Among all the famous mountains in China, Huangshan is perhaps the most renowned, located in the southern part of Anhui Province. It is celebrated for its breathtakingly unique natural scenery, comprising four major wonders: the Welcoming Pine, bizarre rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs, as well as its towering peaks, unique pines, and glacial landscapes. The fairy-tale-like
covering an area of 160.6 square kilometers (39,700 acres), Huangshan National Park is not only picturesque but also rich in resources and biodiversity, earning it the designation as a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site.
Throughout the year, Huangshan offers a variety of unique scenic views, such as blooming wildflowers in spring, cascading waterfalls in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and pristine rime ice in winter.
However, from December to March each year, Xihai Valley and Tiandu Peak (Tiandu Peak) are closed for winter maintenance. The Xihai Valley Cableway also suspends operations.
1、Six major scenic spots
The Huangshan Scenic Area is primarily composed of six distinct scenic zones. Within the Yuping Scenic Zone, the majestic peaks, steep slopes, and ancient stone carvings are truly awe-inspiring. Additionally, there stands a venerable Welcoming Pine Tree. From Beihai to Songgu, the landscape features not only rugged peaks resembling dense forests but also lush pine and cypress trees, creating a breathtaking scene. The Hot Spring Scenic Area and Baiyun Scenic Area feature gurgling springs and majestic waterfalls, whose unique grandeur is truly breathtaking. The Yunju Scenic Area boasts a serene environment with relatively flat paths, making it an ideal destination for leisurely hikes in Huangshan.
2、Four Great Wonders
The famous Four Great Wonders are the four unique landscapes of Huangshan, namely the strange pines, barren rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs.
Huangshan has hundreds of rare pine trees. As one of the landmarks of Huangshan, the most famous welcoming pine tree extends about 10 meters (33 feet) from a steep cliff, welcoming guests respectfully.
These strange rocks can be seen on almost every peak of Huangshan. From different angles, these rocks resemble people, animals, or other objects. As a result, they have been given various vivid names, such as Monkey Rock and Flying Rock.
The sea of clouds is renowned for its beauty, rarity, mystery, and flexibility. You will be fortunate to witness this rare phenomenon, as it occurs for only about 50 days a year. When the entire mountain is shrouded in mist, it resembles a magnificent ink-wash painting. Watching the floating clouds cascade down from the summit will add a touch of magic to your Huangshan journey.
As one of the Four Great Wonders, Huangshan Hot Spring maintains an average water temperature of around 42.5°C (108.5°F) year-round. Soaking in the hot spring while admiring the beautiful natural scenery not only relaxes the mind and body but also alleviates the fatigue from hiking Huangshan.
3. Recommended hiking routes in Huangshan
Yungu Temple in the rear of Huangshan and Ciguang Pavilion in the front of Huangshan are the two starting points for hiking in Huangshan. Generally speaking, in order to conserve energy, most tourists prefer to ascend from the south gate of the rear mountain and descend from the north gate of the front mountain.
4. One-day tour of Xihai Valley:
Zhaixi Transfer Center—Yungu Temple—Xinbai’e Ling Station—Heihu Pine—Harpsichord Pine—Shixin Peak—Heihu Pine—Beihai—Tuanjie Pine—Xihai—Sanyun Tower—Sanyun Pavilion—Xihai Valley North Entrance — Xihai Valley Bottom — Tianhai — Guangmingding — Feilai Stone — Guangmingding — Guibeifeng — Baiji Yun Ti — Lianhua Pavilion — Yingbin Pine — Ciguang Pavilion — Zhaixi Transfer Center。
5. Two-day hiking route in Huangshan: (Accommodation: Beihai Hotel)
Day 1:
Zhaixi Transfer Center – Yunju Temple – Xinbai’e Ling Station – Heihu Pine – Harp Pine – Shixin Peak – Heihu Pine – Beihai Hotel – Unity Pine – Xihai Hotel – Paiyunlou Hotel – San Yun Pavilion – Xihai Valley North Entrance — Xihai Valley Bottom — San Yun Pavilion — Beihai Hotel
Day 2:
Beihai Hotel — Qingliang Terrace — Monkey Watching the Sea — Beihai Hotel — Guangming Peak — Flying Stone — Guangming Peak — Shen gui Peak — Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder — Lotus Pavilion — Welcoming Pine — Tiandu Peak — Half-Mountain Temple — Ci Guang Pavilion — Zhaixi Transfer Center。
6. How to get to Huangshan
♥From Shanghai to Huangshan
→ Take the high-speed train from Shanghai to Huangshan North Station. The ticket price is 191-206 yuan, and the journey takes 3 hours. There are 16 trains per day.
→ There is a tourist bus station next to the station square, offering frequent buses to Huangshan Scenic Area, taking 1.5 hours, with a ticket price of 30 yuan.
♥From Nanjing to Huangshan
→ Take the high-speed train from Nanjing to Huangshan North Station, with ticket prices ranging from 238 to 328 yuan, taking 3 to 4.5 hours, with 11 daily departures.
→ Take a bus from the bus station next to the train station to Huangshan Scenic Area: 1.5 hours, ticket price 30 yuan. Buses run from 09:00 to 19:00, every 1.5-1 hour.
♥From Hangzhou to Huangshan
→ Take the high-speed train from Hangzhou to Huangshan North Station, which takes 1.5-2 hours, costs 82-120 yuan, and runs about 30 times a day.
→ Take a bus from the bus station next to the train station to Huangshan Scenic Area: 1.5 hours, ticket price 30 yuan.
♥From Hefei to Huangshan
→ Take the high-speed train from Hefei to Huangshan North Station, which takes 1.5-2 hours, costs 140.5-160 yuan, and runs about 30 times a day.
→ Take a bus from the bus station next to the train station to Huangshan Scenic Area: 1.5 hours, 30 yuan.
♥From Qiandao Lake to Huangshan
→ Take the high-speed train from Hangzhou to Huangshan North Station, 1 hour, 43.5-50 yuan, about 30 trips per day.
→ Take a bus from the bus station next to the train station to Huangshan Scenic Area: the journey takes 1.5 hours, with a ticket price of 30 yuan.
♥From Wuhan to Huangshan
→ Take the high-speed rail from Hangzhou to Huangshan to Huangshan North Station: the journey takes 4 hours, with a ticket price of 197 yuan, and there is only one daily departure at 12:39.
→ Take a bus from the bus station next to the train station to Huangshan Scenic Area: the journey takes 1.5 hours, and the fare is 30 yuan.
♥How to get from Huangshan Airport to Huangshan
From Huangshan Tunxi Airport, there are frequent shuttle buses to the north and south entrances of Huangshan Scenic Area, with a journey time of 1-1.5 hours and a fare of 70-125 yuan.
Alternatively, you can first take Bus Route 219 to Huangshan Bus Terminal, passing through 12 stops, with a journey time of 50 minutes. At the terminal, transfer to the shuttle bus to Huangshan, with a journey time of 1.5–2 hours and a fare of 30–40 yuan.
For the most convenient transportation options, contact 365 China Travel to enjoy the most relaxing Huangshan tour.>>>apply now
