🇨🇳 Breathing the Clouds — A Journey Through Huangshan Mountain

Rising through the mist of Anhui Province, Huangshan (the Yellow Mountain) is not just a destination, it’s an experience that feels almost sacred. With jagged granite peaks, seas of clouds, and twisted pines clinging to cliffs, it’s easy to see why Chinese poets have worshiped these mountains for centuries.

But before stepping into this ethereal world, there’s one golden rule:

📢 Plan your route in advance.

Huangshan is immense, with countless scenic trails and multiple peaks spread across the range. Trying to explore it all in a single day is nearly impossible, so having a route mapped out beforehand will make all the difference. Take in consideration that the whole process is around 200-300 RMB (the ticket of the mountain has a discount if you show your passport).

🌄 Starting from Tangkou:

Most travelers stay in Tangkou Town (as I did), the gateway to Huangshan. Depending on your hotel, you might be offered a transfer directly to the ticket entrance, that is convenient and time-saving. Once there, you’ll buy the official shuttle bus ticket (19 RMB) that takes you up to the base area, where you can choose your cable car (telpher) route. (Take in consideration that if you’ll have to pay for the bus to come back again).

🚠 The best route:

Start your adventure by taking the Yungu Temple Cable Car (Yungu Telpher). This ride lifts you gently above the clouds, offering breathtaking views as you ascend toward the scenic east side of the mountain. From there, you can hike through incredible viewpoints (the Lotus Peak, Bright Summit, and Beginning-to-Believe Peak) before descending with the Yuping Cable Car (Yuping Telpher), located on the opposite side.

This circular route allows you to enjoy the most iconic sights of Huangshan without backtracking, ideal for a one-day climb that balances effort and wonder.

🌥️ Tips before you go:
• Wake up early, the first shuttle departs at 6:00 AM, and sunrise views from the peaks are unforgettable.
• Bring water, snacks, and travel light, the climb can be demanding.
• If you’re visiting during Golden Week or high season, buy tickets in advance and expect crowds.
• Dress in layers, weather shifts quickly on the mountain.

✨ Travel flow suggestion:
Tangkou → Huangshan Ticket Entrance → Yungu Telpher → Summit Trail → Yuping Telpher → Return to Tangkou

By the time you descend, with clouds rolling beneath your feet and the sun painting the granite gold, you’ll understand why Huangshan has inspired generations of painters.