Located in Huangshan District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, Huangshan Scenic Area is a national key scenic area, a 5A-level tourist attraction, and a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage. The total area of the scenic area is about 160.6 square kilometers, with the core area covering about 1,154 square kilometers. It consists of 72 peaks, among which Lianhua Peak, Guangming Ding (Bright Summit), and Tiandu Peak are the three main peaks, all above 1,800 meters above sea level. Lianhua Peak is the highest at 1,864.8 meters. Famous for the "Five Wonders" of odd pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, hot springs, and winter snow, Huangshan is known as the "No. 1 Odd Mountain in the World." The vegetation coverage rate in the scenic area reaches 98.29%, with 1,805 species of higher plants belonging to 827 genera and 222 families, and more than 300 species of wild animals, making it an important region for biodiversity conservation in China.
History and Culture
Huangshan has a long history. In the Qin Dynasty, it was called "Yishan." In 747 AD (the sixth year of Tianbao in the Tang Dynasty), Emperor Xuanzong of Tang issued an edict to rename it Huangshan, a name that has been used ever since. As one of the holy lands of Taoism in China, legend has it that the Yellow Emperor (Xuanyuan Huangdi) once practiced alchemy here, leaving behind relics such as the Alchemy Platform and Medicine Washing Pool. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Huangshan became a land of yearning for literati and scholars, giving birth to artistic schools like the "Huangshan School of Painting." Painters such as Shi Tao and Jian Jiang created numerous masterpieces with Huangshan as the theme. There are more than 280 cliff inscriptions in the scenic area, among which inscriptions like "Standing Majestically to Overlook the East Sea, Climbing High to Gaze at Peace" have high historical and cultural value.
Huangshan is also an important place for the spread of Buddhism. In the Tang Dynasty, temples such as Xiangfu Temple and Cuiwei Temple were built. The existing Yungu Temple and Ciguang Pavilion were constructed in the Ming and Qing dynasties, serving as important physical materials for studying the spread of Buddhist culture in the Huangshan area. In addition, Tunxi Old Street and Huizhou-style ancient villages at the foot of Huangshan carry rich Huizhou culture, displaying characteristic cultural elements such as Huizhou merchants, Huizhou architecture, and Huizhou folk customs.
Main Attractions
Lianhua Peak (Lotus Peak)
The highest peak of Huangshan, Lianhua Peak stands at 1,864.8 meters above sea level, named for its resemblance to a blooming lotus. The peak is steep and towering, with a majestic momentum. Reaching the summit offers a panoramic view of Huangshan and spectacular sights like the "Sea of Clouds and Buddha Light." Lianhua Peak and Tiandu Peak face each other across a valley, opening alternately every five years. Lianhua Peak is open from 2023 to 2027.
Guangming Ding (Bright Summit)
At 1,841 meters above sea level, Guangming Ding is the second highest peak of Huangshan, named for its high and open terrain with long sunshine hours. It is one of the best places in Huangshan to watch sunrises and sea of clouds. The Huangshan Meteorological Station, the highest-altitude meteorological station in East China, is located here. Surrounded by many attractions such as Feilai Stone and Bai'e Ridge, it is one of the tourist gathering places.
Tiandu Peak (Heavenly Capital Peak)
Tiandu Peak, at 1,829.5 meters above sea level, is known for its steepness. Ancient records call it "the capital of the immortals," meaning the celestial capital. The peak features dangerous paths like the Crucian Carp Back, a 10-meter-long and 1-meter-wide stone beam with a bottomless chasm on both sides, making it one of the most precipitous attractions in Huangshan. Tiandu Peak and Lianhua Peak open alternately, and it will reopen in 2028.
Yingke Pine (Guest-Greeting Pine)
The iconic landscape of Huangshan, the Yingke Pine is located on the left side of Yuping Tower and above Wenshu Cave. It is 10.1 meters tall and about 1,300 years old. One of its branches extends outward like an arm welcoming distant guests, with a graceful posture, representing the Huangshan pine. Listed in the World Natural Heritage Protection List, the tree has dedicated guardians.
West Sea Grand Canyon
Located in the western part of Huangshan Scenic Area, the West Sea Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful and profound canyons in Huangshan, stretching about 15 kilometers with an average depth of 1,000 meters and a maximum depth of 1,300 meters. The canyon is filled with towering peaks, grotesque rocks, and mist, resembling a fairyland. Sightseeing cable cars are built in the scenic area, allowing visitors to enjoy the canyon's beauty by cable car or experience the fun of "scenery at every step" by hiking through the canyon.
Hot Spring Scenic Area
Located in the front mountain of Huangshan, the Hot Spring Scenic Area is one of the "Five Wonders" of Huangshan. The water temperature of the hot spring remains around 42°C all year round, with clear water containing various minerals, which has a certain therapeutic effect on skin diseases and rheumatism. Huangshan Hot Spring has a long history, with a recorded use history of more than 2,000 years. In the Tang Dynasty, a Tangyuan (hot spring courtyard) was built here, and existing cliff inscriptions such as "Famous Spring of the World" can be seen.
Delicacies
Huangshan Smelly Mandarin Fish
A traditional Huizhou famous dish, Huangshan Smelly Mandarin Fish is made by pickling fresh mandarin fish with salt and Chinese prickly ash, then fermenting it in a cool place for six to seven days to develop a unique aroma. When cooked with ingredients like pork and bamboo shoots, it tastes delicious and has tender meat, featuring the characteristic of "smelly to smell, delicious to eat."
Maodoufu (Hairy Tofu)
A specialty snack in the Huangshan area, Maodoufu is made by cutting tofu into small pieces and fermenting them until a layer of white fuzz grows on the surface. It can be cooked by frying, deep-frying, or steaming. Fried Maodoufu is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with chili sauce, tasting spicy and delicious. Rich in amino acids, Maodoufu is a nutritious and popular food among visitors.
Huangshan Shaobing (Crab Shell Pastry)
Also known as "Xie Ke Huang" (Crab Shell Yellow), Huangshan Shaobing is a traditional pasta named for its shape like a crab shell and golden color. Made from flour, fat, and dried mustard greens through multiple processes, the baked pastry is fragrant, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a savory and delicious taste. Easy to carry, it is a characteristic tourist food of Huangshan.
Surrounding Delicacies
Around Huangshan Scenic Area, visitors can also taste special foods such as Huizhou Ham, Five-Chinese-Date-Leaf Stir-Fried Eggs, and Stone Ear Stewed Chicken. Huizhou Ham is made from local pig hind legs through pickling and fermentation, with a delicious taste; Five-Chinese-Date-Leaf Stir-Fried Eggs are made by stir-frying the tender leaves of five-Chinese-date with eggs, having a unique fragrance; Stone Ear Stewed Chicken uses Huangshan's special stone ear and local chicken as raw materials, with a fresh and delicious soup rich in nutrition.
Admission Tickets
The admission ticket price starts from 95 RMB.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "中国黄山" to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online. There are many types of tickets, so please purchase according to your needs.
Opening Hours
Open year-round, the peak season (March 1 to November 30) opening hours are 6:30-17:30, and the off-season (December 1 to February 28 of the following year) opening hours are 7:30-16:30. The cable car operation time is 6:30-17:40 in the peak season and 7:30-16:40 in the off-season. The opening hours of the scenic area may be adjusted due to weather, season, and other factors. Visitors are advised to check the official notice of the scenic area before traveling.
Tour Routes
Recommended one-day tour route: Enter from the South Gate of Huangshan, take the scenic area shuttle bus to Ciguang Pavilion, take the Yuping Cable Car up the mountain, visit Yuping Tower, Yingke Pine, Lianhua Peak (if open), Tiandu Peak (if open), etc., then go to Guangming Ding. After lunch, visit the West Sea Grand Canyon, take the tram to Baiyun Hotel, then pass through Buxian Bridge and Tianhai, take the Yungu Cable Car down the mountain, and finally take the shuttle bus back to the South Gate.
Recommended two-day tour route: On the first day, enter from the South Gate, take the shuttle bus to Yungu Temple, take the Yungu Cable Car up the mountain, visit Bai'e Ridge, Shixin Peak, Beihai Scenic Area, and the North Entrance of the West Sea Grand Canyon. Hike or take the tram to the valley bottom, then return to Tianhai and stay at Baiyun Hotel. On the second day, get up early to watch the sunrise at Guangming Ding, then visit Yuping Tower, Yingke Pine, Lianhua Peak (if open), Tiandu Peak (if open), take the Yuping Cable Car down the mountain, and return to the South Gate.
Transportation
- Air: Take a flight to Huangshan Tunxi International Airport, about 50 kilometers from Huangshan Scenic Area. You can take an airport bus or taxi. The airport bus fare is 20 RMB per person, and the journey takes about 1 hour.
- High-speed Rail/Train: Take high-speed rail to Huangshan North Station, about 50 kilometers from the scenic area. Take the high-speed rail special line bus, fare 20 RMB per person, journey about 1 hour. Take a train to Huangshan Station, and there are tourist buses outside the station to Huangshan Scenic Area, fare 19 RMB per person, journey about 1.5 hours.
- Self-driving: Self-driving cars can go to Huangshan Scenic Area via Beijing-Taipei Expressway, Hangzhou-Ruili Expressway, etc. The scenic area has three parking lots: South Gate, North Gate, and East Gate. The South Gate parking lot is larger, charging 30 RMB per day for small cars, 40 RMB per day for medium cars, and 50 RMB per day for large cars.
- Intra-scenic transportation: Traffic control is implemented in Huangshan Scenic Area. Visitors need to take the scenic area shuttle bus to each attraction. The shuttle bus fare is 19 RMB per one-way trip. From the South Gate to Ciguang Pavilion and Yungu Temple, shuttle buses must be taken.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Yingke Pine: The iconic landscape of Huangshan, about 1,300 years old, with a graceful posture, a must-visit attraction for tourists.
- Lianhua Peak: The highest peak of Huangshan, 1,864.8 meters above sea level. Climbing the summit offers a panoramic view and sea of clouds and Buddha light.
- West Sea Grand Canyon: The most beautiful canyon in Huangshan, with towering peaks. You can take a cable car or hike to experience the canyon's beauty.
- Guangming Ding: The second highest peak of Huangshan, the best place to watch sunrises and sea of clouds, with many surrounding attractions.
- Tiandu Peak: The steepest peak of Huangshan, with dangerous paths like Crucian Carp Back, a good place to challenge oneself (open alternately).
Tour Tips
- It is recommended to spend 2-3 days to fully experience the natural and cultural charm of Huangshan.
- Check the weather forecast in advance and choose sunny or cloudy days for sightseeing to facilitate viewing landscapes like sea of clouds and sunrises.
- Wear comfortable sports shoes and windproof jackets. Huangshan has many mountain roads, and the temperature at the top is low, especially with large temperature differences between morning and evening.
- Carry enough drinking water and snacks. Prices on the mountain are relatively high, and you can prepare high-calorie foods such as chocolate and beef jerky.
- Observe order when taking cable cars, keep personal belongings safe, pay attention to safety when hiking, and do not climb undeveloped areas.
Notes
- Smoking and littering are prohibited in Huangshan Scenic Area. Please love the environment and keep the scenic area clean.
- Some sections in the scenic area are steep, such as the Crucian Carp Back of Tiandu Peak and the West Sea Grand Canyon. Pay attention to safety and travel in groups when visiting.
- Huangshan has frequent thunderstorms. Do not stay on the peak or under large trees during thunderstorms, and seek shelter in time.
- There are many visitors during the peak season, especially during holidays. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance to avoid affecting the itinerary.
- Respect local customs and habits, keep quiet when entering temples and other religious places, and comply with relevant regulations.