Ask a Question
Huangshan District, Huangshan, Anhui Province.
World Natural Heritage; UNESCO World Heritage Site; One of most famous scenic mountains in China
Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain or Mt. Huangshan) in east China's Anhui province is one of China's ten best-known scenic spots. It is characterized by the four wonders, namely, odd-shaped pines, grotesque rock formation, seas of clouds and crystal-clear hot springs. Yellow Mountain is celebrated for having all the features of mountain scenery.
Known as the No. 1 Mountain under heaven, Mount Huangshan features numerous imposing peaks (77 exceed an altitude of 1,000m), forests of stone pillars and evergreen sturdy pines; other features include grotesquely-shaped rocks (many of which are individually named, such as 'pig-headed monk eating water melon'), waterfalls, pools and hot springs. Because of its mists and clouds, natural scenery in the area changes beyond prediction. Xu Xiake, a noted Chinese geologist and traveler in Ming Dynasty, praised Yellow Mountain as the best of all mountains.
Highlights:
Mount Huangshan Scenic Area covers approximately 160.6 square kilometers and is divided into three main sections: the Front Mountain, the Back Mountain, and the Xihai Grand Canyon. Visitors often hike to the summit to admire Huangshan’s “Five Wonders” – oddly-shaped pine trees, striking rock formations, seas of clouds, hot springs, and enchanting winter snow. Popular activities include trekking through the dramatic Xihai Grand Canyon, taking the Yungu or Taiping cable cars, watching a sunrise from Bright Summit, and exploring iconic landmarks such as the Greeting Pine and Beginning-to-Believe Peak.
A recommended itinerary is 2–3 days: spend one day climbing to see the core attractions, another day hiking the canyon or relaxing in a hot spring, and, if time allows, add a visit to nearby ancient villages like Hongcun or Xidi. The scenic area offers multiple classic hiking routes and trails of varying difficulty for visitors to choose from.
Mount Huangshan’s hiking routes are mainly divided into two classic trails: the Front Mountain (starting at Ciguang Pavilion) and the Back Mountain (starting at Yungu Temple).
The core routes typically connect major highlights like Beginning-to-Believe Peak, Lion Peak, Bright Summit, and the Xihai Grand Canyon. Visitors can choose to hike (about 6–8 hours) or take cable cars (Yungu, Yuping, or Taiping) for easier access. For a one-day visit, taking cable cars allows you to see the essential sights efficiently. A two-day trip offers the chance to stay overnight on the summit to catch the sunrise and explore the Grand Canyon in depth. Experienced hikers can also challenge the 15-kilometer Dreamland Loop Trail for a more adventurous experience.
Yellow Mountain can be divided into Beihai Scenic Area, Xihai Scenic Area, Songgu Scenic Area, Yungu Scenic Area, Yuping Scenic Area, Baiyun Scenic Area and Hot Spring Scenic Area.
【Beihai (North Sea) Scenic Area】
Beihai (North Sea) Scenic Area is just a few kilometers away from Xihai Scenic Area. In the Dawn Pavilion in front of guesthouse, you may enjoy the beautiful scenery of Shixin Peak as well as the Stalagmite Bridge that inspires imagination of various fairy scenes.
【Xihai (West Sea) Scenic Area】
Taking the west route or north route from Bright Top, you may go to Xihai or Beihai scenic area, which are two most famous scenic areas of Yellow Mountain. Descending Bright Top, you will come to Xihai via a newly opened tourist route. A mystical Stone Flow From Afar first comes into sight with a huge 10 meter high rock weighing 600 tons standing on it.
【Grand Canyon of Xihai (West Sea)】
Grand Canyon of Xihai (West Sea) is newly opened scenic area in Yellow Mountian opened to public on May, 2001. Covering the most prime scenery of Xihai Scenic Area, it starts at Paiyun Pavilion, linking White Cloud Area at Fairy-walking Bridge and creating a breath-taking circular sightseeing route.
【Yuping (Jade Screen) Scenic Area】
Jade Screen or Yuping Scenic Area is famous for its Jade Screen (Yuping) Tower which is also the name coming from. The Jade Screen (Yuping) Tower stands against Jade Screen Peak (Yuping Peak) with the high of 1,668 meter. Originally the seat of Manjusri Temple, it is now a tourist center with complete service facilities. Around the Tower are elephant and lion shaped rocks and ancient pines.
【White Clouds Scenic Area】
The West Sea, known as the Mystery Valley for the many clusters of peaks and the fathomless depth of the valley has been opened up as the White Clouds (Baiyun) Scenic Area. The seven-kilometer long newly paved staircase extends from the Hook Bridge Nunnery inside the West Gate of Yellow Mountain, across the bottom of the valley, and reaches the newly built Central Sea Pavilion at the Heavenly Sea.
【Hot Spring Scenic Area】
The Hot Spring Scenic Area of the Yellow Mountain of nationwide fame was discovered and tapped more than a thousand years ago. Gushing forth from the foot of Ziyun Peak, it has never run dry during the most severe droughts nor over flooded during excessive rain. It is of a high-temperature carbonate type, with therapeutic effects for metabolic disorder, cardiovascular disease and malfunctions of digestive, nervous and motorial systems.
【Bright Summit Peak】
Summit Peak, as its flat topography, is one of the best places on the Yellow Mountain to see the sunrise and watch sea of clouds. It is the second highest peak on the Yellow Mountain, located in the middle of the mountain which is 1860 meters above sea level. Along with the Heavenly Capital Peak and Lotus Peak, they are regarded as the three main peaks on the Yellow Mountain. The peak is high and wide here with long solar radiation, hence, so named "Bright Summit Peak".
Standing here, you can have a panoramic view of the impressive wonders of the East China Sea; have a panoramic view numerous peaks like Heavenly Capital Peak and Lotus Peak, Jade Screen Peak, etc. A monk called Pu Men of Ming Dynasty ever built Dabei Monastery on this peak, now on this site, there has built the Yellow Mountain meteorological station.
【Lotus Peak】
Lotus Peak is located in the middle of the Yellow Mountain, southwest of the Jade Screen Peak. It is 1,864 meters above sea level, the highest peak of Mt. Huangshan, and the third highest peak in east China.
From the 1.5 km road (Lotus Ridge to Lotus Peak), along there are famous pines and Rhododendron anhweiense. Climbing the peak point of the Lotus Peak, you can have a look at Tianmu Mountain eastward, westward see the Lushan Mountain, northward see the Jiuhua Mountain and the Yangtze River. After the rain, you have the chance to appreciate the spectacular sea of clouds all directions.
Lotus Peak has one wonders that is the iron chain around the summit is hung with all kinds of locks. It is heart lock for a young couple to live hand in hand to show their together forever. Almost all of the guardrail chains have heart lock hung, which not only are concentric lock for lovers, but also are family portrait lock for family and longevity lock for kids in uneven size. Even more interesting, all kinds of lock from various countries in the world can be found here.
【Flying Stone】
Flying Stone is located in White Clouds Scenic Area in Yellow Mountain, the north-west of the Bright Summit Peak, where is the concentration of 30% of the rocks in the Yellow Mountain. It is 1730 meters above sea level. Watching from the south to the north, it has a sharp top and round bottom, looking like a giant peach, which is called "Xiantao Stone" or "Xiantao Peak". The rock composition of the two above and under stones is exactly the same; their contact area is very small, so that visitors feel that the upper rock like flying down the cliff from the far heaven, so named "Flying Stone".
【West Sea Grand Canyon】
West Sea Grand Canyon, as the valley has the Baiyun Creek in it, also known as "White Cloud Valley". It has a total length of about 15 km. It is one of the famous grand canyons in the Yellow Mountain, which allows people to enjoy the sight of the valley on the circling halfway canyon. Stepping into the canyon, it collects the quietness and magnificence together. It shows the new and unique charm of the Yellow Mountain.
【Dispelling Cloud Pavilion】
Dispelling Cloud Pavilion, built in 1935, is located in the West Sea Gate in Yellow Mountain Scenic Area in Huangshan city. It is an elongated landscape pavilion with granite stone structure. The pavilion is 5 meters in wigth, 5 meters in height, covering an area of 20 square meters. There is a platform in front of the pavilion which is around 70 square meters. It has a stone fence iron chain, visitors can lean on the railing to enjoy the wonders in the West Sea. It is faced with large peaks and gully, and has a wide vision, is one of the best place to enjoy the sight of the beauty of Yellow Mountain. It is also an ideal place to view and admire the rare stones in Yellow Mountain, hence, it is regarded as "rare stone exhibition hall". Looking around from the Dispelling Cloud Pavilion, you can see forest-like ridges and peaks layer after layer. Whenever the clouds hover, now appearing, now disappearing, exactly like the numerous islands of the sea.
【Guest-Greeting Pine】
Huangshan Guest-Greeting Pine stands beside the Green Lion Stone in the Huangshan Yuping Scenic Area. It is 1670 meters above sea level with the tree height of 9.91 m. Today, the Guest-Greeting Pine has become the representative of Huangshan pines, a symbol of the entire Huangshan. It is the pride of the entire nation; it represents a tough and tensile, lofty and unyielding character.
Taking a cable car in Mount Huangshan is an excellent way to save energy while enjoying spectacular mountain views. The scenic area currently operates three main cableways and one sightseeing funicular, covering the Front Mountain, Back Mountain, and Xihai Grand Canyon. These cableways provide efficient access to different parts of the mountain and allow visitors to customize their routes based on time, fitness level, and interests.
【1. Yuping Cableway (Front Mountain) 玉屏索道】
This iconic cableway connects the base at Ciguang Pavilion with Yuping Pavilion, quickly transporting visitors to the core scenic area of Mount Huangshan at an altitude of 1,716 meters. Along the ride, you can enjoy panoramic views of Celestial Capital Peak, Lotus Peak, and the breathtaking “Penglai Three Islands.”
Recommended Route: Take the Yuping Cableway up, visit Greeting Pine, Lotus Pavilion, and Turtle Peak (Aoyu Peak). Return via the same route or continue to Yungu Cableway for a circular hike (~4–5 hours).
Best For: Visitors with moderate fitness who want to reach the Front Mountain’s highlights efficiently.
【2. Yungu Cableway (Back Mountain) 云谷索道】
Yungu Cableway is a popular choice for first-time visitors. It provides easy access to the North Sea Scenic Area and landmarks such as Beginning-to-Believe Peak and Monkey Watching the Sea. The lower station features a geological museum and science corridor for added interest.
Classic Circuit: Yungu Cableway up → Beginning-to-Believe Peak → Bright Summit → Jade Screen Cableway down. Total time: 6–8 hours.
Best For: Families, casual hikers, and those looking to conserve energy for exploring the summit.
【3. Taiping Cableway (North Gate Cableway) 太平索道】
This impressive cableway connects the North Gate to the summit area near Xihai Grand Canyon and Bright Top. The ride offers sweeping views of jagged peaks and deep valleys, including the West Sea Canyon. During Chinese New Year 2025, passengers even enjoyed complimentary ginger tea on board.
Best For: Travelers entering from the North Gate or those planning an in-depth exploration of Xihai Grand Canyon.
【4. Xihai Grand Canyon Sightseeing Funicular 西海大峡谷观光缆车】
This ground cable car connects the canyon floor with Tianhai Station, reducing a strenuous 2–3-hour hike to just minutes. It’s ideal for visitors with limited time or stamina who still wish to experience the dramatic scenery of Xihai Grand Canyon.
Best For: Those seeking a relaxed yet unforgettable Grand Canyon adventure.
Remarks: In winter, three cableways of Yellow Mountain will stop operation for in turns, and the maintenance of each cableway takes about one month. So visitor must consult the relevant information before traveling for further travel arrangements.
Practical Tips for Using the Cableways
Operating Hours (2025):
Ticketing: Purchase cableway tickets and park entry tickets in advance on official platforms. Consider buying the “Four-in-One Pass” (entry ticket + shuttle bus + round-trip cableway tickets) to save time.
Recommended Itineraries:
Other Notes:
Best time to visit Huangshan Mountain depends on what views you want to see.
If you want to see the flower blossoms near Haungshan Mountain, you can visit Huangshan Mountain from March to May.
If you want to see the iconic landmark of Huangshan Mountain-The Guest Greeting Pine, see the sea of clouds and mists or avoid the heat of summer, you can visit Huangshan Mountain from June to August.
September to November is the best time to enjoy the red leaves in autumn in Huangshan Mountain.
December to February is the best time to watch the snow and rime at Huangshan Mountain.
Huangshan City VS Huangshan Scenic Area
Huangshan literally meaning yellow mountain locates in the Mount Huangshan Scenic Area in Huangshan city. Therefore when you take a taxi or using any transporting service please do make it clear that are you going to the Huangshan city or going to the Huangshan Scenic Area.
Huangshan Cable car shuts down at 17:00 everyday
You are advised to arrival Huangshan site before 4 p.m. if you are planning to go up to the mountain via cable car as the cable operation shuts down at 5 p.m. every day.
Hotels inside the Huangshan Mountain save you ticket fee
You are advised to check in with any hotel inside the Huangshan site rather than stay at the Tangkou town as there are so many separate sites inside Huangshan which you could not finish in a one-day-trip. In doing this, you could save the trouble and cost of another ticket when you trying to get into Huangshan again on the second day of your Huangshan visiting.
Book a hotel IN ADVANCE if you wish to stay at the top of Huangshan Mountain
Weather check, sun cream, disposable rain coat and passport are advised to get ready before your Huangshan trip and book a hotel in advice if you are intended to stay at the top mountain as the accommodations there are limited.
Best time to visit Yellow Mountain
• Mt. Huangshan Tour Tips
• 3 Classic Huangshan Hiking Routes
4 Days Mt. Huangshan Highlight Tour
Mt. Huangshan, Tunxi Old Street, Xidi Village, Hongcun Village
From $ 159
From $ 127
From $ 321
We are member of
Follow us on
