Endured the hardships of Huangshan and came back—definitely don’t recommend going in May!

Who would understand! Going to Huangshan in May will leave you speechless from the beauty 😭 Avoiding the crowded peak season, the mountains are covered in fresh green, the sea of clouds surges, and azaleas bloom everywhere. Every step feels like walking into a divine painting! Just got back from Huangshan, here’s a hot-off-the-press guide for you—read it and book with your eyes closed! 🎒 Before you go ✅ Documents: ID card! Student/teacher ID (some discounts available) ✅ Clothing: - 20–25℃ at the foot of the mountain, short sleeves + light jacket - Big temperature difference on the mountain! Must bring a windbreaker/thick jacket 🧥 - Non-slip sports shoes! The mountain paths really test your foot strength ✅ Gear: - Trekking poles (life-saving tool!), knee pads - Raincoat (weather changes a lot on the mountain, more practical than an umbrella) - Thermos (so happy to drink hot water anytime) ✅ Others: Power bank, snacks (prices are high on the mountain!) 🚗 Transportation guide ✈️ Plane: Huangshan Tunxi International Airport - Airport shuttle bus 15 CNY direct to Huangshan Scenic Area - Taxi about 1.5 hrs (💰150–200 CNY) 🚄 High-speed rail: Huangshan North Station - Take the tourist shuttle bus (20 CNY/person, 1 hr) - Taxi or carpool is more convenient (30–40 CNY per person) 🚌 Scenic area transport: - Transfer center → Yungu Temple / Ciguang Pavilion (19 CNY per trip) - Must take! Private cars are not allowed up the mountain! 🏨 Accommodation recommendations 📍 At the foot of the mountain: - Tangkou Town: close to the scenic area, great value homestays - Recommend rooms with a viewing balcony—waking up to mountain views is amazing 📍 On the mountain: - Bright Summit / Baiyun Hotel: super convenient for sunrise and sunset! - Paiyun Lodge: great location but a bit pricey - Book 1–2 weeks in advance during peak season! Otherwise, you’ll really cry 🌄 Must-visit spots 1️⃣ Lotus Peak: the highest peak of Huangshan! Climb to the top to overlook the surging sea of clouds—an overwhelming sense of achievement 2️⃣ Welcoming Pine: the symbol of Huangshan! Take a photo with the thousand-year-old pine, guaranteed to be the star of your social feed 3️⃣ West Sea Grand Canyon: must ride the popular little train! Traveling among strange peaks and rocks feels like a scene from a fantasy drama 4️⃣ Bright Summit: the best spot to watch sunrise and sunset! The dawn glow at 5 am is breathtakingly beautiful 😭 5️⃣ Shixin Peak: “No Huangshan pine without Shixin Peak,” the Black Tiger Pine and the Twin Pines are stunning 🗺️ Classic route recommendations One-day tour (intense version) Yungu Temple → White Goose Ridge → Shixin Peak → Monkey Watching the Sea → Lion Peak → Bright Summit → Aoyu Peak → Lotus Peak → Welcoming Pine → Yuping Cableway down Two-day tour (relaxed version) Day 1: Yungu Temple → Shisun Gorge → Shixin Peak → Black Tiger Pine → Dream Pen Flower → Monkey Watching the Sea → Lion Peak → Danxia Peak (sunset) → check in hotel Day 2: Bright Summit (sunrise) → Flying Rock → West Sea Grand Canyon (popular little train) → Buxian Bridge → Lotus Peak → Welcoming Pine → Ciguang Pavilion down 🍜 Food guide 📍 At the foot of the mountain: - Stinky Mandarin Fish: smells bad but tastes amazing! Firm and flavorful meat - Mao Tofu: the surface fuzz is the soul! Crispy outside, tender inside—absolutely delicious - Huangshan Sesame Cake: filled with preserved vegetable and meat, salty and crispy, perfect as a souvenir 📍 On the mountain: - Bring self-heating rice/noodles! - Recommended snacks: tea eggs (5 CNY each), corn (10 CNY per ear) ❗ Hard-learned tips to avoid pitfalls 1️⃣ Check the weather forecast in advance! Rain and heavy fog mean you won’t see anything 2️⃣ Don’t carry too much! Travel light, mountain supplies rely on porters 3️⃣ West Sea Grand Canyon train stops running at 17:30! Plan your time well 4️⃣ Reserve spots early at popular photo spots (like Danxia Peak)! If you’re late, there’s no space 5️⃣ Wear non-slip shoes! The steps get super slippery after rain—I’ve seen people fall hard on their backsides 😭 Friends, go for it! In May, Huangshan has sea of clouds, strange peaks, and azaleas all in one! Missing it will make you regret the whole year!!