Is Huangshan's Lotus Peak open during summer vacation? Who gets free admission?

Huangshan in Anhui generally refers to the Huangshan Scenic Area in Huangshan City, one of China's Ten Great Mountains and a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site! Historically called Yishan, Huangshan has been renowned since ancient times for its "Five Wonders" - peculiar pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, hot springs, and winter snow - along with "Five Treasures" of historical relics, paintings, literature, legends, and famous figures. Dubbed "the most spectacular mountain under heaven" and "a natural painting", it's famously said that "After visiting the Five Sacred Mountains, one needn't see other mountains; after visiting Huangshan, one needn't see the Five Sacred Mountains!" Today, it's also celebrated as a "photography paradise", hosting annual competitions to showcase its breathtaking landscapes! So here's the question: What's the elevation of Huangshan's Lotus Peak? Will it be open during summer 2025? Any free admission policies? Don't worry - read on! 1. What's the elevation of Huangshan's Lotus Peak? Will it be open in summer 2025? Huangshan features "36 major peaks and 36 minor peaks". The main peak, Lotus Peak, stands at 1,864.8 meters, forming the Three Main Peaks alongside Bright Summit and Celestial Capital Peak, surrounded by 77 other peaks over 1,000 meters. The mountain boasts 30 ridges, 22 cliffs, 7 caves, and 2 passes. Important note: Lotus Peak and Celestial Capital Peak rotate opening annually. During winter-spring maintenance (Dec 1-Mar 31), Western Sea Grand Canyon, Lotus Peak, and Celestial Capital Peak close. The two peaks alternate every 5 years. Currently, Lotus Peak entered its 5-year rest period starting April 1, 2024. In 2025 summer, Celestial Capital Peak will be open instead! Simply put: Lotus Peak won't be accessible during 2025 summer vacation - challenge Celestial Capital Peak instead! 2. What are Huangshan's 2025 summer free admission policies? According to official notices, 2025 summer operation period is July 5-Aug 31. Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30-17:10; Sat-Sun 6:00-17:40. Given the vast area, hiking ticket gates close at 15:00 daily (after which only exits permitted). Cable car hours match opening times. Celestial Capital Peak opens daily 6:30-15:00 - advance booking required! 2025 summer free admission policies: 01. Graduates: 2025 national middle/college entrance exam students; 2025 undergraduate/college graduates; 2025 postgraduates (master's/PhD). Free period: application from now until Aug 31, 2025; usage until Aug 31, 2025. 02. Children: Under 6 or below 1.2m tall (with guardian and valid ID). 03. Seniors: 65+ with valid ID. 04. Others: Active military, civil servants, retired military, firefighters, disabled, journalists, photographers' association members, tour guides, etc. 3. Recommended 2025 summer itineraries: One-day tour: South Gate → Yungu Cableway up → Shixin Peak → Black Tiger Pine → Dream Brush Flower → Qingliang Terrace → Monkey Gazing at Sea → Return → Yungu Cableway down → Transfer to Yuping Cableway → Free re-entry → Yuping Cableway up → Welcoming Pine → Distant views of Celestial Capital & Lotus Peaks → Yuping Cableway down. Features: Short route, multiple cableways, concentrated scenic spots. Two-day tour: Day 1: South Gate → Bus to Ciguangge → Hike from Ciguangge → Halfway Temple → New Pass (Celestial Capital Peak booking required) → Celestial Capital Peak → Old Pass → Welcoming Pine → Overnight summit. Day 2: Hundred-Step Ladder → Bright Summit → Western Sea Canyon train → Second Ring → First Ring → Paiyun Pavilion → Danxia Peak → Qingliang Terrace → Monkey Gazing at Sea → Dream Brush Flower → Shixin Peak → Yungu Cableway down → Bus to South Gate. Features: Physically demanding, builds perseverance! These routes are family-friendly! Fit travelers can customize more challenging options. There you have it! Now you know about Lotus Peak's elevation, 2025 summer status, and free admission policies. Feel free to discuss!