Anhui Huangshan | A Paradise on Earth, a Natural Ink Painting

Listed as a dual heritage site by UNESCO, this "Number One Mountain Under Heaven" is an epic of nature, boasting 159 legendary rock formations, over 1,000 rare species, and 20,000 cliff carvings. From the legends of the Yellow Emperor's alchemy to the inspiration for the Xin'an School of Painting, Huangshan has always been a spiritual landmark of Chinese civilization, waiting for the world to unveil its layered, ethereal veil.

Classic hiking routes + stunning hidden trails, save this guide 👇
🌟[Front Mountain Route—A Visual Feast on the Cliffs]
📍Entrance Location: Ciguang Pavilion (Yuping Cable Car)
⛰️Key Features: Steep steps + concentrated peaks + epic sunrise viewing spot
🚶Classic Itineraries
✅ Hardcore Hiker Version
Ciguang Pavilion → 3-hour hike → Greeting Guest Pine → Lotus Peak → One-Line Sky → Aoyu Peak → Bright Summit
(5 km in total, 800m vertical climb, warning: sore legs!)
✅ Easygoing Highlights Version
Yuping Cable Car → 10 minutes direct to Greeting Guest Pine → Lotus Peak → Hundred Steps Cloud Ladder → Bright Summit
⚠️Real Deterrents
🔸The steps are almost vertical! The Hundred Steps Cloud Ladder has a 70° slope.
🔸During peak season, the queue for the one-way path on Lotus Peak is 2 hours+.
🔸Not recommended for seniors/children to hike.
🌟[Back Mountain Route—A Refreshing Stroll in the Clouds]
📍Entrance Location: Yungu Temple (Yungu Cable Car)
⛰️Key Features: Gentle slopes + dense rock formations + popular mini train
🚶Classic Itineraries
✅ Scenic Photo Spot Route
Yungu Cable Car → Beginning-to-Believe Peak → Black Tiger Pine → Magic Brush Painting Flowers → Monkey Watching the Sea → West Sea Grand Canyon
✅ In-depth Hiking Route*
Yungu Temple → 2.5-hour hike → White Goose Ridge → Bright Summit → Flying-Over Rock → Danxia Peak
⚠️Hidden Traps
🔸The West Sea Grand Canyon loop takes 5 hours, so assess your capabilities.
🔸The back mountain has many forks and it's easy to get lost, so download offline maps in advance.
🔸The lower carriages of the mini train offer better views.
🎒[Tips from Experienced Hikers]
✔️Must bring hiking poles! The 5-yuan bamboo poles at the entrance saved my life.
✔️Large temperature difference at the summit, layering a windbreaker + sun hat is the best.
✔️Self-heating hot pot is 100 times better than instant noodles (don't ask me how I know).
✔️Taking the Yungu Cable Car up the back mountain saves more energy (the front mountain steps are super...).
‼️Those hiking down, be sure to check the route, don't 🙅 go the wrong way.
[There are two directions for hiking down: one is towards the cable car, and the other is towards Songgu Nunnery (this is towards the north area, very far from the south area). The descent towards Songgu Nunnery is about 10 km and very remote. Not recommended for first-time hikers.]

Now I finally understand what Xu Xiake meant by "Once you've climbed Huangshan, no other mountain compares"! The moment the clouds flowed through my fingers, I felt like I was ascending in a fantasy novel. Any questions, ladies? See you in the comments section. Quickly save this energy-boosting mountain and water healing guide!