Stop wandering aimlessly! Three classic Huangshan routes tested, saving time and effort while checking off 90% of the beautiful scenery

“After visiting the Five Great Mountains, you won’t look at other mountains; after visiting Huangshan, you won’t look at other peaks.” This praise holds the most enchanting invitation of Huangshan. But choosing the wrong route or falling into consumption traps can easily ruin your trip. This latest 2025 guide covers everything from pre-trip preparation to itinerary details, from scenic photo spots to tips for avoiding pitfalls, helping you unlock the “Number One Wonder of the World” in the most comfortable way. Pre-trip must-read: 3 steps to prepare and avoid 80% of troubles 1. Tickets and Reservations: Don’t believe the “no reservation needed” hype Huangshan implements a timed reservation system. In 2025, no entry without reservation is allowed. Be sure to book tickets at least 3 days in advance via the “Huangshan Tourism Official Platform” WeChat public account. During peak seasons (April-May, October), prioritize the 6:30-8:00 AM time slot to avoid crowds. Tickets cost 190 RMB/person in peak season and 150 RMB/person in off-season. After purchasing through official channels, you can enter by scanning your ID card. Never buy scalped tickets with 30%-50% markup. Bundled packages on third-party platforms can be split; buy insurance as needed (5 RMB/person). For guides, it’s more reliable to book through the official scenic area (200-300 RMB/day). 2. Transportation and Accommodation: Avoid “low-price traps” - Transportation: After exiting Huangshan North High-Speed Rail Station, ignore unlicensed cars charging 50 RMB. The official tourist shuttle bus costs 30 RMB/person and takes 1 hour directly to Tangkou South Gate. If driving, park at the official scenic area parking lot, 5-10 RMB/hour with a daily cap of 50 RMB. Avoid private parking lots with chaotic fees. - Accommodation: At the foot of the mountain, Tangkou New Town is preferred, 20 minutes closer than the old town by car. Recommended is “Huangshan Centimeter Inn” (300-400 RMB/night), which includes shuttle service to the scenic area and hiking guides. To catch the sunrise, you must stay on the summit. Beihai Hotel (800-1000 RMB/night) is good for sunrise spots, and Xihai Hotel is centrally located. Book 1-2 months in advance; don’t trust “rooms available on site” claims. 3. Gear List: Practical and easy on your back Must-bring items: non-slip sports shoes (many steep steps), folding stool (few rest spots in the scenic area), warm jacket (temperatures often below 0°C at the summit before dawn), official scenic area raincoat (5-10 RMB each, safer than umbrellas in rain); bring your own snacks (bread, beef jerky, self-heating rice). A bowl of noodles on the mountain costs 60 RMB, a bottle of water 10 RMB—very poor value. Hiking poles can be bought at the scenic area entrance for 5-10 RMB each, much cheaper than renting at 20 RMB each. Classic itinerary: 2-day tour covering the “Five Wonders,” with a balanced pace Day 1: Enter from the back mountain, chase a golden sunset 1. Morning: Lightly pack and see the famous pines Arrive before 7 AM at the South Gate, take the scenic area shuttle bus to the back mountain’s Yungu Temple, then ride the Yungu Cable Car (65 RMB/person, uphill) to save energy. After the cable car, head straight to Shixin Peak, known as “If you don’t reach Shixin Peak, you haven’t seen Huangshan pine.” Between 8-10 AM, sunlight shines on the pine branches; standing at the cliff edge for photos, the pine shapes and distant mountains frame a perfect shot. Then stroll to the Beihai Scenic Area to check in at “Dream Pen Blossoms,” with a distant view of the outline of Bright Summit Peak. 2. Afternoon: Explore the canyon’s quiet beauty and wait for sunset In the afternoon, head to the West Sea Grand Canyon. Those with average stamina can take the funicular cable car (100 RMB/person) to experience the key section and overlook the U-shaped canyon’s light and shadow layers. Those with good stamina can hike the first and second loops to feel the grandeur of “thousand-foot cliffs.” Arrive before 5 PM at Paiyun Pavilion or Lion Peak, the best sunset spots on the back mountain. Watch the sunset dye the sea of clouds golden-red, with the evening breeze rustling the pine waves, creating a full atmosphere. 3. Night: Rest at the summit and prepare for the next day’s sunrise Have dinner at the hotel; the recommended 68 RMB native chicken pot is filling enough without being fancy. Check the next day’s sunrise time before bed, set your alarm, and remember to wear a thick jacket as it gets very cold at night on the summit. Day 2: Sunrise and sea of clouds, meet the Welcoming Pine 1. Early morning: Secure your spot and witness the sea of clouds and Buddha’s light Arrive at the viewing platform one hour early. If staying on the back mountain, choose Qingliang Terrace; if in the central area, choose Bright Summit Peak—this is a 360° panoramic platform. After rain and at first clear skies, you might see the “Buddha’s light,” a golden halo piercing through the clouds, a truly magical sight. At sunrise, the sea of clouds surges, dyed red by the morning glow, with mountain peaks faintly visible through the clouds. At this moment, you understand the meaning of “After Huangshan, no other peaks matter.” 2. Morning: Check in at landmarks and walk the essential trails After sunrise, return to the hotel to freshen up and have breakfast. Then head to Bright Summit Peak (elevation 1860 meters) to overlook the mountains from the highest point. Next, pass Ao Fish Peak and the Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder, finally reaching Yupinglou. Take photos of the Welcoming Pine from the viewing platform (do not approach the railing). In 2025, the newly opened Lotus Peak must be climbed to overlook the magnificent mountain waves. 3. Afternoon: Descend and savor Huizhou flavors Take the Yuping Cable Car (90 RMB/person, downhill) to Ciguang Pavilion, then the scenic area shuttle bus back to the South Gate. After descending, head straight to the “Huizhou Flavor” restaurant in Tangkou New Town. Order the crispy outside, tender inside Mao Tofu (28 RMB), savory bamboo shoot braised pork (48 RMB), and a bowl of Huangshan stone ear mushroom scrambled eggs to reward yourself after the hike. If time allows, take a 40 RMB carpool to Hongcun to see the ink-painting-like ancient village and experience Huizhou’s cultural heritage. Pitfall guide: Don’t waste money on these, don’t risk these dangers - Consumption pitfalls: Be cautious buying “Huangshan Maofeng” tea on the trail, often loose tea; buy souvenirs after descending, such as Huangshan baked cakes (10 RMB/bag), Huimo pastry, Wucheng tea dry snacks—economical and practical. Taiping Houkui tea is a classy gift. Private rental down jackets have hygiene concerns; choose official scenic area rentals (50 RMB each) for peace of mind. - Scenic spot pitfalls: Don’t trust “wild guides” recommending shortcuts; undeveloped routes have safety risks. Photos of “Flying-Over Rock” must be taken from designated viewing platforms; do not climb over railings. Avoid challenging Tiandu Peak or the entire West Sea Grand Canyon with elderly or children; the Beihai Scenic Area’s easy trails suffice. - Emergency handling: Medical points every 2-3 kilometers provide emergency medicine. If encountering black guides or forced consumption, keep evidence and call 0559-12345 to complain; cases are resolved within 7 working days. The beauty of Huangshan is hidden in the flowing sea of clouds, in the silhouettes of pine branches, and reflected in the golden light of sunrise. Follow this guide to set off without detours or wasted money, and immerse yourself in the myriad charms of “strange pines, weird rocks, sea of clouds, hot springs, and winter snow.”