A Complete Guide to Huangshan - Even First-Time Travelers Can Explore with Ease!

If you want to witness nature's masterpiece and experience why people say "After seeing the Five Great Mountains, you won't want to see any other mountains; after seeing Huangshan, you won't want to see the Five Great Mountains," then Huangshan Scenic Area is your perfect destination! Here's a detailed and practical travel guide to Huangshan. I. Preparation 1. Documents: ID card is essential! Students, seniors, military personnel, and others eligible for discounts should bring relevant documents. 2. Clothing: Huangshan has relatively low temperatures. Even in summer, bringing a thick jacket is recommended. Warm clothing is essential if you plan to watch sunrise or sunset. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes as you'll be hiking quite a bit. 3. Items: Bring a power bank to keep your electronic devices charged for photos; pack light snacks like chocolate and bread for energy; bring rain gear as mountain weather can change quickly. II. Ticket Information 1. Prices: Peak season (March 1 - November 30): CNY 230; Off-peak season (December 1 - End of February): CNY 150. Book in advance through the "China Huangshan" WeChat official account or major travel apps to avoid queuing. 2. Discounts: Free admission for children under 6 years old (inclusive) or under 1.2m (inclusive); half-price for minors aged 6-18 (inclusive), students, seniors aged 60-65 (exclusive); free admission for seniors 65 and above (inclusive), active military personnel, and disabled persons. Check the official website for details. III. Transportation Guide 1. Getting There - By Air: Huangshan Tunxi International Airport offers airport buses to the scenic area, or take a taxi (about 1-hour drive). - By High-Speed Rail: Huangshan North Station is convenient, with direct buses to the scenic area (about 1-hour journey). - By Train: Huangshan Station is close to downtown; take a transfer to the scenic area. - By Car: Navigate to the South or North Gate of Huangshan Scenic Area, parking lot available. 2. Internal Transportation - Shuttle Bus: From transfer center to trailhead, around CNY 19. - Cable Cars: Yungu, Yuping, and Taiping cable cars, one-way fare CNY 80-90. Recommended for those who want to save energy. - Hiking: For those with good physical condition, but be prepared to spend more time and energy. IV. Touring Routes 1. One-Day Tour - Front Mountain Up, Back Mountain Down: Take Yuping Cable Car up from Ciguang Pavilion, visit Welcome Pine, climb Lotus Peak (if open), cross Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder and Ao Fish Peak to Bright Summit, then visit North Sea Area to see Monkey Watching the Sea and Flying Brush Peak, finally descend via Yungu Cable Car. - Back Mountain Up, Front Mountain Down: Take Yungu Cable Car up from Yungu Temple, visit Beginning-to-Believe Peak, Black Tiger Pine, North Sea Area, then to Bright Summit, followed by Ao Fish Peak, Lotus Peak (if open), Welcome Pine, finally descend via Yuping Cable Car. 2. Two-Day Tour - Day 1: Morning - take cable car up from Yungu Temple, visit Beginning-to-Believe Peak and Monkey Watching the Sea; afternoon - head to Bright Summit for sunset; overnight in mountain hotel. - Day 2: Early morning sunrise at Bright Summit, then visit Lotus Peak (if open) and Welcome Pine, descend via Yuping Cable Car. V. Highlights 1. Welcome Pine: Huangshan's iconic landmark, perfect for photos. 2. Lotus Peak: Highest peak at 1,864.8m, offering panoramic views. Note that Lotus Peak and Celestial Peak open alternately. 3. Bright Summit: Second highest peak, excellent for viewing sunrise, sunset, and sea of clouds. 4. Monkey Watching the Sea: Rock formation resembling a monkey watching the sea of clouds. 5. West Sea Grand Canyon: Serene valley with beautiful scenery and popular mini train. VI. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Mountain-top: Hotels like Bai Yun Hotel and Shilin Hotel for sunrise/sunset views, but pricier and require advance booking. 2. Mountain-foot: Tangkou Town offers various affordable hotels and guesthouses close to the scenic area. VII. Food Recommendations 1. Huangshan Pancakes: Crispy outside, savory inside, with various fillings like preserved vegetables and meat floss. 2. Stinky Mandarin Fish: Despite its smell, tastes delicious with tender meat, a Hui cuisine classic. 3. Hairy Tofu: Covered with white mold, rich taste after frying. 4. Braised Pork with Dried Bamboo Shoots: Local bamboo shoots stewed with pork, very flavorful. VIII. Important Notes 1. Check weather forecast to avoid rainy or foggy days. 2. Stay safe while hiking - stop walking when viewing scenery. 3. Prices are higher in scenic area; bring some food and water, but pack light. 4. Protect the environment, don't litter.