Introduction
Huangshan (黄山), also known as Yellow Mountain, is one of the most beautiful sights in all of China and maybe even in the world. These stunning peaks formed over a 100 millions years ago, some over a 1,000 metres high. The landscape was formed by glaciers later giving it the stunning look it has today. Although popular with the ancestors of China for over 1,500 years, some archeologist think that the first legendary stone step might be that old, it did not maintain major fame until 747 AD. Because of this fame countless Chinese poets and painters have used Huangshan as inspiration including the famous poet Li Bai. Over the years several myths and legends have grown around the peaks and valleys leading to interesting stories that a traveller will hear over and over again, just be prepared.
Besides the stunning beauty and history Huangshan is also an important ecological protection area. The area is home to several animal and plant species that are well protected due to the ruggedness of the mountains. The famous Huangshan pine is found here and it does not actually grow roots into the soil, but into the rocks themselves. Many of the pines are at least several hundred years old and some might even be over a thousand years old. It is also home to several animal species like the Tibetan Macaques, a kind of local monkey.
Spending a day or two hiking in Huangshan is quite stunning. Although extremely crowded during the busy times, peace and solitude can still be found if one gets a little away from the cable cars. Remember in the summer the heat can be shocking, so bring plenty of water. Lastly, according to many people one can only appreciate Huangshan if they watch the sunrise but this is debatable.
Main Peaks
Hiking to the top of the peaks can be very intense. These peaks are ascended by climbing extremely steep staircases either carved into the mountain itself or hanging off the cliff sides. Once on top there is not a lot of room, the winds can be strong and the constant mist makes the rocks very slippery so be careful. Besides all these hardships the views from the the top can be stunning and the climb up very exhilarating.
- Lotus Peak (Lianhuafeng) is 1,864 m
- Bright Summit Peak (Guangmingding) is 1,840 m
- Celestial Peak (Tiandufeng), also known as Capital Heaven Peak, is 1,829 m
Opening Hours
The mountain is technically open 24 hours a day. But the cable cars run from 6:30 am to 4 or 5 pm.
Getting There
The access point to Huangshan is by Huangshan City about 40 minutes to an hour away from the main base.
Cable Cars
Getting up the mountain is made easy by the access of several cable cars. Now the hike up to the peak area is not that strenuous but can take an hour or two. If planning on spending the night on the summit maybe taking the cable car sounds like a better idea because of bags and other luggage. To reach the summits of any of the peaks require hiking up some pretty intense staircases.
By Train
The nearest train station is in Huangshan City and it has over night trains to Beijing and Shanghai. There are also several trains a day to Nanjing and Hefie.
By Car
By Bus
From the train station and bus station in Huangshan City there are several minibuses to the mountains base.
Eat
On the mountain it self there are a few crummy restaurants near the cable cars serving sub-par overpriced cafeteria Chinese food. It is also possible to buy instant noodles and make them yourself. In general don’t get your hopes up about the food. Mains will be around 30 RMB.
Drink
Sleep
Sleeping on the mountain is expensive and not very nice, although it is the only option if you want to see the sun rise. The dorms are upwards of 300 RMB a night and private rooms are much more expensive. Then on top of that all the food in the restaurants will also be overprice also. There are plenty of cheaper options in nearby Huangshan City if travelling on a budget. So people spend one night on the summit to see the sunrise then the rest of the time in Huangshan City (see below).
Budget
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huangshan Ancient Town Youth Hostel | No.11 San Ma Lu Road Tunxi District | Hostel | 81 |
| East Huangshan International Youth Hostel | Cha-lin-chang Farm, Tan-jia-qiao Town, Huangshan District | Hostel | - |
| Harbour Hostel | 29th zhongma Road ,Old Street Tunxi District | Hostel | - |
| Koala International Youth Hostel | No.58, Bei Hai Road Tunxi District, Anhui Province | HOSTEL | 87 |
| Huangshan Old Street Youth Hostel | No.266 Old Street Tunxi District | Hostel | 84 |
| Huangshan Yongle Hostel | Huangshan Railway Station XinCun of railway station in Huangshan City | Hostel | 81 |
| 0559 Home | Building A5, Huangshan Garden, No.149 Beihai Road | Hostel | 79 |
| Huangshan Garden International Hotel | No.32 Jilingshan Road | Hotel | - |
| Huang Shan Xin Yu Holidays Inn | Boluo Street, Xiuning Town | Hotel | - |
| Huangshan Pine Ridge Lodge | Huang Shan Scenic Area South Gate | HOTEL | 86 |
| Qing He Yue Hostel | NO.28-29,Hou Jie,Hongcun Qian Xian, Huang Shan City An Hui Province, China | Hostel | - |
| Xidi Travel Lodge | Xidi Yi,Huangshan city Anhui,China | Hotel | - |
| Tunxi Lodge | No. 15, 17, Lou Street Tunxi 245000, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, China | Hotel | - |
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