Huangshan Travel Guide: Discover the Beauty of Southern Anhui!

“Return from the Five Great Mountains, you'll see no other mountains; return from Huangshan, you'll see no other peaks.” Huangshan's beauty is a masterpiece of nature, a poetic scroll etched by time. With its unique peaks, strange rocks, seas of clouds, and hot springs, every scene is captivating. If you yearn for this wonderland, follow this guide and embark on an unforgettable Huangshan journey! Itinerary Day 1: Huangshan Scenic Area - Morning: Depart from the South Gate of Huangshan and take the Yungu Cable Car up the mountain, enjoying the magnificent scenery of overlapping peaks along the way. After arriving at Bai'e Ridge, head to Beginning-to-Believe Peak, an excellent spot to admire the diverse and uniquely shaped Huangshan pines. - Noon: Savor Huangshan's specialties, such as dried bamboo shoots with braised pork and Huangshan stewed pigeon, at a restaurant near the Beihai Hotel, immersing your taste buds in the delicious flavors of Southern Anhui. - Afternoon: Visit Monkey Watching the Sea, where a rock formation resembles a monkey gazing at the churning sea of clouds. Then, proceed to Magic Brush Peak to admire the naturally formed "magic brush." As evening approaches, ascend to Bright Summit to witness the sunset and the breathtaking glow of the sky. Day 2: Exploring Hongcun Ancient Village - Morning: After breakfast, journey to Hongcun, a village known as "a Chinese painting come to life." It preserves a large number of Hui-style buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Stroll along Nanhu Lake, admiring the picturesque scenery of white walls and black tiles against the backdrop of blue water and sky. - Noon: Indulge in authentic Huizhou cuisine at a restaurant in Hongcun. Don't miss the signature dishes of stinky mandarin fish and hairy tofu, experiencing the unique flavors of Huizhou cuisine. - Afternoon: Explore Moon Pond, the heart of Hongcun, where surrounding buildings reflect in the water, creating a natural ink painting. Visit Chengzhi Hall to appreciate the exquisite woodcarving craftsmanship of Hui-style architecture. Day 3: Tunxi Ancient Street - Morning: Return to Huangshan City and head to Tunxi Ancient Street. This ancient street, featuring architectural styles from the Southern Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, is lined with shops and exudes a vibrant atmosphere. Here, you can purchase souvenirs such as Huangshan Maofeng and Keemun black tea. - Noon: Sample various snacks on the ancient street, including Huangshan baked cakes, Wucheng tea-cured dried tofu, and Huizhou egg pancakes. Enjoy the pleasure of strolling and savoring the local delicacies. - Afternoon: Visit the former residence of Cheng Dawei to learn about the history of abacus culture. Afterward, explore Liyang Alley, a place where modernity and tradition blend, browsing unique shops and experiencing the artistic atmosphere of Huangshan. Food Recommendations - Stinky Mandarin Fish: A signature Huizhou dish, it smells pungent but tastes delicious, with tender and flavorful fish. - Hairy Tofu: Tofu covered in white downy hairs, it becomes crispy on the outside and tender on the inside after being pan-fried. Served with a special sauce, it offers a unique taste. - Huangshan Baked Cakes: Crispy on the outside and filled with preserved mustard greens and pork, these savory cakes are a Huangshan specialty. - Knife-Plank-Flavored Pork: Air-dried pork belly cured with salt, steamed on a knife plank after being sliced. It is rich but not greasy, with an enticing aroma. - Wucheng Tea-Cured Dried Tofu: Delicate in texture and rich in bean flavor, it can be eaten directly or used in stir-fries and soups. Travel Tips - Ticket Booking: Book Huangshan Scenic Area tickets in advance on the official website or major travel platforms to avoid crowds during peak seasons and holidays. - Transportation: If traveling by high-speed rail, disembark at Huangshan North Station and transfer to a scenic shuttle bus to Huangshan Scenic Area. If driving, navigate directly to the parking lot at the South Gate of Huangshan. - Accommodation: For mountain accommodations, consider Bright Summit Villa or Baiyun Hotel for convenient sunrise and sunset viewing. For accommodations at the foot of the mountain, choose hotels or guesthouses in Tangkou Town, which offer convenient transportation and dining options. - Essentials: Pack comfortable athletic shoes, trekking poles, a raincoat (Huangshan's weather is unpredictable), sunscreen, sunglasses, and other necessary items. Huangshan is like an open book of landscape poetry, each page filled with poetic charm and romance. We hope this guide helps you create wonderful memories in Huangshan and discover the beauty of Southern Anhui!