Huangshan , Central China

Huangshan, located in Anhui Province, is a picturesque city renowned for its majestic mountains, ancient villages, and cultural heritage. Known as the “Yellow Mountain,” the area attracts nature lovers, photographers, and history enthusiasts alike.

 

Tourist Attractions in Huangshan

1. Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

  • Description: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its breathtaking granite peaks, ancient pine trees, hot springs, and sea of clouds.
  • How to Get There:
    • Take a taxi or bus to the Tangkou town, the base of the mountain.
    • Shuttle buses operate from Tangkou to the cable car stations.
  • Entrance Fee: ¥190 (off-season), ¥230 (peak season).
  • Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
  • Highlights:
    • Sunrise and sunset views at spots like Bright Summit and Lion Peak.
    • Famous attractions include Xihai Grand Canyon, Lotus Peak, and the Flying Over Stone.
    • Cable car rides offer stunning vistas.

2. Hongcun Ancient Village

  • Description: A well-preserved village with a history of over 900 years, often described as a “living painting.”
  • How to Get There:
    • Located 65 km from the city center; accessible by bus or taxi.
  • Entrance Fee: ¥104.
  • Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
  • Highlights:
    • Charming waterways and traditional Anhui-style architecture.
    • A popular filming location for movies like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

3. Xidi Ancient Village

  • Description: Another UNESCO-listed village with traditional Hui-style architecture and exquisite carvings.
  • How to Get There:
    • About 50 km from downtown Huangshan; easily reachable by bus or taxi.
  • Entrance Fee: ¥104.
  • Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
  • Highlights:
    • Intricate wood and stone carvings.
    • Serene environment ideal for photography.

4. Tunxi Ancient Street

  • Description: A bustling pedestrian street lined with Ming and Qing dynasty-era buildings.
  • How to Get There:
    • Located in downtown Huangshan; accessible by walking or public transport.
  • Entrance Fee: Free.
  • Opening Hours: Open all day.
  • Highlights:
    • Souvenirs, local crafts, and tea shops.
    • Authentic Anhui snacks and traditional restaurants.

5. Chengkan Village

  • Description: A lesser-known gem with a tranquil atmosphere and impressive architectural heritage.
  • How to Get There:
    • Located 35 km from the city center; taxis or private vehicles recommended.
  • Entrance Fee: ¥70.
  • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  • Highlights:
    • Eight-Trigram layout of the village.
    • Peaceful scenery surrounded by mountains and rivers.

 

How to Get There

  1. By Air:

    • Huangshan Tunxi International Airport serves domestic and limited international flights. Taxis and shuttle buses are available to the city center.

  2. By Train:

    • Huangshan North Railway Station connects to major cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Beijing via high-speed trains.

  3. By Bus:

    • Long-distance buses connect Huangshan with nearby cities like Hangzhou and Hefei.

 

Getting Around

  1. Public Buses:

    • Affordable and convenient for traveling within the city. Fares range from ¥1-¥3.

  2. Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps:

    • Widely available, with starting fares around ¥8. Apps like Didi are reliable.

  3. Rental Cars:

    • Ideal for exploring villages and areas not easily accessible by public transport.

  4. Walking:

    • Many attractions, like Tunxi Ancient Street, are best explored on foot.

 

Popular Local Food

  1. Steamed Stone Frog (清蒸石蛙): A delicacy known for its tender and flavorful meat.
  2. Huangshan Braised Mandarin Fish (黄山臭鳜鱼): A signature dish made with fermented fish and savory sauce.
  3. Hui-Style Tofu (徽州臭豆腐): Fermented tofu served with chili oil and seasoning.
  4. Mao Bamboo Shoots (毛竹笋): Fresh bamboo shoots cooked with pork or chicken.
  5. Huangshan Tea: Famous varieties include Huangshan Maofeng and Keemun Black Tea.

 

Top Nightlife Spots

1. Tunxi Ancient Street Bars

  • Description: Small bars with live music and a cozy ambiance.
  • How to Get There: Walking distance from downtown hotels.
  • Entrance Fee: Free entry; drinks range from ¥30-¥80.
  • Happy Hours: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

2. Mount Huangshan Hot Springs

  • Description: Relax in natural hot springs under the stars.
  • How to Get There: Located near the foot of Mount Huangshan; accessible by shuttle or taxi.
  • Entrance Fee: ¥198.
  • Happy Hours: N/A, but evening visits offer a tranquil experience.

3. Hongcun Night Market

  • Description: A lively market with food stalls, local crafts, and occasional cultural performances.
  • How to Get There: Accessible by taxi from the village entrance.
  • Entrance Fee: Free.
  • Happy Hours: N/A.

Huangshan offers a blend of natural wonders, ancient architecture, and cultural experiences. From its iconic mountain peaks to the charming villages, it provides an unforgettable journey for travelers seeking history, scenery, and serenity.