Huangshan, the Summer Retreat Gem of Anhui

Huangshan, one of China's Top Ten Famous Mountains, is renowned for its "Four Wonders" – peculiar pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs – earning it the title of "The Most Spectacular Mountain Under Heaven." ### **Transportation** - **High-Speed Rail**: Huangshan North Station is the most convenient. Take a tourist shuttle bus (1 hour, ¥20) directly to the South Gate (Tangkou Town) of the scenic area. - **Flight**: Tunxi International Airport is 50 km from the scenic area. Options include airport buses (1.5 hours, ¥20-30) or taxis (¥150-200). - **Self-Drive**: Navigate to "Huangshan Scenic Area South Gate." Parking fees: ¥30-40/day. ### **Tickets & Cable Cars** - **Entrance Fee**: Peak season (Mar-Nov) ¥190, off-season (Dec-Feb) ¥150; half-price for students. - **Cable Cars**: One-way fares for Yungu/Yuping/Taiping Cable Cars: ¥80-100; Xihai Grand Canyon tram: ¥100. ### **Classic Itinerary (3-4 Days)** 1. **Day1**: Tunxi Old Street → Hui-style architecture + local delicacies (stinky mandarin fish, hairy tofu). 2. **Day2**: Ascend via Yungu Cable Car → Shixin Peak → Black Tiger Pine → Lion Peak → Bright Summit (sunset). 3. **Day3**: Xihai Grand Canyon → viral mini-train → Hongcun (ancient Hui-style village). 4. **Day4**: Welcoming Guest Pine → descend via Yuping Cable Car. ### **Accommodation** - **Mountain Top**: Bright Summit/White Cloud Hotel (¥800-2000/night; book 1-2 months ahead). - **Mountain Base**: Tangkou Town guesthouses (¥100-500/night) or Tunxi Old Street hotels (ideal for night strolls). ### **Tips** - Pack hiking poles, raincoats, and warm layers (large temperature shifts at the summit). - Lotus Peak/Celestial Capital Peak alternate openings (Lotus Peak reopens in 2025). - Best seasons: Spring/Autumn (cloud seas + autumn foliage).