Comprehensive Guide to Huangshan: Recommended Routes, Food, Accommodations, and Tips

Huangshan Travel Guide with Recommended Routes, Local Food, Accommodations, and Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps I. Classic Huangshan Routes 1. Classic One-Day Route (Energy-Saving Version) - Route: Take Yungu Temple Cable Car up the mountain (back mountain) → Shixin Peak → Lion Peak → Bright Summit → Flying Rock → Paiyun Pavilion → West Sea Grand Canyon (take the popular mini train at the canyon bottom) → Aoyu Peak → Welcome Pine → Take Yuping Cable Car down (front mountain). - Features: Suitable for visitors with limited time or energy. Using cable cars saves energy while covering Huangshan's "Four Wonders." 2. In-Depth Two-Day Route - Day 1: Take Yungu Temple Cable Car up → Shixin Peak → Lion Peak → Paiyun Pavilion → Overnight stay on the mountain (e.g., Baiyan Hotel), watch sunrise the next morning → West Sea Grand Canyon → Heavenly Sea → Aoyu Peak → Welcome Pine → Walk down or take cable car from the front mountain. - Day 2: Tour surrounding areas (such as Hongcun, Xidi, or Huizhou Ancient City). 3. Cultural Village Route - Route: Huizhou Ancient City → Yangchan Tulou → Bishan Village → Chengkan → Hongcun. - Features: Huizhou architecture, rural landscapes, and off-the-beaten-path village experiences. --- II. Must-Try Food Recommendations 1. Signature Huizhou Cuisine - Stinky Mandarin Fish: The star dish of Huizhou cuisine, smells pungent but tastes delicious, classic braised preparation. - Hairy Tofu: Fermented tofu with white mold on the surface, crispy outside and tender inside after frying. - Huangshan Pancake: Filled with preserved vegetables and meat, crispy and savory, best when freshly made on Tunxi Old Street. - Stir-fried Dried Bamboo Shoots with Meat: Spring bamboo shoots with preserved meat, a homestyle Huizhou flavor. 2. Street Food Hotspots - Tunxi Old Street: Huangshan pancakes, hairy tofu, Qingming rice cakes, etc., but be aware of commercialization. - Liyang In Lane: A mix of artistic and trendy spots with various options like cold noodles, grilled cold noodles, and Huizhou-style barbecue. --- III. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Mountain-top Accommodations - Baiyan Hotel: Near Bright Summit, convenient for watching sunrise, beds around 150 yuan/person, advance booking required. - Yuping Building Hotel: Next to Welcome Pine, prime location, ideal for photography enthusiasts. 2. Mountain Base and Surrounding Accommodations - Lianshan Mountain View Guesthouse (Tangkou Town): Near the South Gate transfer center, offers free shuttle service and walking sticks, authentic Huizhou cuisine. - Shiting Art Inn (near Hongcun): Converted from a Ming Dynasty merchant mansion, garden-style design, attentive service. - Lanshan Mountain View Guesthouse (inside Hongcun scenic area): Views of traditional black-tiled houses from your window, perfect for experiencing Huizhou culture. --- IV. Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps 1. Transportation and Parking - Parking tips: Avoid the multi-level parking lot at Huangshan (chaotic pricing); instead, use the transfer center parking lot (maximum 50 yuan for 24 hours). - Cable car choice: Avoid Yungu Temple cable car during holidays (crowded); choose Ciguang Pavilion cable car in the opposite direction to save time. 2. Hiking Equipment - Shopping traps: Hiking sticks, raincoats, etc. are overpriced at scenic area entrances. Buy them at shops near the transfer center instead (hiking sticks 3 yuan each, raincoats 5 yuan each). - Essential items: Sunscreen, windbreaker, hiking sticks (not necessary but helpful), disposable raincoats. 3. Scenic Spot Notes - Welcome Pine: Very crowded; visit in early morning or evening for better photos. - Lotus Peak/Celestial Peak: The two peaks open alternately (Celestial Peak reopens in April 2024); confirm opening status before your trip. - West Sea Grand Canyon: Full hike takes 3-4 hours, some sections are steep; wear non-slip shoes. 4. Dining Tips - Restaurants at the mountain base: Be cautious of restaurants soliciting customers near the scenic area entrance. Low-priced dishes on display menus may be for show only, with actual costs being much higher. - Mountain dining: Bring your own snacks (like self-heating rice, chocolate). Simple meals on the mountain cost about 50 yuan each. No hot water for instant noodles. V. Best Time to Visit Recommended periods: March-May (spring scenery), September to early November (autumn colors). Avoid summer peak season and rainy season. - Winter highlights: Rime frost and snow scenes, but be prepared for slippery conditions (bring crampons). --- Huangshan combines natural wonders with cultural heritage. With proper planning, visiting during off-peak times, and avoiding tourist traps, your journey will be more enjoyable. For a deeper experience, explore the surrounding ancient villages to appreciate the essence of Huizhou culture.