Huangshan is a combination of Mount Taishan’s majesty, Mount Huashan’s steepness, the mist and clouds of Mount Hengshan, the waterfalls of Mount Lushan, the rocks of Mount Yandang, and the beauty of Mount E’mei, making it one of the most spectacular mountains in the world. The peaks of Mount Huangshan are full of exotic pine trees and steep cliffs and visitors who reach the top can admire the spectacular seas of clouds and sunrises in the morning. Since ancient times, famous authors and poets have left numerous cliff inscriptions on the mountain, enhancing its cultural significance in China.
Mount Huangshan spreads over three directions with three main peaks; Tiandu Peak, Lianhua Peak, and Guangming Peak as its center. It is divided into six scenic spots of Yuping, Beihai, Yungu, Baiyun, Songgu, and the hot spring area. Huangshan is also divided into the South Gate, West Gate, and North Gate. South Gate is close to Tangkou Town and it is the entrance for most tourists to get to the mountain. The south gate is further divided into the front hill gate of Ciguang Pavilion and the back hill gate of Yungu Temple. The Yuping scenic area refers to the front mountain with attractions such as Tiandu Peak, Lianhua Peak, and the Welcome Pine. The Beihai scenic area is the central part of the Huangshan Scenic Area, between Guangming Peak, Shixin Peak, Lion Peak, and Bai'e Peak. Yungu scenic area is the back hill where Yungu Temple is located. Baiyun Scenic Area has a steep west sea grand canyon. Songgu scenic area is where the northern gate of Mount Huangshan is located. The Hot Spring scenic area is the Huangshan hot spring at the foot of the south side of Mount Huangshan.
The Huangshan scenic area is close to Jade Valley and the Xiangxi Rafting area. Because Tunxi Old Street is located in the city of Huangshan, it is very popular. There are also popular old villages nearby, Hongcun and Xidi. These villages can also be visited while in Huangshan.
Visitors generally choose to spend three days in Huangshan. During the first two days, visitors can visit Qianshan (Ciguang Pavilion). This way, you’ll have a chance to see the magnificent sunrise and sunset and stay at a hotel in the mountains for one night. You can continue to visit the scenic spots on the mountain for the 3rd day, or head to the hot springs and visit the surrounding attractions.
The scenery of Huangshan varies throughout different seasons and the best seasons for travel are spring, summer, and autumn. However, Huangshan is often overcrowded during the peak travel season, especially during China’s Golden Week in the first week of October, so it’s better to try to avoid climbing the mountain at that time.
If you want to enjoy the beauty of Mount Huangshan or watch the sunrise, it is necessary to stay one night on the mountain. There are not many hotels on Huangshan, mainly Beihai Hotel, Baiyun Hotel, Shilin Hotel and other old brand hotels, and they all need to be booked in advance. Accommodations on the mountain are more expensive, and the conditions are no better than those located at the foot of the mountain. However, if you think about the beauty of the sunrise on Mount Huangshan, these factors can be ignored. There are standard rooms as well as hotels with bunk beds. Which hotel in Huangshan you stay at can be determined based on your itinerary.