A Fun Travel Guide to China’s Yellow Mountains -Huangshan

Nestled in the southern Anhui Province, China’s Yellow Mountains, or Huangshan, are a traveler’s dream. If you are looking for an adventure outside of the big cities in China, Huangshan is the perfect destination. Huangshan became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 and is famous for its majestic granite peaks piercing through seas of clouds, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and hot springs. Huangshan means “yellow mountains” in Chinese.

Huangshan is well worth seeing, but a trip here definitely takes some planning in advance. I recently visited China’s famous Yellow Mountains and put together a guide for visiting Huangshan, including how to get there and which sites on the mountain you can’t miss! For adventurers, culture enthusiasts, and seekers of serenity, this guide will help you craft an unforgettable journey to the breathtaking Yellow Mountains.

Read: How to Get a 10-Year China Tourist Visa with a U.S. Passport | Easy Guide

Planning Your Trip to China’s Huangshan

Best Time to Visit

Huangshan is a year-round destination, but each season offers a different kind of magic:

• Spring (March to May): Picture blooming flowers blanketing the mountain slopes, accompanied by lush greenery and fresh air. A photographer’s paradise.
• Summer (June to August): Misty clouds drift between the peaks, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Cooler temperatures at higher elevations make it a refreshing summer escape.
• Autumn (September to November): The mountains glow in hues of gold and crimson, with crisp, clear skies providing the perfect backdrop for exploration.
• Winter (December to February): Snow transforms Huangshan into a serene winter wonderland. Frosted trees and snow-draped peaks make for postcard-perfect views.

For a more tranquil experience, plan your visit during weekdays and avoid major Chinese holidays, such as Golden Week or Lunar New Year. For the best photography opportunities, aim to visit the mountain early in the morning or after light rain, when the sea of clouds is most dramatic.

Getting to Huangshan

1. I flew directly from JFK to Beijing:
   • Air China operates direct flights from JFK to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). The journey takes around 17 hours, so settle in with a good book or your favorite travel playlist.
2. Fly from Beijing/Shanghai to Huangshan Tunxi International Airport (TXN):
   • From Beijing, a direct flight to Tunxi takes approximately 2.5 hours.
   • Alternatively, fly from Shanghai to Huangshan, a short 1-hour trip.
3. Take a train to Huangshan Railway Station – about 20 hours
4. Take a high-speed train to Huangshan North Railway Station – about 5 hours
5. Take a long-distance bus to get to Huangshan – Huangshan Scenic Spot Bus Station has direct buses for long-distance locations like Hangzhou, Shanghai, Suzhou, Qiandao Lake, Nanjing, Ningbo, Wuhu, Huainan, Tongling, Anqing, and Jiuhuashan.
   • Local short-distance bus rides are also available to Tunxi, Xidi & Hongcun Villages, Huangshan North High-Speed Railway Station, Shexian, Yixian, Huangshan North Gate, Huangshan Hot Spring, and Yansi.

Where to Stay in Huangshan – China

Tunxi

Tunxi is the gateway to Huangshan and a charming place to unwind before or after exploring the mountains. Stay at Crowne Plaza Huangshan Yucheng, a luxury hotel offering impeccable amenities and easy access to local attractions. After a long day of travel, relax in their plush rooms and savor some local Hui cuisine at their in-house restaurant.

On the Mountain

For an immersive experience, spend a night on the mountain. Yupinglou Hotel offers unparalleled views of the peaks and valleys. Wake up early to catch a sunrise that will stay with you forever. And the perfect part is, there would be much less crowd at this time of day!

Tangkouzhen

This is a small city right next to the mountain area, the rates are more affordable than on the mountain and it is best if you want to spend multiple nights in the area to visit other sites. Stay the night at Huang Mountain Wangfeng Hotel for an easy trek to the mountain’s Bright Summit entrance.

Read: The Ultimate Guide for Solo Female Travelers

How To Get To Huangshan Scenic Area – The Mountain Area

The Huangshan scenic area where Huangshan Mountain is located is about 45 minutes north of Huangshan City.

Go to the public transportation area and get a bus ticket to Tangkouzhen, Tangkouzhen is a small city right next to Huangshan Mountain. Stay at Huang Mountain Wangfeng Hotel, which is a short walking distance from the Bright Summit section of the mountain. They also offer paid shuttle service from the train station or airport.

When I visited, the last bus left Huangshan City around 6 pm, make sure to check the latest time schedules when you visit. If you’re taking a bus from Shanghai, some buses will take you straight to the scenic area, just make sure you are well-rested before your visit; it will be a decent amount of walking on the mountain.

Huangshan Park Hours and Entrance Fees

Huangshan is open year-round, but the park hours and admission fees vary depending on the season you visit. It is best to avoid weekends and holidays because Huangshan will be even more crowded (I visited mid-week and it was pretty crowded).

Huangshan Park Hours

Scenic area: 6:20 AM – 5:30 PM (Mar 2 to Oct 31); 7:20 AM – 4:30 PM (Nov 1 to March 1)
Cable cars: 6:20 AM – 5:40 PM (Mar 2 to Oct 31); 7:20 AM – 4:40 PM (Nov 1 to March 1)
Suggested time for this activity: 1 to 2 days

Park Admission and Cable Car Fees

Huangshan Scenic Area ticket: 190 RMB (Jan 21 to Nov 19) / 150 RMB (Nov 20 to Jan 20) – Best deal
Yungu/Taiping cable car ticket (single trip): 80 RMB (Jan 21 to Nov 19) / 65 RMB (Nov 20 to Jan 20)
Yuping cable car ticket (single trip): 90 RMB (Jan 21 to Nov 19) / 75 RMB (Nov 20 to Jan 20)
West Sea Canyon tram (single trip): 100 RMB (Jan 21 to Nov 19) / 80 RMB (Nov 20 to Jan 20)

Suggested Huangshan Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tunxi

• Check-in at Crowne Plaza Huangshan Yucheng
• Evening Stroll: Begin your adventure with a walk along Tunxi Ancient Street, lined with centuries-old architecture, boutique shops, and tea houses. Try local specialties like Huizhou braised tofu or indulge in freshly brewed Huangshan Maofeng tea.

Day 2: Majestic Mt. Huangshan

• Morning: Drive to the Huangshan Scenic Area, just an hour away.
• Ascend via Yungu Cable Car: Glide above the treetops to reach the mountain and visit the Beginning-to-Believe Peak Scenic Spot, where jagged peaks meet the iconic pine trees swathed in mist.
• Lunch: Enjoy a scenic meal at Yupinglou Hotel, where the terrace provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
• Afternoon: Explore the Yuping Scenic Spot, home to landmarks like the Guest-Greeting Pine, an iconic symbol of Huangshan.
• Evening: Return to your hotel and prepare for a captivating cultural experience. Head to Xiangming Theater to watch the Hui Show, a dazzling performance of light, music, and dance that brings the vibrant culture of Anhui Province to life.

Day 3: Dive Into Cultural Heritage

• Morning: Venture to Yixian County (1-hour drive). Wander through Hongcun Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shaped like a buffalo. Known for its picturesque reflections in crescent-shaped ponds, it’s no wonder this village was featured in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
  • For fewer crowds, consider Nanping Village or Xidi Village, which are equally charming but less crowded.
• Lunch: Stop at Sun-Forest Hotel in Qiyun Town and enjoy a hearty Hui-style meal.
• Afternoon: Explore Qiyun Town, renowned for its Taoist culture and breathtaking mountain vistas. Wander through ancient temples and admire the peaceful surroundings.
• Evening: Return to Tunxi and stroll along Riverside Street, where you’ll find unique souvenirs, handcrafted items, and plenty of opportunities to sample local delicacies. Wrap up the day with dinner at Hui-Merchants Birthplace Hotel, a restaurant celebrated for its traditional Huizhou dishes.

Day 4: Historic Shexian County

• Morning: Drive to Shexian County, a treasure trove of Huizhou culture. Here, explore:
  • Huizhou Ancient Town: Wander its cobbled streets and admire ancient stone archways.
  • Anhui Huizhou History Museum: Discover the region’s fascinating history and traditions.
  • Hands-on activities: Learn how to make fish-shaped lanterns, craft ink sticks, or try your hand at intricate paper-cutting.
• Lunch: Enjoy a relaxing meal at HYATT PLACE Huangshan Train Station.
• Afternoon: Head to Huangshan North Train just across the street to catch the high-speed train to Shanghai Hongqiao, or fly to your next destination.

Packing for Huangshan – China

• Comfortable Hiking Shoes: Essential for tackling trails and uneven terrain.
• Layered Clothing: The weather can change quickly on the mountain, so be prepared for cool mornings and warmer afternoons.
• Hiking stick
• Umbrella
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• Camera or Smartphone: Capture the dramatic scenery at every turn.
• Snacks and Water: Staying hydrated and energized is key for long hikes.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Eco-friendly and practical.
• Power bank: Ensure your devices stay powered for photos and maps.
• Huangshan Mountain Map: the trail can easily get confusing, make sure to also have additional maps like Baidu maps or download the trail on Maps.me for backup.

Which Route to Hike on Huangshan

Huangshan offers trails for every level of adventurer:

• Eastern Steps (Back Mountain): Easier and less steep, perfect for first-time visitors – plan about 3 hours if using cable cars or 7 hours without cable cars, 14km.
• Western Steps (Front Mountain): More challenging but rewarding with diverse landscapes – plan about 8 hours, 15km
• Circular Routes: Combine multiple peaks and landmarks for a comprehensive experience, best if you plan to sleep on the mountain – for 2 days

Scenic Areas on Huangshan

• Beginning-to-Believe Peak: Iconic for its twisted pines and dramatic granite cliffs.
• Bright Summit: A panoramic viewpoint that offers sweeping views of the sea of clouds.
• Flying-Over Rock: A massive stone precariously balanced on a peak, defying gravity.
• West Sea Grand Canyon: Known for its rugged beauty and thrilling/scary paths, perfect for adventurous fit souls.

Tips for Huangshan

1. Safety Tips for Women Travelers:
   • Travel in pairs or groups when hiking, especially early in the morning or late in the evening.
   • Stick to well-marked trails to avoid getting lost.
   • Inform someone of your itinerary if traveling solo.
2. Stay Hydrated:
   • Bring your water, as beverages on the mountain can be expensive.
3. Be Weather Ready:
   • Carry a light raincoat or poncho, as rain is common in the mountains.
4. Photo Opportunities:
   • The best times for photography are early mornings or after a light rain when the sea of clouds is most dramatic.

Other Places to Visit Nearby Huangshan

• Hongcun Village: A UNESCO World Heritage site and an ancient village dating over 900 years old. It gets busy here, and you will find so many spots to walk around and take photos. Some scenes from the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon were filmed here!
• Tunxi Old Town: Lined with centuries-old architecture, boutique shops, and tea houses. Try local specialties like Huizhou braised tofu or indulge in freshly brewed Huangshan Maofeng tea. It’s the perfect area to buy some gifts for loved ones and make sure to haggle!
• Chengkan Village: Famous for its labyrinthine alleys and exquisite ancestral halls.
• Tangyue Memorial Archways: A historic site showcasing intricate stone carvings.
• Emerald Valley: A tranquil escape with crystal-clear pools and lush greenery.

Food Unique to Huangshan’s Region

Huangshan’s culinary delights are an adventure in themselves. Be sure to try:

• Hairy Tofu: A local specialty, this fermented tofu has a unique texture and flavor beloved by adventurous foodies (I struggled with this dish).
• Stinky Mandarin Fish: Despite its pungent aroma, this dish is a flavorful Hui classic, marinated in a special sauce for a rich, umami-packed experience (I struggled with this dish).
• Mandarin Fish in Sweet and Sour Sauce: Fresh and flavorful, this dish is a local favorite.
• Hui-Style Braised Pork: Slow-cooked with rich seasonings, it’s comfort food at its finest.
• Stone Frog Soup: A unique and nourishing specialty made with wild ingredients.
• Huangshan Maofeng Tea: Sip this renowned green tea, known for its delicate aroma and refreshing taste.

With its ethereal landscapes, deep cultural roots, and mouthwatering cuisine, Huangshan is a destination that feels like stepping into a dream. This guide ensures your journey from JFK to China’s Yellow Mountains is smooth, enriching, and packed with unforgettable moments. Pack your bags and prepare to immerse yourself in the magic of Huangshan!