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Huangshan Mountain Location & Facts
- Chinese: Huang Shan (黄山)
- Height: The highest peak, Lotus Peak (莲花峰), reaches 1,864 meters (6,115 feet)
- Best Time to Visit: All year round, especially in spring and autumn
- Opening Time: 7:00 - 17:00 on weekdays, 6:30 – 17:30 on weekends and holidays
- Suggested Visiting Length: 1 or 2 days
- Ticket: CN¥190/US$30
- Location: About 50 km (30 miles) north of Huangshan City, Eastern China
Huangshan Mountain, or Mount Huangshan, also known as Yellow Mountian, is located in Huangshan City, southern Anhui Province.
It’s about 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Shanghai, 300 kilometers (187 miles) from Hangzhou, making it easy to visit. You can hop on a high-speed train and be there in just 2.5-4 hours!
This stunning mountain is one of China’s most famous natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perfect for a quick escape into nature!
What is Huangshan Mountain Famous For?
Huangshan Mountain is one of China’s most iconic destinations. Here’s what makes it so special:
- Twisted Pine Trees: These ancient pines cling to the rocky cliffs, their shapes bending in fascinating ways. Each one feels like a work of art.
- Dramatic Rock Formations: The granite peaks here are bold and striking, often with names inspired by their shapes, like “Flying Over Rock.”
- Sea of Clouds: When mist rolls in, the mountain peaks look like islands floating in a white ocean. It’s truly magical.
- Winter Snow: In winter, the landscape transforms into a snowy fairytale, with frosted trees and icy cliffs.
- Stunning Sunrises: Watching the sun rise over the peaks is unforgettable. The colors light up the sky and create a breathtaking scene.
These features have inspired countless artists and travelers over the centuries. Whether you’re hiking, taking photos, or just soaking in the views, Huangshan is full of surprises waiting for you!
Huangshan National Park: Huangshan Mountian Scenic Area
The Huangshan Mountain scenic area is usually divided into three parts: the Front Mountains (Jade Screen Scenic Area and Heavenly Sea Scenic Area ), the Back Mountains (North Sea Scenic Area and Songgu Valley), and the West Sea Grand Canyon (West Sea Scenic Area ).
The Front Mountains: Hard Trekking with Hundreds of Steps and Majestic Peaks
Visiting Time: 3 hours with Yuping Cable Car, 6 hours with trekking
Recommended Sights: Greeting Guest Pine (迎客松), Jade Screen Peak(玉屏峰), Celestial Capital Peak (天都峰), and Lotus Peak(莲花峰), Bright Summit, Hundred Ladders(百步云梯), Narrow Cliff (一线天).
Closest Cable Car: Yuping Cable Car, CN¥90, 10 minutes from Mercy Light Pavillion to Yuping.
The Front Mountain is famous for its towering peaks and steep stairs, offering one of the most thrilling hikes in Huangshan. For a smoother start, hop on the Yuping Cable Car—it’ll save you some legwork! But be ready, the stairs here are narrow and steep, with some parts so tight only one person can pass at a time.
Your adventure kicks off with the iconic Greeting Guest Pine, a tree that feels like it’s welcoming you to the mountain. Next up is the Hundred Ladders, a series of steps that’ll take you higher and higher. Then comes the heart-pounding Narrow Cliff, where the trail gets extra exciting.
Cross the quirky Turtle Fish Peak, and you’ll finally arrive at the Bright Summit. This is the ultimate spot to soak in Huangshan’s legendary sunrises and sunsets. It’s pure magic, and totally worth the climb!
The Back Mountains: Gentle and Comfortable Walking for Kids and Seniors
Visiting Time: 3 hours with Yungu Cable Car, 5 hours with trekking
Recommended Sights: Lion Peak (狮子峰), White Goose Ridge (白鹅岭), Begin-to-believe Peak (始信峰), Stone Monkey Watching the Sea (猴子观海), Refreshing Terrace (清凉台), Fly-over Stone (飞来石), Pen Flower Peak (梦笔生花), Paiyun Pavilion (排云楼)
Closest Cable Car: Yungu Cable Car, CN¥80, 10 minutes from Yungu Temple to White Goose Ridge
The Back Mountain of Huangshan is a favorite for its twisted pines, quirky rock formations, and more relaxed trails. Compared to the steep Front Mountain, the steps here are much gentler, making it the perfect route for an easier, more comfortable hike.
This area is famous for its Sea of Clouds—a dreamy blanket of mist that surrounds the peaks, especially at sunrise. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Huangshan! Keep your eyes peeled for the Oddly-Shaped Rocks, each with a fun story or nickname inspired by their unique shapes.
Walking through the Back Mountain feels like stepping into a painting. The paths are smooth and peaceful, ideal for soaking in the scenery at your own pace. It’s also a great route for descending the mountain—your knees will thank you!
Whether you’re chasing clouds, snapping photos, or just enjoying the view, the Back Mountain offers a magical, laid-back side of Huangshan you won’t want to miss.
West Sea Grand Canyon: Thrilling Challenge for Adventures
Visiting Time: 2 hours with Xihai Cable Car, 5 hours with trekking
Recommended Sights: 1st Ring, 2nd Ring, Fairy-Walking Bridge
Closest Cable Car: Xihai Cable Car, CN¥100, 5 minutes from Paiyunxi to Tian Hai
The Xihai Grand Canyon, or West Sea Grand Canyon, is a must-hike gem in Huangshan, loved for its wild beauty and dramatic valleys. Your adventure kicks off at the Cloud Dispelling Pavilion, where you begin the thrilling descent into the canyon.
The trail takes you through the breathtaking 1st Ring and 2nd Ring, the stars of the route, with jaw-dropping views of rugged cliffs and deep, misty valleys. Every step here feels like a scene straight out of a postcard!
At the bottom of the canyon, you’ve got three options:
- Challenge yourself by climbing back up the same way for a full-circle adventure.
- Relax with the Xihai Cable Car for a stress-free ride and stunning views back to Tianhai.
- Mix it up by taking the scenic route via Sanxi Bridge and Fairy Walking Bridge, which leads to Tianhai in about 3 hours.
Keep in mind, the canyon usually closes from December to April due to snow, so plan accordingly. Ready to conquer this epic trail?
Huangshan Mountain Hike: Best Way to Explore Anhui Huangshan
1 Day Hiking Route (Without Overnight on the Mountain)
Scenic Area: Back Mountain + West Sea Grand Canyon 1st Ring
Route:Yungu Cable Way - Begin-to-believe Peak - Dispelling Cloud Pavilion -West Sea Grand Canyon - Bright Summit - Flying-over Rock
Walking Distance: about 7~9km/5~6 hrs
Begin your Huangshan tour at Yungu Temple, where you’ll hop on the Yungu Cable Car for a quick 10-minute ride to the Back Mountains. Once there, take a scenic hike to Begin-to-Believe Peak and enjoy the breathtaking Sea of Clouds.
Next, make your way to the Dispelling Cloud Pavilion, passing by the famous Twisted and Ancient Pines and Oddly-Shaped Rocks—nature’s artwork at its finest!
After a delicious lunch, dive into the West Sea Grand Canyon. The hike here is flexible based on your energy and time. If you’re short on time, a 2-hour round trip will get you to the stunning 1st Ring. If you’re up for more adventure, a 2.5-hour trek will take you to the even more amazing 2nd Ring.
To wrap up your day, head back to White Goose Ridge Station and take the Yungu Cable Car down the mountain, reflecting on an unforgettable journey!
1.5 Days Hiking Route (Overnight on the Mountain)
Day 1: Mount Huangshan | Back Mountain, West Sea Grand Canyon
- Route: Yungu Cable Car - Begin-to-believe Peak - Dispelling Cloud Pavilion - West Sea Grand Canyon - Bright Summit - Flying-over Rock
- Hiking Duration: about 7-9 km / 5-6 hours
Start your adventure at Yungu Temple and take the Yungu Cable Car (just 10 minutes) to the Back Mountains. From there, hike to the Begin-to-believe Peak for stunning views of the Sea of Clouds.
Next, visit the Dispelling Cloud Pavilion, where you'll see the famous Twisted Pines and Oddly-Shaped Rocks—perfect for photos!
After lunch, explore the West Sea Grand Canyon. Depending on your time and energy, you can do a quick 2-hour round trip to the 1st Ring or a longer 2.5-hour trek to the 2nd Ring for even more breathtaking views.
For sunset, head to either the Cloud-Dispelling Pavilion or the higher Bright Summit for an unforgettable view.
Day 2: Mount Huangshan | Sunrise, Beihai Scenic Area
- Route: Sunrise - Dawn Pavilion - Refreshing Terrace - Monkey Gazing at the Sea - Lion Peak - Yungu Cable Car
- Hiking Duration: about 3 km / 2 hours
Wake up early to catch the sunrise over Huangshan—one of the most magical moments on the mountain. Afterward, head back for breakfast, then hike up to Lion Peak. Along the way, visit the Dawn Pavilion, Refreshing Terrace, and see the Stone Monkey Watching the Sea. Finish your hike at the White Goose Ridge Cable Station, where you’ll take the Yungu Cable Car back down.
This 1.5-day adventure is the perfect way to explore Huangshan’s iconic spots!
2 Days Hiking Route (Overnight on the Mountain)
Scenic Area: Front Mountain + West Sea Grand Canyon + Back Mountain
Day 1: Mount Huangshan | Front Mountain
- Route: Yuping Cable Way - Greeting Guest Pine - One Hundred Cloud Ladder - One-Line-Sky - Bright Summit - Flying-over Rock - Cloud-Dispelling Pavilion
- Hiking Duration: about 11km/6 hrs
Your adventure begins at the Mercy Light Pavilion, where you'll take the Yuping Cable Car (just 10 minutes) up to Yuping Station. From there, begin your hike to the Bright Summit, the highest point of Huangshan Mountain. Along the way, you'll be greeted by the iconic Greeting Guest Pine, the thrilling One Hundred Cloud Ladder, and the narrow One-Line-Sky—each offering unforgettable views and experiences.
After a well-deserved break, continue your hike to the hotel near the Cloud Dispelling Pavilion. On your way, be wowed by the ethereal Sea of Clouds and the awe-inspiring Flying-Over Rock, making this part of the journey truly unforgettable.
Day 2: Mount Huangshan | Sunrise, West Sea Grand Canyon, Back Mountain
- Route: Sunrise - West Sea Grand Canyon - Lion Peak - Begin-to-Believe Peak - Yungu Cable Way
- Hiking Duration: about 7km/5 hrs
Wake up early to catch the stunning sunrise over the mountain. After soaking in the view, head back to your hotel for a well-deserved breakfast. Once you're recharged, it's time to dive into the majestic West Sea Grand Canyon.
You can customize your hike based on how much time and energy you have—choose a quick 2-hour round-trip to the 1st ring, or if you're feeling adventurous, go for a 2.5-hour trek to the 2nd ring for even more jaw-dropping views.
Next, head to Lion Peak (1,690m) to admire the Dawn Pavilion, Refreshing Terrace, and the famous Stone Monkey Watching the Sea. Along the way, you'll also pass by unique pine trees and rock formations. Finish your journey with a visit to the serene Begin-to-Believe Peak, and then take the Yungu Cable Car (8 minutes) down to the base of the mountain.
This hike is the perfect mix of awe-inspiring sights and peaceful moments!
Sunrise at Mount Huangshan
The sunrise and sunset at Huangshan Mountain are truly worth witnessing. As the rosy glow intertwines with the peaks, sea of clouds, and pine trees, it creates a romantic landscape painting. Whether waiting for the break of dawn in the darkness or anticipating the nightfall in the setting sun's glow, it brings the observer a unique sense of tranquility and serenity. The harmonious interplay of light and nature at Huangshan Mountain offers a serene and peaceful experience that is truly captivating.
Best Viewing Locations of Sunrise: Lion Peak (狮子峰), Begin-to-believe Peak (始信峰), Stone Monkey Watching the Sea (猴子观海), Refreshing Terrace (清凉台), Purple Cloud Peak (丹霞峰), Bright Summit (光明顶)
Best Viewing Locations of Sunset: Bright Summit (光明顶), Lion Peak (狮子峰), Refreshing Terrace (清凉台), Purple Cloud Peak (丹霞峰), Fairy Walking Bridge (步仙桥), Cloud Dispelling Pavilion (排云亭)
Bright Summit (光明顶) is the best place to see both sunrise and sunset.
The different times to watch the SUNRISE and SUNSET:
| Season | Time for Sunrise | Time for Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 5：30--6：00 | 16：00--19：00 |
| Summer | 4：40--5：10 | 16：00--19：00 |
| Autumn | 4：50--5：20 | 17：10--18：30 |
| Winter | 5：30--6：00 | 17：10--18：30 |
Best Time to Visit Huangshan Mountain
The best time to visit Huangshan Mountain is spring and autumn, when the weather is mild, and the landscape shows off its full charm.
In spring, from March to May, the mountain bursts into life. The weather is comfortable for hiking, and the famous sea of clouds begins to roll in, giving you that magical view of the peaks floating above the mist. Plus, the ancient pines are surrounded by lush greenery, creating the perfect setting for photographs.
Autumn, especially in October and November, is equally stunning. The cool air and clear skies make hiking a dream, and the mountain's oddly-shaped rocks and twisted pines stand out against the golden hues of fall. This is also when the sunsets are particularly breathtaking, with the warm colors painting the sky.
While winter (December to February) brings a serene beauty, with snow-covered peaks and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere, it can be a bit challenging for hiking due to the cold and slippery paths. So, for a more comfortable and breathtaking experience, spring and autumn are your golden seasons to visit Huangshan!
How to Get to Huangshan Mountain?
Huangshan Mountain is easily accessible from major cities like Hangzhou and Shanghai. The mountain is about 60 kilometers from Huangshan City, which serves as the gateway to the scenic area, and the drive takes roughly one hour.
How to Plan A Hangzhou Huangshan Tour
How to Plan a Shanghai to Huangshan Tour? (2025 Itinerary)
Here’s how you can reach Huangshan City:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Huangshan is Huangshan Tunxi International Airport (TXN). It offers regular flights from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. From the airport, a taxi or shuttle bus can take you to the city center in about 30 minutes.
By High-speed Train:
If you prefer to travel by train, you can easily reach Huangshan North Railway Station via high-speed trains from major cities:
- Shanghai (about 3 hours)
- Hangzhou (about 1.5 hours)
- Beijing (about 7 hours)
- Xi’an (about 7.5 hours)
- Chengdu (about 11.5 hours)
Once you reach Huangshan City, you can take a bus, taxi, or private transfer to the foot of the mountain, where you can board the Yungu Cable Car for a quick ride up to the scenic area. The whole journey is convenient, and the excitement grows as you approach one of China’s most iconic natural wonders!
Where to Stay on Mount Huangshan (Huangshan Hotel)
Staying overnight on the mountain makes your journey more relaxed, allowing ample time to witness the stunning sunrise, sunset, and the captivating sea of clouds.
The hotels on the mountain have relatively basic facilities, yet their room rates are much higher than those in cities as the food and goods are carried up by porters on foot. For environmental protection, these hotels do not provide free and disposable toiletries, but you can buy them.
Most tourists stay at the Back Mountains for leisure vacation, while hikers might stay at the Front Mountains for a trekking tour. Therefore, our suggested hotels are listed by location.
Hotels on the Front Mountain
- Yupinglou Hotel (3-star): old with poor location, not recommended, from US$98
It is near the Yuping Cableway, close to the Greeting Guest Pine. It is not convenient for sunrise and sunset.
- Baiyun Hotel (4-star): most popular hotel with a prime location, from US$130
Baiyun Hotel is located in the middle area of Huangshan Mountain, close to Bright Summit, which is the best place to see sunrises, sunsets, and seas of clouds all over the mountaintop. This hotel is highly popular among tourists, and as a result, it frequently reaches full occupancy.
Hotels on the Back Mountain:
- Xihai Hotel (4-star): highly recommended, from US$120
Xihan Hotel is located near the Cloud Dispelling Pavilion (the best spot to see both sunrise and sunset), nestled against Purple Cloud Peak (the entrance of the Xihai Grand Canyon).
- Huangshan Shilin Hotel (4-star): an old photography theme hotel, from US$98
It is located at an elevation of 1630 meters, nestled against Lion Peak with a surrounding pine forest. It will take 5 minutes to walk to Refreshing Terrace, which is the best spot to see sunrises.
- Huangshan Paiyun Hotel (5-star): the best conditions and highest prices, from US$164
It is the most comfortable hotel on the mountaintop with the best facilities, standing just close to the Cloud Dispelling Pavilion. It is 5 minutes away from the Xihai Hotel.
Nearby Attractions: Huangshan Mountain Villages
While Huangshan Mountain itself is a must-visit, the surrounding Huangshan Mountain Villages offer their own unique charm and are well worth a visit. These villages provide a glimpse into traditional life in the region, with their ancient architecture, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
- Hongcun Village: Famous for its well-preserved ancient architecture, Hongcun Village is often called a “living museum.” It has a tranquil atmosphere, with charming old houses built in harmony with nature, and a series of waterways that wind through the village. The village has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers great photo opportunities, especially around the beautiful Moon Pond.
- Xidi Village: Another UNESCO-listed village, Xidi is known for its traditional Anhui-style architecture, featuring whitewashed walls, black-tiled roofs, and intricate carvings. The village is steeped in history and was once home to many wealthy merchants. Strolling through its narrow alleys and visiting its ancient courtyards gives visitors a sense of stepping back in time.
- Shexian County: Just a short drive from Huangshan, Shexian County is famous for its historical significance and scenic beauty. The area boasts ancient bridges, temples, and old streets that retain their old-world charm. It’s also home to Tangyue Archway, a collection of ancient stone archways built by wealthy families during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Visiting these Huangshan Mountain Villages allows you to experience the perfect blend of natural beauty and rich cultural history, providing an unforgettable complement to your Huangshan Mountain adventure!
Tips for Visiting the Yellow Mountain
- Choose the right season: Visit during spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October) for pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers for hiking. Carry essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and a raincoat.
- Consider staying overnight on the mountain for a serene experience and breathtaking sunrises/sunsets. Book accommodation in advance.
- Take the cable car or hike the scenic trails based on your preference and fitness level.
- Wake up early to witness the sunrise/sunset. Consult with locals for the best viewing spots.
- Check the weather forecast and be prepared for changes. Some trails may be closed during bad weather.
- Respect the environment by following designated paths and properly disposing of waste.
Explore Huangshan with Local-based Asia Odyssey Travel
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