Located in Huangshan District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, Huangshan Scenic Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Mixed Cultural and Natural) and China's first batch of 5A-level tourist attractions. Covering 160.6 square kilometers, its highest peak Lotus Peak reaches 1,864 meters. Featuring 50+ historical structures including temples and cliff inscriptions, the area combines granite peaks, hot springs, and ancient pines into a cultural-natural landscape.
History & Culture
Originally named "Yishan", it was renamed Huangshan in 747 AD to honor the Yellow Emperor's legendary alchemy practices here. Over 20,000 poems and paintings were created by literati since Tang Dynasty, with Xu Xiake proclaiming "No mountains worth seeing after Huangshan". The Ming-Qing era saw the birth of Huangshan Painting School through artists like Shi Tao. Modern recognition includes Global Geopark status and world heritage designation since 1990.
Main Attractions
Lotus Peak
The summit at 1,864m resembles a blooming lotus. The challenging ascent passes Hundred-Step Ladder and Turtle-Snake Rocks, rewarding climbers with sea-of-clouds vistas from its iron-railed peak.
Bright Summit
Second highest peak (1,860m) with China's highest-altitude meteorological station. Prime sunrise viewing spot offering panoramic views of Flying Rock and Turtle Peak.
Welcoming Pine
This 10-meter millennium-old pine at Jade Screen Peak extends branch-like arms. Featured in Great Hall of the People's iron relief, it symbolizes Chinese hospitality.
West Sea Grand Canyon
15km U-shaped canyon with cliffside trails and cable cars. Autumn brings fiery foliage while mist transforms it into ethereal wonderland.
Cuisine
Huangshan Sesame Cake
Called "Crab Shell Yellow", these baked pastries with preserved vegetable and pork filling were Ming merchants' travel food. Crispy crust with sesame topping.
Fermented Mandarin Fish
Signature Huizhou dish using fermented peach-blossom mandarin fish. Firm "garlic-clove" flesh with pungent aroma, braised with bamboo shoots.
Hairy Tofu
Naturally fermented tofu with edible white mycelium. Pan-fried to golden crispness, served with chili sauce. Legend says it sustained Zhu Yuanzhang's army.
Tickets
Peak season (Mar-Nov): ¥190; Off-season: ¥150. Cable cars: ¥80-100/single trip. Discounts for seniors(60+), students, children. Free under 1.2m. Official website and on-site purchase available. Book 2 days in advance.
Recommended Routes
1-day: Cloud Valley Cableway→Shixin Peak→Black Tiger Pine→Bright Summit→Turtle Peak→Welcoming Pine→Jade Screen Cableway. 2-day: Sunset at Beihai Hotel→Sunrise at Danxia Peak→West Sea Canyon. 3-4 days for hidden trails like White Cloud Stream.
Transportation
- Air: Huangshan Tunxi International Airport→1.5hr shuttle
- HSR: Huangshan North Station→South Gate via tourist bus
- Highway: G56 from Hangzhou/Shanghai, G3 from Hefei
- Shuttle: Xinguo Line buses connect cable stations (¥19)
Must-See Spots
- Bright Summit: 360° observation deck
- Flying Rock: Featured in 1987 "Dream of Red Chamber"
- Monkey Gazing at Sea: Granite rock formation
- Dream Brush Blooming: Lone peak with unique pine
Travel Tips
- Arrive 1hr before sunrise for prime spots
- Use trekking poles and anti-slip shoes
- Book mountain hotels 2 weeks ahead
- Carry high-calorie snacks lightly
- Cloudy days favor sea-of-clouds sightings
Precautions
- No metal poles during thunderstorms
- Do not feed wildlife
- Heed cliffside safety warnings
- 15℃ temperature drop at night
- Drones prohibited in core areas