Day 1: Across the country → Huangshan City → Zuyuan Village → Muli Village (5km hike)
All day
Meeting time:
13:00 Pick up at Huangshan North Station
13:30 Pick up at Huangshan Tunxi Airport
We'll then drive to the secluded ancient village of Zuyuan, nestled deep in the Huizhou mountains and surrounded by hills. Its whitewashed walls and black tiles evoke the ancient charm of Huizhou. After lunch, we'll hike along the secret Dream Trail in Huizhou. The century-old stone path ascends, flanked by terraced fields. The tranquil valley and the mesmerizing chirping of insects create an enchanting experience. In the evening, we'll arrive at the cloud-supreme village of Muli, a hidden gem nestled high atop a mountain, yet still without road access. With its verdant mountains, whitewashed walls, and elegant homes, Muli is a breathtaking scene in Huizhou. After checking in, we'll ascend to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the village. Then, we'll relax in the courtyard, sip a cup of tea, and gaze at the stunning sunset, savoring this rare and relaxing moment.
Tips: Huangshan City has convenient transportation and is accessible by high-speed rail and airplane.
Day 2: Muli Village → Yuanyang Valley → Qishu Lake → Hongcun (8km hike)
All day
Opening the window in the morning, it feels as if you can reach out and touch the clouds. Head to the viewing platform to gaze at the sunrise over the sea of clouds. The old Hui-style houses perched atop the mountain loom faintly through the mist. After breakfast, descend the mountain by car to Yuanyang Valley, where you'll begin your day's hiking tour of the Xihong Ancient Trail. This winding path offers tranquility amidst the bustle, connecting the two World Heritage sites of Xidi and Hongcun. Along the Yuxi River, through Yuanyang Valley, you'll reach Qishu Lake at the Dongfanghong Reservoir. The scenery is breathtaking, like a fairyland. In the afternoon, you'll arrive at another World Heritage site, Hongcun, known as the "Village in a Painting." Hongcun is an undeniable name among ancient Chinese villages, known for its layered, staggered matou walls, its gray-white exterior walls imbued with a sense of age, its gatehouses with soaring eaves and corners, and its courtyards, with their vivid and intricate carved beams and painted buildings. Tonight, spend the night in this picturesque Hui-style village.
Day 3 Hongcun → Xieli → Tachuan → Shicheng (10km hike)
All day
Winding stone alleys, steeped in history, offer a backdrop of early risers washing clothes by the stream. After breakfast, we'll stroll along this picturesque rural path, exploring the seasons, each with its own unique charm. We'll pass Xieli, less famous than nearby Hongcun, but equally scenic. The autumn colors are especially captivating, transporting us to a vibrant world, earning us the nickname "The World of Color." Continuing on, we'll reach Tachuan, known as one of China's four great autumn colors. When the Chinese tallow trees reach their peak crimson, Tachuan becomes autumn itself.
Afterwards, we'll drive to Shicheng, one of China's top ten most beautiful maple viewing spots. Every year in mid-to-late November, the maple trees begin to turn red. Century-old maple trees linger among the scattered ancient dwellings, creating a dreamlike wonderland.
Day 4: Shicheng → Changxi → Huangling (12km hike)
All day
In the early morning mist of Shicheng, curls of smoke rise from cooking fires. Surrounded by maple trees, the small village with its whitewashed walls and black tiles and its huge red maples appear and disappear through the mist, creating a dreamlike wonderland. After breakfast, we begin our day's hike along the Huirao Ancient Road, a thousand-year-old post road. The 12-kilometer journey from Shicheng to Changxi follows a bluestone path through the valleys, immersing you in the rich autumn scenery with a new scene at every step. Changxi is another hidden gem. Over 200 century-old sweet maple trees, lining the village's perimeter, blaze a vibrant crimson, blending seamlessly with the white walls and black tiles, creating a unique red maple forest.
After the hike, we drove to Huangling Scenic Area, where we stayed tonight. We took the cable car up the mountain, checked in, and then enjoyed a night tour of Huangling. The wonderful forest at night was magnificent.
5th Tianhuangling → Huangshan City Disbanded
All day
After waking naturally in the morning, you'll have plenty of time to explore the Huangling Scenic Area. Hundreds of ancient Hui-style dwellings are scattered across a 100-meter drop. Each house is filled with colorful harvest fruits, creating a spectacular autumn sun-drying spectacle. Stroll through the ancient village, checking in at the sun-drying work station, the post office, and the Huaxi Flower Street. Descend the mountain by cable car and return to Huangshan by bus.
