Huangshan was brutal, listen to my advice, ladies!
Hey everyone 👋, I'm that travel enthusiast obsessed with landscapes and conquering peaks 😎. I recently visited Huangshan, taking advantage of the beautiful spring weather in April. This trip felt like stepping into a fairyland, and I'm here to share my super detailed guide with you.
📍Huangshan, located in southern Anhui, is a renowned city of wondrous mountains 👏! The most famous Huangshan Scenic Area is known for its "Four Wonders": unique pines, grotesque rocks, seas of clouds, and hot springs. The mountain peaks are like a vast ocean, majestic and imposing. At the foot of the mountain, the ancient Huizhou villages, with their white walls and black tiles, and staggered horse head walls, exude an ancient charm. Huizhou culture took root and flourished here, making Huangshan a stunning tapestry of nature and culture.
🚗【Transportation Guide】
✈️By plane, you'll land at Huangshan Tunxi International Airport. There are buses from the airport to the city and Huangshan Scenic Area. Taxis are also available, making it super convenient to start your journey.
🚄High-speed rail to Huangshan North Station has frequent services. There are special tourist lines directly to Huangshan Scenic Area upon arrival, and buses to various parts of the city, making it super easy. If you want to visit ancient villages like Hongcun and Xidi, take a special bus from the bus station and enjoy the picturesque scenery along the way. Inside the scenic area, cable cars save energy, and sightseeing buses connect all the attractions. Tickets can be booked online.
🗺【Recommended Itinerary】
Day 1: Huangshan Scenic Area (Cloud Valley Temple - Beginning-to-Believe Peak - Monkey Watching the Sea - Beihai Hotel)
Arrive at Huangshan Scenic Area in the morning and take the cable car from Cloud Valley Temple to start your magical journey. Once you exit the cable car, head to Beginning-to-Believe Peak. The unique pine trees in various poses will amaze you with nature's artistry 😃. Have a simple self-heating meal on the mountain for lunch to save energy for the afternoon. In the afternoon, head to Monkey Watching the Sea, a rock formation that looks incredibly like a monkey. It's super interesting. Then check in to Beihai Hotel, which has an excellent location for sunset viewing. In the evening, the setting sun casts a beautiful glow on the mountain peaks, making it a perfect photo opportunity 📷.
Day 2: Huangshan Scenic Area (Paiyun Pavilion - West Sea Grand Canyon - Bright Summit Peak - Yuping Tower - Welcoming Pine)
Get up early to see the sea of clouds at Paiyun Pavilion. If you're lucky, you'll be surrounded by a vast sea of clouds, like a fairyland. Then, brave the West Sea Grand Canyon, with its winding and thrilling walkways and breathtaking views. Enjoy Huangshan stewed chicken at Tianhai Restaurant for lunch. The chicken soup is rich, and the chicken is tender 😋. In the afternoon, head to Bright Summit Peak. Once you reach the top, you'll have a panoramic view of all the Huangshan peaks. Then, head to Yuping Tower to finally see the famous Welcoming Pine, which greets visitors from all directions.
Day 3: Hongcun - Xidi - Return Trip
Visit Hongcun during the day. Stepping into the village is like stepping into an ink painting. Moon Pond reflects the ancient houses, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Try the stinky mandarin fish for lunch. It smells stinky but tastes delicious, and the fish melts in your mouth. In the afternoon, visit Xidi, with its ancient archways and houses, and experience the solemnity and elegance of Huizhou architecture. Pack your bags in the afternoon and return home with beautiful memories.
🌟【5 Must-See Attractions】
📍Huangshan Scenic Area: With its unique pines, grotesque rocks, seas of clouds, and hot springs, the unparalleled natural scenery makes it a perfect place for hiking and enjoying the views.
📍Welcoming Pine: The iconic landmark of Huangshan, it stands tall and resilient, symbolizing hospitality and is a must-see photo spot.
📍West Sea Grand Canyon: The deep canyon, thrilling walkways, and magnificent scenery offer an experience of nature's grandeur.
📍Hongcun: Known as the "village in a Chinese painting," it features a perfect blend of Huizhou architecture and waterscapes, creating a tranquil, beautiful, and poetic atmosphere.
📍Xidi: An ancient Huizhou village with numerous well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, it offers a rich cultural experience and a glimpse into history.
📌【Practical Tips】
🎫Book Huangshan Scenic Area tickets and cable car tickets in advance, as they are hard to come by during peak season.
👗The weather in Huangshan in April is changeable, so bring a thick jacket, raincoat, and non-slip hiking shoes. Don't forget sunscreen.
📸The lighting in Huangshan is soft in the early morning and evening, and the West Sea Grand Canyon and Hongcun offer great photo opportunities. Remember to bring a power bank.
🍜【Local Food Recommendations】
🥘Huangshan Stewed Chicken: Chicken stewed with Huangshan dried bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and other ingredients. The soup is delicious and nutritious, perfect after a hike.
🍜Stinky Mandarin Fish: The fermented fish has a peculiar "stinky" smell, but it melts in your mouth and is incredibly tender and juicy. Its unique flavor is unforgettable.
🥣Hairy Tofu: Fermented tofu with white hairs, pan-fried and dipped in sauce. It's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a rich texture, and is a Huizhou specialty.
🐟Dried Bamboo Shoots with Braised Pork: Tender Huangshan dried bamboo shoots paired with braised pork. The fragrant meat and fresh bamboo shoots complement each other perfectly, making it a great dish with rice.
🥔Stone Cake: Crispy crust with vegetable and meat fillings, shaped like a stone. One bite, and the aroma fills your mouth. It's a great staple food.
🏨【Hotel Accommodation】
📍Huangshan Scenic Area: Beihai Hotel, located on the mountain, offers convenient access, beautiful surrounding scenery, sunrise and sunset views, and complete facilities.
📍Hongcun: Moon Pond Guesthouse, located in Hongcun Scenic Area, is built by the water. Open the window to enjoy the beautiful scenery. It offers a great experience and convenient access.
📍Huangshan City: Huangshan International Hotel, located in the city center, offers convenient transportation, nearby dining and shopping options, and a comfortable and convenient stay.
💖【Travel Experience】
These three days in Huangshan felt like a trip to a fairyland. The magnificence of Huangshan, the gentleness of Hongcun, the ancient charm of Xidi, and the delicious food all captivated me. Huangshan is like a vibrant landscape poem, with every line filled with beauty. Don't miss this treasure trove. Come and start your Huangshan journey 💕.