Admire the peculiar pines and sea of clouds, visit the ink-wash painting-like Hongcun

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is famous for its "four wonders": peculiar pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, and sunrise. Paired with the surrounding ancient Huizhou-style villages, this 3-day, 2-night itinerary allows you to fully immerse yourself in the mountain scenery and experience the rich cultural heritage of Huizhou. Below is a practical guide that offers both value and depth.

Itinerary Planning: Classic Route, No Detours

Day 1: First Exploration of Huangshan · Core Scenic Spots Check-in

- Transportation Connection: After arriving at Huangshan North Station by high-speed train, take a 40-minute taxi ride to Tangkou Town (approx. 120 RMB), check into a guesthouse within walking distance of the scenic area, drop off your luggage, and set off lightly.
- Hiking Route: Arrive at Yungu Temple before 8 AM, take the uphill cable car (80 RMB) to Baieling (White Goose Ridge), hike along the gentle slope for 3 hours, checking in at iconic spots like Shixin Peak, Black Tiger Pine, and Flower-Scattering Peak (Mengbi Shenghua) in sequence. In the evening, arrive at Baiyun Hotel near Bright Summit (Guangmingding) to check in.
- Sunset Viewing: Head to Paiyun Pavilion before 6 PM; this is an excellent spot to view the "floating islands in the sea of clouds," and telephoto lens photography works particularly well here.
- Dining and Accommodation: For dinner, choose a simple meal at the hotel (approx. 60 RMB/person). Due to high transportation costs for supplies on the mountain, it's recommended to bring some energy bars. Baiyun Hotel's quad rooms offer good value, include breakfast, and provide down jackets and hot water, ensuring both privacy and warmth.

Day 2: Sunrise and Sea of Clouds · Xihai Grand Canyon Exploration

- Sunrise Time: Wake up at 5 AM, head to the eastern observation deck of Bright Summit to secure a spot. This is the best sunrise viewing point in Huangshan. The smart system limits daily visitors to 3,000, so arrive early.
- Canyon Crossing: After breakfast, head to Xihai Grand Canyon. Take the popular mini-train (120 RMB one-way) through the peaks and forests; choosing a seat on the canyon side offers a better view. Reservations are required for specific time slots starting from October.
- Descent and Connection: Return from Paiyun Pavilion, pass through Flying-over Rock (Feilaishi) back to Bright Summit. After packing up, descend via Aoyu Peak and Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder to Greeting-Guest Pine (Yingkesong). Take the Yuping cable car (90 RMB) down the mountain, then take a car to Hongcun (approx. 1 hour drive), and stay overnight in an ancient village guesthouse.
- Special Experience: In the evening, you can participate in Huizhou ink-making workshops organized by the guesthouse to deeply experience this intangible cultural heritage.

Day 3: Hongcun Leisurely Tour · Return Journey

- Ancient Village Morning Scene: Stroll through Hongcun before 7 AM. The mist around Moon Pond has not yet dispersed, and the painting-like bridge over South Lake is undisturbed, making it perfect for recreating classic scenes from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."
- Cultural Exploration: In the morning, visit Shouzhuyuan Garden to learn about the "three carvings" techniques of Huizhou architecture, then enjoy Huangshan Maofeng tea at a teahouse at the village entrance.
- Return Arrangement: After lunch, depart from Hongcun, take a taxi to Huangshan North Station (approx. 1.5 hours), concluding the trip.

Practical Tips: Avoiding Pitfalls and Preparation

Budget (per person)

- Transportation: High-speed train round trip 600 RMB + local taxi/carpool 150 RMB
- Tickets & Cable Cars: Huangshan entrance ticket + uphill/downhill cable cars + scenic shuttle 360 RMB + Hongcun entrance ticket 94 RMB
- Accommodation: Tangkou guesthouse 260 RMB + mountain shared room 340 RMB + Hongcun guesthouse 300 RMB
- Dining: Approx. 450 RMB for 3 days (downhill, recommend "Hui San Shuo," avoid the "Laojiefang Huicai Lou" pre-made dish trap)
- Total: Approx. 2500 RMB, adjustable based on accommodation standards.

Pitfall Avoidance Guide

- Equipment: Purchase non-slip shoe covers online in advance (9.9 RMB); bring your own windproof raincoat. The 30 RMB shoe covers at the scenic area entrance are extremely poor value.
- Spending: Decline "free photos" at the scenic area entrance; taking the photo frame requires an additional 20 RMB. Bring your own thermos; Baiyun Hotel offers free hot water refills, avoiding the 15 RMB/bottle high-priced mineral water.
- Accommodation: Be sure to book mountain rooms in advance. During peak season, last-minute bookings can exceed 2000 RMB and rooms are often unavailable.

Essential Items

- Clothing: Fleece + shell jacket (large temperature difference between morning and evening), wear professional hiking shoes, avoid sneakers as they lack grip.
- Others: Lightweight backpack, sunscreen, power bank. Hiking poles can be rented (approx. 20 RMB/pole).

The beauty of Huangshan lies in its dawn, dusk, and mist. A well-planned itinerary can help you avoid crowds and deeply experience the grandeur of "no need to see other mountains after returning from the Five Great Mountains," while the gentle charm of the ancient Huizhou villages adds another layer to your journey.