 RMB/night. Recommended "Jushantang Official Residence," an old house converted into a guesthouse with great photo atmosphere. Tips 💡 🎫 Buy tickets in advance on the "Huangshan Tourism Official Platform" (190 RMB) + scenic area shuttle tickets. Buy Yungu Cableway (80 RMB) and Yuping Cableway (90 RMB) as needed! ⏰ Bring hiking poles (3 RMB each at the foot), gloves (for grip on stone steps), raincoat (weather changes often on the mountain). Travel light with a backpack! 👟 Wear non-slip sports shoes; stone steps are slippery. Knees can hurt going down, so bring knee pads. In summer, bring sunscreen and a hat; in winter, bring crampons (for snow). 📸 Bring a wide-angle lens for mountain photos. Arrive at Bright Summit Peak 1 hour before sunrise to secure a spot. Probability of sea of clouds: after rain clearing > sunny > cloudy. ♻️ Carry out your trash; there are few bins on the mountain. Protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility!

Huangshan Guide: Ascend to a Fairyland and Encounter the Ultimate Romance of Cloud Seas and Peculiar Pines Seeking a soul-stirring journey? Huangshan, hailed as the "Most Spectacular Mountain Under Heaven," is an earthly paradise you must visit! Its "Five Wonders"—legendary pines, bizarre rocks, sea of clouds, hot springs, and winter snow—create a visual feast where every step reveals nature's masterpiece. This guide ensures you experience Huangshan to the fullest! 🌄 Must-Visit Attractions 1. Welcoming Guest Pine: Huangshan's iconic millennium-old pine breaking through rocks, most majestic at sunrise. 2. Bright Summit Peak: At 1,860 meters, the perfect vantage point for cloud seas, as if standing in celestial realms. 3. West Sea Grand Canyon: Steep plank paths winding through mist, dubbed the "Dreamland Scenic Area," a hiker's paradise. 4. Flying Over Rock: Filming location for the 1987 "Dream of the Red Chamber," a mysterious boulder perched atop a peak! 🏔️ Recommended Itineraries One-Day Express (for the physically strong): Yungu Temple Cableway up → Shixin Peak → Black Tiger Pine → Bright Summit Peak → Welcoming Guest Pine → Yuping Cableway down. Two-Day In-Depth Tour (Recommended!): Day1: Rear Mountain Yungu Temple Cableway → Bai’e Ridge → Shixin Peak → Overnight at summit (stargazing); Day2: Sunrise at Danxia Peak → West Sea Grand Canyon → Aoyu Peak → Descend via Front Mountain, catching sunset glow. 💡 Essential Tips - Weather: Cloud seas often appear after rain clears—check forecasts! - Lodging: Summit hotels (e.g., Baiyun Hotel/Bright Summit Hotel) book fast—reserve 1 week ahead. - Gear*: Non-slip hiking boots, windbreaker (large temperature swings), lightweight snacks. - Hidden Gem: Hot springs at Tangkou Town’s base—perfect post-hike recharge! 📸 Photography Secrets Mist-shrouded Paiyun Pavilion at dawn, Aoyu Peak’s interplay of light and shadow at noon, and the silhouette of "Monkey Gazing at the Sea" at dusk—bring a wide-angle lens for insta-worthy shots! Words capture but a fraction of Huangshan’s beauty. Only by standing atop its cliffs, watching pine waves and clouds churn below, can you grasp Xu Xiake’s awe: "After scaling Huangshan, no other mountain compares." Ready to embark?

🌟 Itinerary Overview Recommended Route: Back Mountain Easy Route (Yungu Cable Car up → Yuping Cable Car down), covering Huangshan's core attractions + the viral Xihai Grand Canyon train, perfect for first-time visitors. Highlights: Sunrise at Bright Summit, Xihai Grand Canyon's "Magical World", Greeting Pine photo op, Huizhou cuisine feast. Fitness Level: Moderate (approx. 15km hiking/day, cable cars available as alternatives). 📅 Detailed Itinerary Day1: Back Mountain Highlights & Xihai Grand Canyon In-Depth Tour 06:00-07:30 | Arrive at scenic area, take cable car up Transport: Take shuttle bus (¥19/one-way, first at 6:10) from South Gate Transfer Center → Yungu Cable Car Lower Station → Upper Station (¥80/person, first at 6:30) → White Goose Ridge Station. Tip: Weekend/holiday opening at 6:00. Book cable tickets in advance via "Huangshan Official Tourism Platform" (ID card entry). 08:00-10:30 | North Sea Scenic Area: Pines & Rocks Exploration Route: White Goose Ridge → Shixin Peak (Harp Pine, Couple Pine) → Black Tiger Pine (perfect photo spot) → Dream Brush Flower (iconic stone peak) → Monkey Gazing at Sea (best with sea of clouds). Pro Tip: Use wide-angle at Shixin Peak. Wait for moving clouds at Monkey Gazing spot. 11:00-14:00 | Xihai Grand Canyon: Viral Train Ride Route: Paiyun Pavilion → North Entrance → First Loop (left path) → Second Loop (right path) → Valley Station → Sightseeing Train (¥100/one-way, 8:00-17:00) → Tianhai Station. Must-do: Choose last train cabin. Set phone to "Pro Mode" (ISO 100, 1/800 shutter) for canyon shots. 15:00-17:30 | Bright Summit Sunset Route: Tianhai Station → Bright Summit (2nd highest peak, 360° view). Arrive by 17:00 for July sunset (~19:07). Use telephoto for "Golden Summit" shots. Tip: Bright Summit Hotel guests get priority spots. Bring windproof jacket (8-10°C colder than base). 18:00 | Overnight on Summit Recommended Hotels: Xihai Hotel (4★, ~¥1159/night): Near Danxia Peak, 5-min walk to sunset, includes breakfast. Baiyun Hotel (4★, ~¥980/night): 10-min to sunrise, free hot water & hiking poles. Day2: Sunrise & Front Mountain Highlights 04:50-05:30 | Bright Summit Sunrise July sunrise ~5:10. Check "Huangshan Weather" official account (70%+ clear day probability in summer). Photo Tip: 30-sec exposure for cloud movement. Use "Flying Rock" or "Aoyu Peak" as foreground. 06:30-09:30 | Front Mountain: Greeting Pine Route: Bright Summit → Aoyu Peak → Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder (hold chains) → Lotus Peak (view from distance) → Yuping Pavilion (Greeting Pine photo - low angle avoids crowds). Tip: On-site photographers available (¥30/photo, instant print). 10:00-11:30 | Descend Transport: Yuping Cable Car down (¥90/person, avoid queues before 11:00) → Ciguangge Station → Shuttle bus (¥19) → South Gate. 🍲 Food Recommendations 🌰 Summit Eats (Quick Bites) Xinguoxian Restaurant (near Bright Summit): "Bamboo Shoot Pork Set" (¥58), local ingredients. Xihai Hotel Buffet (¥128/person): Huizhou fermented tofu, kudzu dumplings. 🏮 Local Flavors (Budget-Friendly) 📍 Tunxi Old Street Wang Yitiao Wonton: Featured on "A Bite of China" (¥12/bowl), thin skin, rich broth. Lingshan Fermented Rice: Sweet rice wine (¥8), add glutinous balls (+¥5). Haozailai Baked Cake: Crispy "crab shell" cakes (¥1.5), buy 10 get 2 free. 📍 Liyang In Lane Night Market Huizhifu: Must-try "Stinky Mandarin Fish" (¥88), fermented 48hrs; "Kudzu Dumplings" (¥28). Huizhou Taguo: Crispy pancakes (¥5) with wild greens, pair with lemon tea (¥18). 🏨 Accommodation Summit Hotels (Sunrise Views) HotelPrice (Reference)LocationBest For Xihai Hotel¥1159/night (w/breakfast)Near Danxia PeakFamilies/Couples Baiyun Hotel¥980/night (w/breakfast)Bright Summit proximityPhotographers Paiyun Xinglv¥680/night (dorm)Xihai Grand Canyon entranceBudget travelers Base Hotels (Value) Luyin Chengjin Boutique (Tangkou): From ¥267/night, 5-min to transfer center, free shuttle. Vienna International (South Gate): From ¥228/night, rooftop pool. 🚗 Transportation 🚄 To Huangshan High-speed rail: Huangshan North Station → Tangkou (South Gate): Take direct bus (¥30, 50min, every 30min 6:30-19:00). Self-drive: Navigate to "South Gate Parking" (¥25/day), transfer via shuttle (¥19). 🚌 In-Scenic Area Shuttle Buses: South Gate → Yungu Temple/Ciguangge (¥19, mandatory). Cable Cars: Yungu Cable Car (Back Mountain): ¥80 up, 6:30-17:10 (Mon-Fri). Yuping Cable Car (Front Mountain): ¥90 down, same hours. Xihai Train: ¥100 one-way (valley → Tianhai), 8:00-17:00. ⚠️ Tips Tickets: Book 1 day in advance via official platform. Tiandu Peak requires separate reservation (3000 visitors/day limit). Essentials: Must-pack: Hiking poles (¥5 at base), disposable raincoat, power bank (¥15/hr rental). Clothing: July requires layers - thin jacket + T-shirt, non-slip shoes. Weather: Check official site for cloud sea probability (highest post-rain). Avoid: ¥10 bottled water (bring your own). Decline unauthorized guides (official guides ¥200/group, shareable). 💡 Final Notes Huangshan's pines, rocks, and cloud seas deserve two full days. This guide helps avoid 90% of pitfalls while capturing Instagram-worthy moments! 🌄 Save before departure - happy travels! (Updated July 2025. Subject to official announcements.)

Here comes the ultimate 5-day & 4-night Huangshan in-depth guide! This itinerary lets you marvel at sea of clouds while experiencing authentic Huizhou culture, with perfectly optimized routes for each attraction.📸 ⛰️Trip Highlights DAY1: Discover Huizhou Architecture 📍Hongcun Village: The moon pond reflections are breathtaking! Arrive before 7am to avoid crowds 📍Xidi Village: Must-see brick carvings, panoramic views from village entrance lookout 🍴Lunch Pick: Tiandeng Canteen (featured hairy tofu from "A Bite of China") 🏠Stay: Sweetome Romantic Hotel (with stargazing terrace) DAY2: Huangshan Warm-up 📍Qiyun Mountain: Cable car ride for Danxia landform views, thriving Taoist temples 📍Tunxi Old Street: Buy authentic Huangshan sesame cakes at "Haozailai" 🍴Dinner Pick: Laoma Home-style Cuisine (signature stinky mandarin fish) DAY3: Conquer Lotus Peak 🚡Yungu Cableway ascent → Shixin Peak → Black Tiger Pine → Paiyun Pavilion 🌅Stay: Bright Top Hotel (book early! Best sunrise viewing spot) DAY4: Cloud Sea Adventure 🪷Guest-Greeting Pine → Lotus Peak (one-way route!) → Yixiantian → Aoyu Cave 🍵Afternoon Tea: Baiyun Hotel Café (cloud sea view seats) DAY5: Ink Painting Finale 📍Xin'an River Gallery: Opt for morning cruise 📍Huizhou Ancient City: Must-visit Tao Xingzhi Memorial 📌Pro Tips: 1️⃣Lotus Peak & Tiandu Peak alternate every 5 years - only Lotus Peak open now 2️⃣Mountain water costs ¥15/bottle, bring thermos for free warm water 3️⃣Sit in front row on Xihai Grand Canyon train for best views! 🚗Transport Guide: High-speed rail to Huangshan North Station, 1hr taxi to Tangkou Scenic area shuttle ¥19/person, last bus at 17:30! 🍲Food Radar: ✔️Fangxinyu Hairy Tofu (crispy outside, creamy inside) ✔️Wangyitiao Wontons (superb chicken broth) ✔️Huangshan "Double Stone" Soup (stone frog + stone ear mushroom)

Huangshan, known as "The Number One Wonder Mountain Under Heaven," is beautiful in all seasons and famous for its "Five Wonders": strange pines, bizarre rocks, sea of clouds, hot springs, and winter snow. 📅 Best Time to Visit ✅ Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November): Pleasant climate, frequent sea of clouds, rhododendrons bloom in April. ✅ Winter (December-February): Fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, rime and snow resemble ink paintings (wear anti-slip shoes). 💡 Avoid long holidays like National Day and Labor Day, or queue times may exceed hiking time. 🚗 Transportation Guide 🚄 High-speed train: Huangshan North Station → transfer to scenic area shuttle bus (1 hour direct to Tangkou Town). ✈️ Flight: Huangshan Tunxi Airport → taxi to Tangkou Town (about 1 hour). ✨ Self-driving: Navigate to "Huangshan South Gate Transfer Center," parking fee about 50 RMB/day. 🎈 Tickets & Fees 🎫 Admission: Peak season (March-November) 190 RMB, off-season (December-February) 150 RMB. 🚠 Cable cars: Yungu/Yuping cable car one-way 80-90 RMB, Taiping cable car one-way 80 RMB. 🚌 Scenic shuttle bus: South Gate → cable car station one-way 19 RMB. 🏡 Accommodation: Standard room on the summit 1000+ RMB/night, dorm bed 200-400 RMB/person (book early!). 🗺️ Popular Route Recommendation (2 days 1 night classic version) ✅ Day 1: Front Mountain (steep and magnificent) ✨ Morning: South Gate → Yuping cable car up → Guest-Greeting Pine (landmark) → Lotus Peak (Huangshan’s highest peak, Tian Du Peak opens in 2024 during rotation) → Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder → Aoyu Peak. ✨ Afternoon: Bright Summit Peak (one of the best sunset spots) → check in at Baiyun Hotel/Bright Summit Villa. ✨ Evening: If you have energy, visit West Sea Grand Canyon (popular small train one-way 100 RMB). ✅ Day 2: Back Mountain (beautiful and magical) ✨ Early morning: Watch sunrise at Bright Summit Peak/Danxia Peak → return to hotel for breakfast. ✨ Morning: Paiyun Pavilion → West Sea Grand Canyon North Entrance (hike down to the valley, take the small train back up) → Flying-Over Rock → Beihai Scenic Area. ✨ Afternoon: Shixin Peak (gathering place of strange pines) → Black Tiger Pine → Yungu cable car down → return trip. 📸 Must-Photo Spots 🌳 Guest-Greeting Pine: Classic photo spot on the left platform of Yuping Building. ✨ Monkey Watching the Sea: Qingliang Terrace in Beihai Scenic Area, most magical at sunrise. ✨ West Sea Grand Canyon: The Buxian Bridge section looks like floating in the air. 🌅 Sunrise/Sunset: Bright Summit Peak, Danxia Peak, Lion Peak (reserve your spot 1 hour in advance). 🍜 Food Recommendations 🎈 Mao Tofu, Stinky Mandarin Fish, Bamboo Shoot Braised Pork Following this guide, you can check off the core attractions while avoiding 70% of the crowds! The beauty of Huangshan lies in its unpredictability; keep a good mindset, and even if you encounter rain, you can still experience the artistic charm of ink-wash Huangshan~ 🌄