Huangshan Mountain (aka Yellow Mountain), one of the most famous and beautiful mountains in China, has long captivated travelers with its majestic mountain landscapes and unique natural beauty. Nestled in southern Anhui, it boasts iconic pine trees, oddly-shaped rock formations, sea of clouds, stunning sunrises and sunsets scattering around its many scenic areas. Based on your interests, you can choose between classic hiking trails or taking the cable car to explore the many famous scenic spots.
Given the many natural and cultural wonders Huangshan has to offer, the unpredictable mountain weather, and the various trails and scenic areas on the mountain, it is essential to plan carefully for a Huangshan tour to maximize your travel experience.
While the mountain is picturesque all year round, the mild weather and the exceptionally beautiful landscapes in spring and autumn make it the best times to fully experience its grandeur. Pre-booking entrance, cable cars, and hotels is necessary to save your time and avoid long queues or disappointments. See more essential tips for your Yellow Mountain trip planning below.
Main Scenic Areas
Huangshan Mountain Scenic Area is often divided into the Front Mountain and the Back Mountain. The Front Mountain stretches from Ciguang Pavilion to Bright Summit, while the Back Mountain runs from Yungu Temple to Bright Summit. Within the Front Mountain and Back Mountain sections, the mountain is further divided into several scenic areas. Among them, the most popular four key areas are:
- Yuping Scenic Area: In the Front Mountain. Known for its majestic and perilous landscapes. Iconic attractions include Guest-greeting Pine, Yuping Tower (a viewing platform to enjoy the sea of clouds), Lotus Peak (the highest peak in Huangshan Mountains), and Tiandu Peak (the third highest peak)
- Beihai Scenic Area: In the Back Mountain. Features serene and picturesque scenery, such as Beginning-to-Believe Peak, Lion Peak, Monkey Watching the Sea, Qingliang Terrace, Bursh Pen Flower, etc.
- West Sea Grand Canyon: Known for its thrilling cliffside pathways that traverse the perilous Danxia Peak forest. When the canyon is shrouded in clouds and mist, it creates one of the most striking wonders in Huangshan.
- Central Huangshan Mountaintop: Stretches from the Tianhai Scenic Area to the Bright Summit Scenic Area. Main attractions include the Bright Summit, and the Sea Heart Pavilion.
Best Time to Visit Huangshan Mountain
Huangshan Mountain is a year-round destination, showing unique charms in each season. The spring and autumn months (April-June, September-November) are usually considered the best times for a visit.
In spring, you can see the blooming flowers blanket the peaks and unique rock formations. It also one of the season to see the most frequent sea of clouds. Average temperatures range from 10-20°C in the period, allowing you a comfortable hiking and sightseeing experience.
Autumn is when the mountains are ablaze with fall foliage. The vibrant foliage, together with the peaks, pines, rocks and clear skies, create a stunning natural landscape painting. Mid-October to early November is, especially, the golden period to visit Huangshan. It not only avoids the peak tourist rush, but also offer higher probability to witness the sea of clouds, Buddha’s light, and the red leaves coexisting.
Summer in Huangshan is also cool and pleasant, but it is the rainy season and the peak season when the mountain sees frequent fog and large crowds.
If you don’t mind the cold weather in winter, December to February is also a good time to visit. During this period, the snow-covered peaks, frosty rime ice, and frequent sea of clouds offer many great photography opportunities and a peaceful retreat. Just note that some scenic areas, like the West Sea Grand Canyon, may be closed during the winter months.
How to Get to the Yellow Mountain
From the core cities near the Yangtze River Delta, such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Suzhou, taking a high-speed train to Huangshan is more popular. The train rides from these cities generally take about 1.5-2.5 hours.
From further cities, like Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, and Guangzhou, flying is the fastest way. High-speed trains are also available, but take more hours (about 5.5-10 hours). From Huangshan Tunxi International Airport, visitors can take a taxi to the scenic area in about 1 hour (about 55 km).
After arriving at Huangshan city center, visitors can take the tourist shuttle buses from Hangshan Bus Terminal or Huangshan North Railway Station to the scenic area in about 50 minutes to 1 hour. The buses are frequent, costing about 20-30 RMB per single trip.
For more flexibility, you can also take a taxi from the city center to the scenic area. The fare is about 150-200 RMB.
How Many Days to Plan for a Mount Huangshan Hiking Tour
Regarding how many days to plan for a Huangshan Mountain hiking tour, it really depends on what you want to see, how much time you are available, and your physical endurance.
For most visitors, two days is the sweet spot for exploring key attractions without feeling rushed.
A one-day hike is also possible if you’re pressed for time but still want to witness the beauty of Huangshan. Get ready to pack about 9 hours into the day. Get up early and hop on the cables cars to save time getting up and down the mountain.
If travel with families, or want to take many photos, it is advisable to spend 3 days for a more leisure paced trip or an in-depth hiking.
Recommended Huangshan Mountain Itineraries & Hiking Routes for 2025
Classic 2-Day Huangshan Mountain Tour – Most Popular
This itinerary requires about 8 kilometers of walking each day.
Day 1: Back Mountain + West Sea Grand Canyon + Sunset
Depart from the South Gate at around 7:30 AM – Yungu Cable Car up – North Sea Scenic Area ( Ink Brush Blossoms, Monkey Watching the Sea, etc.) – Paiyun Pavilion – north entrance of the West Sea Grand Canyon – Sunset at the Danxia Peak or Bright Summit
Route options at the West Sea Grand Canyon:
- For a shorter trek: Hit the first loop only in about 1.5 hours, then return to the Paiyun Pavilion. Enjoy sunset at Danxia Peak, stay overnight at Paiyun Hotel or West Sea Hotel.
- For high fitness: Complete both the first and second loops in about 2.5 hours. Take the West Sea Cable Car from the canyon bottom to Tianhai Station. It’s a scenic 30-minute walk to Bright Summit for sunset, and then you can stay overnight right there.
Day 2: Sunrise + Front Mountain + Descent
Enjoy sunrise at Bright Summit or Danxia Peak at about 5:30 AM – Tiandu Peak – Guest-greeting Pine – Yuping Pavilion – Take the Yuping Cable Car down or hike for about 3 hours down.
- Recommended 2 Days Huangshan Mountain Tours:
2 Days Classic Mount Huangshan Bus Tour
Yellow Mountain Day Tour
Be ready for a workout—about 30,000 steps during this extreme itinerary.
Start your day early at around 6:30 AM at the South Gate – Yuping Cable Car up – hit all must-see attractions (Welcoming Pine, Lotus Peak or Tiandu Peak (depending on availability), and the Hundred Steps Cloud Ladder) – Aoyu Peak – enjoy lunch at the Bright Summit – North Sea Scenic Area – Beginning-to-believe Peak – Yungu Cable Car down.
- Recommended Huangshan Mountain One Day Tours:
Mt. Huangshan Day Tour With Round Way Cable Car
3-Day Hiking Route
Day 1: Back Mountain + Beihai Scenic Area
Yungu Temple – White Goose Ridge – Begin to Believe Peak – Lion Peak – Qingliang Terrace (enjoy sunset) – Monkey Watch the Sea. Stay overnight in Beihai Hotel.
Day 2: Xihai Grand Canyon + Sunrise & Sunset
Sunrise view at Lion Peak – Paiyun Pavilion – West Sea Grand Canyon (hike the firt loop only)– enjoy sunset at Danxia Peak. Stay overnight in Paiyun Hotel.
Day 3: Front Mountain Area + Ascend
Sunrise at Danxia Peak – Flying Over Rock – Bright Summit – Aoyu Peak – Lotus Peak / Tiandu Peak (depending on availability) – Welcoming Pine – Ciguang Pavilion – descend to the mountain foot.
- Recommended 3-Day Huangshan Tour:
3 Days Mount Huangshan Hiking Tour
Where to Stay on the Mountain
- Beihai Hotel: A 4-star hotel near the Lion Peak and Ink Brush Blossoms. Only a five-minute walk from the perfect sunrise spot at Qingliang Tai. A hub for exploring the back mountains. It’s convenient if you take the Yungu Cable Car up.
- Shilin Grnad Hotel: A 4-star hotel next to Beihai Hotel. It’s right by Lion Peak and caters to photography enthusiasts and young backpackers.
- Baiyun Hotel (4-star): Just a 15-minute walk from the Bright Summit. A prime spot for catching both sunrises and sunsets. And a hub connecting the back and front mountain attractions.
- Paiyun Hotel: This high-end hotel is located right at the entrance of the West Sea Grand Canyon. It is perfect for those looking to dive deep into canyon exploration.
- Xihai Hotel (4-star): Located at the junction of the North and West Seas, just a 20-minute walk from Paiyun Pavilion.
Extend Your Yellow Mountain Tour to Nearby Ancient Village – Highly Recommended
Besides the Yellow Mountain, Huangshan City is also home to a wealth of well-preserved Huizhou ancient villages. After enjoying the natural marvels of Huangshan Scenic Area, it is highly recommended to spend 1-2 days to explore these “living museums” of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
The UNESCO-listed Hongcun and Xidi Village, and the quiet Chengkan Village are all top destinations to trace the history of Hui merchants and their iconic architectural features.
Huangshan Tours with Ancient Villages:
- 4 Days Huangshan Tour with Hongcun & Xidi Villages
- 5 Days Jingdezhen and Huangshan Cultural Tour
- 4 Days Private Huangshan Tour with Village Culture Experience
