The Ultimate Guide to Huangshan: A Must-Visit Landscape Painting of Sea of Clouds, Pines, and Hot Springs

"After returning from the Five Great Mountains, one need not see other mountains; after returning from Huangshan, one need not see the Five Great Mountains. Every pine forest, sea of clouds, and peculiar rock is like a poem written to you by nature." 🚗 How to Get to Huangshan? (Transportation Guide) High-speed rail/bullet train: Direct access to "Huangshan North Station" from many cities nationwide (recommended). From there, take a shuttle bus or taxi to Huangshan Scenic Area (Tangkou Town) in about 1 hour, fare around ¥20. Flight: Huangshan Tunxi International Airport is 15 km from downtown. A 40-minute taxi ride can take you to Tangkou or downtown, suitable for direct flights from other regions. Downtown → Scenic Area: Buses/shuttles from Huangshan downtown and Tunxi Old Street go directly to Tangkou Town, taking about 1 hour. 🗺️ How to Explore Huangshan? Routes & Zones 1⃣ Base & Transfer Mandatory shuttle bus: All visitors must transfer at "Huangshan Visitor Center" in Tangkou Town (private vehicles prohibited). The 20-30 minute shuttle takes you to major trailheads. 2⃣ Three Main Trailheads (Key Route Choices) Yungu Temple Entrance (recommended): Cable car ascent, less strenuous, direct to White Goose Ridge, ideal for sunrise and sea of clouds. Yuping Pavilion Entrance: Cable car or hiking, passing Guest-Greeting Pine and Tiandu Peak, classic views but steep trails. Ciguang Pavilion Entrance: Traditional route with many steps, steep slopes, and pristine scenery, suitable for the physically fit. 3⃣ Core Scenic Zones North Sea Area: West Sea Grand Canyon, Qingliang Terrace, Monkey Gazing at the Sea, Lion Peak West Sea Grand Canyon: Huangshan's most spectacular views. Recommended to hike the loop, especially beautiful in autumn/winter. Yuping Area: Guest-Greeting Pine, Tiandu Peak, Lotus Peak (classic photo spots, some peaks seasonally closed) Shixin Peak Area: Best for pines and sea of clouds Hot Spring Area: Relax in hot springs after descent, great for rejuvenation 🕒 Itinerary Planning (Best for 2-3 Days) 2-Day Recommended Itinerary: Day 1 Morning: Tangkou → Yungu Temple cable car → White Goose Ridge → Shixin Peak → Drop luggage at Beihai Hotel → Lion Peak (sunset) → Evening stroll in West Sea Grand Canyon → Overnight at Beihai Hotel (stargazing) Day 2 Dawn: Sunrise at Qingliang Terrace/Lion Peak → Deep exploration of West Sea Grand Canyon → Yuping Pavilion → Guest-Greeting Pine → Bright Summit (panoramic views) → Cable car/hike down → Hot springs → Return **For the fit:** Add summit climbs to Tiandu Peak/Lotus Peak (seasonally closed, check on-site) 🏨 Accommodation & Tips Mountain hotels: Beihai Hotel, Xihai Hotel, White Goose Villa, Paiyun Tower, etc. High season prices and limited beds require 1-2 month advance booking, especially holidays. Some dorms are basic with shower queues; bring a sleeping bag for hygiene. Tangkou Town at base: Budget hotels/B&Bs, ideal for post-hike hot spring recovery. Hot Spring Hotels: Huangshan Hot Spring Resort with outdoor pools, great for families/couples. 🍽️ Dining & Supplies Mountain restaurants mostly serve buffets/simple meals (fried rice, noodles, boxed meals—pricey and average). Bring high-energy snacks (chocolate, nuts, jerky). Bring your own cup for hot water; few refill stations—fill bottles beforehand. Authentic Hui cuisine (stinky mandarin fish, hairy tofu, bamboo shoot pork, Huizhou braised pork) in Tangkou and Tunxi Old Street—recommended post-hike feast. ⚠️ Practical Tips Clothing: Mountain temps are 10°C lower year-round; even summer requires fleece/down jackets. Rain gear and hiking shoes essential. Viewing: Arrive 1 hour early for sunrise/sunset spots; crowded in peak season. Eco-friendly: Pack out trash; some areas lack bins. Pacing: Many steps—hike within your limits and plan cable car times. Photography: Best sea of clouds at West Sea Grand Canyon and Qingliang Terrace—shoot at dawn/dusk. Tickets/Cable Cars: Book in advance via official site/Trip.com; some seasons have quotas. 🌄 Closing "Huangshan's beauty lies not in how many peculiar rocks or seas of clouds you see, but in whether you're willing to slow down and walk your own path among the pines and mist. Everyone carries a Huangshan ink painting in their heart—waiting for you to paint it yourself."