Hidden Gems and Breathtaking Secret Spots You Haven't Discovered Yet

Easy Route: South Gate - Ciguang Pavilion - Halfway Temple - New Trail Entrance - Tiandu Peak (must climb) - Jiyu Ridge (photo spot) - Welcome Pine (photo spot) - Old Trail Entrance - Narrow Valley (thrilling) - Haixing Pavilion - Bright Summit (photo spot) - Yungu Cable Car 6:30 Arrive at South Gate 6:40 Take shuttle bus (¥19 per person, scan code to pay) 7:00 Start climbing 16:00 Take Yungu Cable Car down (¥80 per person) Challenge Route: South Gate - Ciguang Pavilion - Halfway Temple - New Trail Entrance - Tiandu Peak (must climb) - Jiyu Ridge (photo spot) - Welcome Pine (photo spot) - Old Trail Entrance - Narrow Valley (thrilling) - Haixing Pavilion - Bright Summit (photo spot) - Guanshi Pavilion - Monkey Watching the Sea (photo spot) - Flying Brush (photo spot) - Black Tiger Pine - White Goose Ridge 6:30 Arrive at South Gate 6:40 Take shuttle bus up 7:00 Start climbing 17:00 Hike down (about 3h) 1️⃣ Strongly recommend avoiding summer/winter breaks and weekends 2️⃣ Buy tickets one day in advance (search "Huangshan Tourism Official Platform" on WeChat, ¥190) 3️⃣ During off-season, Tiandu Peak is a must-climb, only 20min wait in line 4️⃣ Recommend ascending from the front mountain and descending from the back (bitter first, sweet later). The section to Tiandu Peak is the most thrilling, teaching you the true definition of mountain climbing 5️⃣ Ascending from the front mountain is more thrilling than the back, with steeper paths 6️⃣ If you're fast, you can also visit Monkey Watching the Sea and Black Tiger Pine (after climbing Tiandu Peak, the rest is optional), and walking down is also easy 7️⃣ For energy, eat small portions frequently. Bananas are essential for quick carbs. Bring a bottle of electrolyte water. Don't bring instant noodles as there's no boiling water at the summit. Self-heating meals are a good option 🍚 8️⃣ If you really can't continue climbing, don't worry - sedan chair service is available for ¥680 per person (as shown in the picture) 9️⃣ After descending, stretch for half an hour and your legs will feel fine the next day 🔟 Don't take ride-sharing services from Huangshan North Station to Huangshan Scenic Area, as drivers often cancel Fees: 🎫 Entrance ticket 💰¥190, Student ticket 💰¥95, Shuttle bus 💰¥19/trip, Yuping Cable Car 💰¥90, Yungu/Taiping Cable Car 💰¥80, (Free admission every Wednesday, tickets go fast). Water on the mountain ¥8, drinks over ¥10, main dishes over ¥40 🏠 Accommodation: Many guesthouses below the South Gate transfer station, clean with good value, and offering shuttle services. 😋 Food: Stinky mandarin fish, fermented bean curd (an acquired taste worth trying), wild Lingzhi herb (highly recommended), Huangshan specialty dishes Essentials: ID card, student ID, windbreaker, power bank, sunglasses, white gloves (¥2 a pair near guesthouses), sunscreen, 1.5L water (per person), snacks (prices on the mountain range from ¥30-40), trekking poles, hiking or running shoes (don't wear flat shoes)