Planning Your Trip to Huangshan City
Country and Province
China, Anhui Province
Timezone
GMT +8
Languages Spoken
Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua), local Anhui dialects
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Huangshan Weather and Climate: A Seasonal Snapshot
- Spring (March-May): Mild, with occasional rain and enchanting fog. Perfect for the “seas of clouds.” Temperatures: 10-20°C (50-68°F).
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid with frequent rainfall. Temperatures can soar to 30°C (86°F) or higher.
- Autumn (September-November): Cool, dry, and sunny with stunning autumn foliage. The most popular time to visit! Temperatures: 15-25°C (59-77°F).
- Winter (December-February): Cold, with a chance of snow creating a winter wonderland. Temperatures can dip below freezing: -5 to 5°C (23-41°F).
Huangshan City Overview: A Gateway to Beauty
Huangshan City, located in southern Anhui Province, is world-famous for the majestic Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) range. The city serves as the perfect starting point for exploring these natural wonders. Beyond the mountains, Huangshan boasts a rich cultural heritage showcased in the beautifully preserved ancient villages of Hongcun and Xidi, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Admire the traditional Anhui architecture, characterized by white-walled buildings with grey-tiled roofs. The region is also celebrated for its tea production, especially Huangshan Mao Feng tea, one of China’s finest green teas. Huangshan City offers a delightful combination of natural beauty and cultural immersion, making it an unforgettable destination for travelers seeking an authentic Chinese experience. Enjoy the city’s dining, shopping, and hotels, while the peaceful landscapes surrounding Huangshan provides a tranquil escape.
Best Time to Visit Huangshan: Choosing Your Season
- Spring (March-May): Pros: See the breathtaking “seas of clouds.” Cons: Unpredictable weather, rain, and fog are possible.
- Summer (June-August): Pros: Lush green scenery. Cons: Hot, humid, and can be crowded.
- Autumn (September-November): Pros: The best weather, clear skies, and vibrant autumn colors. Cons: Peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.
- Winter (December-February): Pros: Unique winter scenery, fewer crowds. Cons: Cold temperatures and potential for snow and ice.
Getting to Huangshan & China Visa Information
- Flights: Huangshan Tunxi International Airport (TXN) offers flights from major Chinese cities and some international destinations.
- Trains: High-speed trains connect Huangshan North Railway Station to cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Hangzhou.
- Visa Details: Most nationalities require a Chinese visa. Apply well in advance at a Chinese embassy or consulate. Check the latest Chinese visa requirements for your nationality.
- Airport Transfers: Taxis and airport shuttle buses provide convenient transfers to Huangshan City and surrounding areas.
Huangshan City: Fun Facts & History
Huangshan Mountain Legend
Legend has it that the Yellow Emperor, the mythical ancestor of the Han Chinese, achieved immortality on Huangshan Mountain after refining elixirs. This legend solidified the mountain’s sacred status and its name, “Yellow Mountain.”
Famous People of Huangshan
Huang Binhong, a renowned Chinese painter and art theorist, was born in She County, now part of Huangshan City.
Top 10 Huangshan City Attractions
- Huangshan (Yellow Mountain): A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its stunning granite peaks, iconic pine trees, hot springs, and mesmerizing seas of clouds. Consider booking a guided tour.
- Address: Huangshan Scenic Area, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
- Hongcun Ancient Village: A picturesque village showcasing well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture. A must-see!
- Address: Hongcun Village, Yixian County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
- Xidi Ancient Village: Another UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional Anhui architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
- Address: Xidi Village, Yixian County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
- Tunxi Ancient Street: A historic commercial street filled with shops selling local products and souvenirs. Perfect for finding that special memento.
- Address: Tunxi District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
- Emerald Valley (Feicui Gu): A scenic valley boasting clear pools and cascading waterfalls. A refreshing escape!
- Address: Huangshan Scenic Area, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
- Nine Dragon Waterfall: A stunning waterfall cascading down nine levels.
- Address: Tangkou Town, Huangshan Scenic Area, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
- Hot Springs of Huangshan: Relax and rejuvenate in the hot springs located at the foot of Yellow Mountain.
- Address: Huangshan Scenic Area, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
- Baiyun Grand Canyon: A challenging but rewarding hike through a beautiful canyon. For the adventurous traveler!
- Address: Huangshan Scenic Area, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
- Flower Valley: Located between Hongcun and Huangshan, a charming rural park.
- Address: Hongcun Village, Yixian County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
- Mount Qiyun Known as “Little White Mountain,” this Taoist sacred mountain features temples perched on cliff sides.
- Address: Qiyun Mountain Scenic Area, Xiuning County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
Huangshan City: Hidden Gems
- Mukeng Bamboo Forest: A tranquil bamboo forest offering a peaceful escape from the crowds.
- Address: Mukeng Village, Tacun Town, Yixian County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
- Chengkan Village: A less-visited ancient village showcasing well-preserved Ming Dynasty architecture.
- Address: Chengkan Village, Huizhou District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
Local Festivals & Events in Huangshan
- Huangshan International Climbing Festival: An annual event that attracts climbers from around the world. Held in autumn.
- Tea Picking Season Festivals: Celebrations surrounding the harvesting of Huangshan Mao Feng tea in spring.
Huangshan City: Day Trips & Nearby Attractions
- Shexian County (Ancient Huizhou City): A historic county town with well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture. (Approx. 1-hour drive)
- Mount Jiuhua: One of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. (Approx. 2-hour drive)
Photography Spots & Insta-Worthy Places in Huangshan City
- Huangshan’s peaks at sunrise or sunset: Capture the dramatic landscapes bathed in golden light.
- Hongcun’s Moon Pond (Yue Zhao): Reflective water feature creating stunning photo opportunities.
- Xidi’s ancient alleyways: Capture the charm of traditional Anhui architecture.
- Mukeng Bamboo Forest: Perfect for capturing serene natural scenes.
Where to Stay & Getting Around Huangshan
Recommended Length of Stay in Huangshan City
3-5 days
Top Huangshan City Hotels
Budget-Friendly Hotels
- Huangshan International Youth Hostel: 13 Huashan Road, Tunxi District, Huangshan City
- Home Inn Huangshan Tunxi Old Street: 20 Guanyi Lane, Tunxi District, Huangshan City
Mid-Range Hotels
- Huangshan Golf Hotel: 1 Yingbin Avenue, Tunxi District, Huangshan City
- Holiday Inn Express Huangshan City Center: 18 Qiuyuan Road, Tunxi District, Huangshan City
- Banyan Tree Huangshan: Bishan Village, Baiyun District, Huangshan City
Luxury Hotels in Huangshan
- The Taiping Lake Greenery Hotel: Taiping Lake Scenic Area, Huangshan City
- Huangshan Resort & Spa: Tangkou Town, Huangshan Scenic Area, Huangshan City
- Crowne Plaza Huangshan Taiping Lake: Gan Tang, Taiping Lake, Huangshan City
Getting Around Huangshan City
- Public Transport: Buses are available throughout Huangshan City and to the Huangshan Scenic Area. Check routes and schedules in advance.
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available in Huangshan City. Make sure the meter is used.
- Walking: Exploring the ancient villages and Tunxi Old Street is best done on foot.
Preparing for Your Huangshan Adventure
What to Pack for Huangshan
- Comfortable walking shoes for hiking.
- Layers of clothing to accommodate varying temperatures.
- Rain gear, especially during spring and summer.
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to protect from the sun.
- Insect repellent to ward off pesky bugs.
- Any necessary prescription medications.
Useful Apps for Traveling in Huangshan
- Baidu Maps or Amap: Essential for navigation in China.
- Pleco: A helpful Chinese-English dictionary.
- WeChat: For communication and payment (widely used in China). Consider setting it up before you go.
Local Customs, Safety Tips & Cultural Etiquette
- Do: Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your interactions.
- Do: Remove your shoes when entering homes or temples out of respect.
- Don’t: Point with your chopsticks; it’s considered impolite.
- Don’t: Be overly loud or boisterous in public places. Be mindful of local customs.
- Be aware of: Potential scams involving tea ceremonies or transportation. Negotiate prices beforehand.
Huangshan City: Food, Fun & Finds
Top Restaurants in Huangshan
- Meiyigeng Restaurant: Specializes in traditional Anhui cuisine.
- Description: Known for their braised pork and local vegetables.
- Address: Tunxi Old Street, Tunxi District, Huangshan City
- Laojie Diyilou: Serving popular dishes from the area.
- Description: Popular restaurant located in a historic building with a charming courtyard.
- Address: 235 Tunxi Old Street, Tunxi District, Huangshan City
Must-Try Dishes in Huangshan
- Huangshan Stewed Pigeon: A local delicacy worth trying.
- Hairy Tofu: Fermented tofu with a unique and acquired taste.
- Huangshan Mao Feng Tea: Sample the famous local green tea.
Huangshan Nightlife & Entertainment
- Bars in Tunxi Old Street: Enjoy live music and a relaxed atmosphere in the various bars along Tunxi Old Street.
- Description: A mix of traditional Chinese decor and modern bars.
- Address: Tunxi Old Street, Tunxi District, Huangshan City
What to Buy in Huangshan: Souvenirs & Local Products
- Tunxi Old Street Market: Shop for local crafts, tea, and souvenirs in this bustling market.
- Description: Find traditional Chinese souvenirs such as wood carvings, jade jewelry, and silks.
- Address: Tunxi Old Street, Tunxi District, Huangshan City
- Huangshan Mao Feng Tea: Purchase high-quality tea directly from local vendors. A perfect gift!
