Comprehensive Guide to Huangshan: Recommended Routes, Food, Accommodations, and Tips

Huangshan Travel Guide with Recommended Routes, Local Food, Accommodations, and Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps

I. Classic Huangshan Routes
1. Classic One-Day Route (Energy-Saving Version)
- Route: Take Yungu Temple Cable Car up the mountain (back mountain) → Shixin Peak → Lion Peak → Bright Summit → Flying Rock → Paiyun Pavilion → West Sea Grand Canyon (take the popular mini train at the canyon bottom) → Aoyu Peak → Welcome Pine → Take Yuping Cable Car down (front mountain).
- Features: Suitable for visitors with limited time or energy. Using cable cars saves energy while covering Huangshan's "Four Wonders."

2. In-Depth Two-Day Route
- Day 1: Take Yungu Temple Cable Car up → Shixin Peak → Lion Peak → Paiyun Pavilion → Overnight stay on the mountain (e.g., Baiyan Hotel), watch sunrise the next morning → West Sea Grand Canyon → Heavenly Sea → Aoyu Peak → Welcome Pine → Walk down or take cable car from the front mountain.
- Day 2: Tour surrounding areas (such as Hongcun, Xidi, or Huizhou Ancient City).

3. Cultural Village Route
- Route: Huizhou Ancient City → Yangchan Tulou → Bishan Village → Chengkan → Hongcun.
- Features: Huizhou architecture, rural landscapes, and off-the-beaten-path village experiences.

---

II. Must-Try Food Recommendations
1. Signature Huizhou Cuisine
- Stinky Mandarin Fish: The star dish of Huizhou cuisine, smells pungent but tastes delicious, classic braised preparation.
- Hairy Tofu: Fermented tofu with white mold on the surface, crispy outside and tender inside after frying.
- Huangshan Pancake: Filled with preserved vegetables and meat, crispy and savory, best when freshly made on Tunxi Old Street.
- Stir-fried Dried Bamboo Shoots with Meat: Spring bamboo shoots with preserved meat, a homestyle Huizhou flavor.

2. Street Food Hotspots
- Tunxi Old Street: Huangshan pancakes, hairy tofu, Qingming rice cakes, etc., but be aware of commercialization.
- Liyang In Lane: A mix of artistic and trendy spots with various options like cold noodles, grilled cold noodles, and Huizhou-style barbecue.

---

III. Accommodation Recommendations
1. Mountain-top Accommodations
- Baiyan Hotel: Near Bright Summit, convenient for watching sunrise, beds around 150 yuan/person, advance booking required.
- Yuping Building Hotel: Next to Welcome Pine, prime location, ideal for photography enthusiasts.

2. Mountain Base and Surrounding Accommodations
- Lianshan Mountain View Guesthouse (Tangkou Town): Near the South Gate transfer center, offers free shuttle service and walking sticks, authentic Huizhou cuisine.
- Shiting Art Inn (near Hongcun): Converted from a Ming Dynasty merchant mansion, garden-style design, attentive service.
- Lanshan Mountain View Guesthouse (inside Hongcun scenic area): Views of traditional black-tiled houses from your window, perfect for experiencing Huizhou culture.

---

IV. Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps
1. Transportation and Parking
- Parking tips: Avoid the multi-level parking lot at Huangshan (chaotic pricing); instead, use the transfer center parking lot (maximum 50 yuan for 24 hours).
- Cable car choice: Avoid Yungu Temple cable car during holidays (crowded); choose Ciguang Pavilion cable car in the opposite direction to save time.

2. Hiking Equipment
- Shopping traps: Hiking sticks, raincoats, etc. are overpriced at scenic area entrances. Buy them at shops near the transfer center instead (hiking sticks 3 yuan each, raincoats 5 yuan each).
- Essential items: Sunscreen, windbreaker, hiking sticks (not necessary but helpful), disposable raincoats.

3. Scenic Spot Notes
- Welcome Pine: Very crowded; visit in early morning or evening for better photos.
- Lotus Peak/Celestial Peak: The two peaks open alternately (Celestial Peak reopens in April 2024); confirm opening status before your trip.
- West Sea Grand Canyon: Full hike takes 3-4 hours, some sections are steep; wear non-slip shoes.

4. Dining Tips
- Restaurants at the mountain base: Be cautious of restaurants soliciting customers near the scenic area entrance. Low-priced dishes on display menus may be for show only, with actual costs being much higher.
- Mountain dining: Bring your own snacks (like self-heating rice, chocolate). Simple meals on the mountain cost about 50 yuan each. No hot water for instant noodles.

V. Best Time to Visit
Recommended periods: March-May (spring scenery), September to early November (autumn colors). Avoid summer peak season and rainy season.
- Winter highlights: Rime frost and snow scenes, but be prepared for slippery conditions (bring crampons).

---

Huangshan combines natural wonders with cultural heritage. With proper planning, visiting during off-peak times, and avoiding tourist traps, your journey will be more enjoyable. For a deeper experience, explore the surrounding ancient villages to appreciate the essence of Huizhou culture.