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At Lion Peak, the main activity is hiking to the summit for a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and Huangshan's famous granite peaks. The rock formations at Lion Peak are shaped in such a way that they resemble a lion’s head, which is a sight to behold. Visitors can also take photographs, explore the surrounding forest paths, and visit nearby temples for a cultural experience.
Lion Peak is located in the northwest of Beihai, with an altitude of 1,690 meters. It looks like a crouching lion, hence the name.
The lion's head rises toward Danxia Peak, the Qingliang Terrace rests on the lion's waist, the Dawn Pavilion sits at the lion's tail, and the lion's open mouth is where the former Lion Grove Monastery stood. Near the monastery are rare pines like the Fan and Qilin, ancient cypresses like the Botuan and Phoenix, the ever-flowing Tianyan Spring, and a forest of towering ancient pines.
Climbing to the top of Lion Peak, you can see the Danxia, Shigu, Shimen, Qishi, Baie, Shixin Peaks, Gongyang Mountain, Guangmingding, etc. Therefore, there is a folk song saying: "If you don't reach Lion Peak, you won't see the trace of Huangshan."
The subtropical monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
Qingliang Terrace, a key scenic spot for viewing the scenery of Beihai, is located on the hillside of Shizi Peak. It offers the best view of the sunrise and sea of clouds within the Beihai Scenic Area, earning it the nickname "The First Terrace of Huangshan." From Qingliang Terrace, visitors can admire numerous lifelike stone carvings, such as "Pigsy Eating Watermelon," "Eighteen Arhats Facing the South China Sea," and "Guanyin Floating Across the Sea." This area is rich in scenic beauty and a popular destination for mountaineering travelers. Near Qingliang Terrace, nestled on the peak's waist, are inscriptions bearing large characters, including "Cool World," "Myriad Valleys, Deep and Serene," "Fantastic and Stunning," "Magnificent, Fantastic, and Dangerous," and "Natural Paintings."
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours
Free (included in Huangshan Scenic Area, 150 yuan/person)
Open all day
Lion Peak is one of the most famous peaks in the Huangshan mountain range, known for its unique lion-shaped rock formations. It has both natural and cultural significance, being a place of inspiration for poets, painters, and scholars throughout history. It is also a symbol of strength and perseverance in Chinese culture.
Lion Peak is located in the Huangshan Scenic Area, Anhui Province. Visitors can take a taxi or bus to the base of the mountain and then hike up to the peak. The trail to the peak is well-marked, and walking is the primary way to explore the area.
Lion Peak is open year-round, typically from early morning to late afternoon. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the foliage is vibrant. Avoid peak tourist seasons like Chinese public holidays to avoid large crowds.
The entrance fee for Lion Peak is part of the Huangshan Scenic Area ticket, which is around ¥180-¥200. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online in advance, especially during peak seasons to avoid long queues.
It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (spring and autumn). Booking a few days in advance is typically enough, but for peak holidays, consider booking a week ahead.
Visiting Lion Peak will take around 2 to 3 hours, including the hike to the top, time spent enjoying the views, and exploring the surrounding area. If you wish to visit nearby attractions, you might need additional time.
The main highlight of Lion Peak is the lion-shaped rock formation, which offers one of the most iconic views in Huangshan. The view from the summit provides an incredible panorama of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some tour guides offer services in English during peak seasons. Audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English, and can be rented at the entrance of the scenic area.
The best viewpoint is from the top of Lion Peak itself, where you can capture the panoramic views of the surrounding granite peaks and valleys. The unique lion-shaped rock formations also make for excellent photographs.
Start your hike from the base of the mountain, where the main trail leads to the summit. Along the way, stop at scenic spots such as the "Lion's Head" rock formation for photo opportunities. Once at the top, spend some time enjoying the view and visiting the nearby temple before heading back down.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Lion Peak. It is best to visit during daylight hours, as the area is best enjoyed in the natural light, especially for photography.
Lion Peak can be crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit during weekdays, particularly in the early mornings. The off-peak seasons (late fall and winter) are also less crowded.
Basic facilities like toilets, small shops, and rest areas are available at various points along the trails. Snacks and water can be bought near the base, but it's a good idea to bring your own water and provisions for the hike.
The trail to Lion Peak involves some steep and rocky sections, so it may not be suitable for elderly or disabled visitors. Children who enjoy hiking will find it manageable, but it’s best to ensure they are fit for the walk. Some parts of the peak may be more accessible for those with limited mobility.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted at the entrance and in shops. Cash may still be needed in some smaller locations, but it’s safer to rely on mobile payments for convenience.
There are limited food options near Lion Peak. Small snack shops provide basic refreshments like noodles, tea, and snacks. For a wider variety, consider heading back to Huangshan city, where you can find many restaurants offering local Anhui cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available in nearby Huangshan city restaurants. Vegan and halal food options are more limited but can be found in some specialized restaurants with prior notice.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Huangshan city, including budget options and more luxurious hotels. Some accommodations are within a short distance from the base of the mountain and offer easy access to the hiking trails.
Nearby attractions include the famous Huangshan Mountain with its unique peaks, the ancient villages of Xidi and Hongcun, and other scenic areas within the Huangshan Scenic Area. These can be easily combined into a day trip.
Souvenir shops at the base of Lion Peak and in Huangshan city sell traditional Chinese crafts like paintings, calligraphy, tea sets, and rock-shaped souvenirs. Popular items include small-scale models of the Lion Peak rock formation and local handicrafts.
After visiting Lion Peak, you can take a taxi or bus back to Huangshan city. From there, you can continue your trip to nearby attractions or catch a train or bus to other major cities in China.
